Visual Impact Cardio Review

Rusty Moore has released a new fat loss program called Visual Impact Cardio. I’ve had a chance to look over it, so here’s my review:

The e-book introduction starts out with a simple premise: fat loss is a skill you can develop and master, just like anything else (a sport, for example). Most programs cover the basics (calorie deficits, etc.), but Rusty hopes this books will offer readers more in-depth information so they can become “masters” of fat loss. Here are just a few things he covers:

*Why short workouts can only do so much in terms of fat loss.
*Why you should primarily focus on calories burned during the workout (vs. post-workout “afterburn”).
*How interval training really works.
*How to set up your diet.
*Stubborn fat and why diet alone won’t get rid of it.
*Why he recommends separating weight training and fat loss workouts.
*A beginner, intermediate, and advanced cycle of routines, followed by a maintenance routine.

I found Visual Impact Cardio to be very well written. You’ll get the details on how fat loss works and how to properly integrate cardio work in order to maximize its effectiveness.

I also appreciate three different levels of training presented—this will allow you to start at the beginner level if needed (or start with more advanced cycles if you are in better shape).

I’ve kind of emphasized the exercise aspect of this e-book, but there’s also a lot of good information on diet. The author examines four different strategies for planning your meals and training in a way that maximizes fat loss. You should find one that works for you, regardless of what time of the day you prefer to train.

One last thing: this program also comes with printable training sheets. You could take these with you to the gym and record your workout.

I think you’d find Visual Impact Cardio to be a very helpful, practical guide to fat loss. I recommend it without hesitation. Just click here if you want to order this program or learn more.

Green Tea and Weight Loss

Green tea extract is often marketed as a weight loss or “fat burning” supplement.  Is it worthwhile?   I get conflicting reports from the research I’ve run across.

One Taiwanese study showed no benefit to green tea extract:

AIMS: To examine the effect of green tea extract (GTE) on obese women and to explore the relationship between GTE and obesity-related hormone peptides. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled clinical trial was conducted from July 2006 to June 2007 in Taipei Hospital, Taiwan. Seventy-eight of 100 obese women aged between 16 and 60 years with BMI>27 kg/m(2) and who had not received any other weight control maneuvers within the last 3 months completed this study. . . . . . .

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed no statistical difference in % reduction in BW, BMI and WC between the GTE and placebo groups after 12 weeks of treatment. The intake of GTE (491 mg catechins containing 302 mg EGCG) for 12 weeks is considered safe as shown by the results.1

But a study from Birmingham, UK sounds more promising:

Background: Green tea consumption is reportedly associated with various health-promoting properties. For example, it has been shown to promote fat oxidation in humans at rest and to prevent obesity and improve insulin sensitivity in mice. Objective: We investigated the effects of acute ingestion of green tea extract (GTE) on glucose tolerance and fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise in humans. . . .

 Conclusions: Acute GTE ingestion can increase fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise and can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in healthy young men.2

Where does this leave us?

It seems green tea extract may help with fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity. It isn’t too expensive (if you buy the right brand), and it is a good source of antioxidants.

In other words, it may be worth a try if you are implementing a diet and exercise program. PrimaForce Lean Green looks like a pretty good deal (I’ve had good experiences with that brand), but you can shop around. Or you may just want to buy some green tea–drink it down the old fashioned way.

Reminder: Fat loss happens because you have created a calorie deficitnot because you choose to use a particular supplement.   You’ll need to be following a good program in order to lose fat.  You may want to consider intermittent fasting if you are looking for an effective dietary strategy.

References:

1. Clin Nutr. 2008 Jun;27(3):363-70. Epub 2008 May 12. Effect of green tea extract on obese women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

2. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 87, No. 3, 778-784, March 2008 Green tea extract ingestion, fat oxidation, and glucose tolerance in healthy humans