According to Brenda Watson, author of “The Detox Strategy,” waste that sits in the colon begins to putrefy and increases the amount of toxins in your body. Some people may be carrying around several pounds of waste in their colon, which contributes to potbellies, and may play a role in conditions such as allergies, acne and fibromyalgia, notes Watson. Natural colon cleanses purge waste and toxins from your body and may promote weight loss.

In the past the general rule for effective, permanent weight loss was to lose weight slowly and steadily – about two to four pounds each week. However, a new study conducted at the University of Florida suggests that the best way to shed pounds and keep them off is to lose weight quickly in the initial stages.

Learn more about the different benefits of quick weight loss revealed in the study and six healthy ways to lose weight quickly starting today.

If you’re considering trying acupuncture for healthy weight loss — or you’ve already tried it — there’s great news. It works. Besides helping you to trim pounds, acupuncture helps to restore proper functioning of vital body systems that help your body to absorb and use nutrients, and to eliminate waste that can inhibit weight loss.

There’s no denying the growing popularity of yoga. The benefits of this ancient art go far beyond relaxation, toning and flexibility. According to a new study, yoga can be an invaluable tool in a holistic weight loss plan. Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center state that regular yoga practice relates to mindful eating, and people who eat mindfully are less at risk for being obese.

Wondering how to make healthier choices at fast food restaurants? Don’t despair. While most of us on weight loss plans feel the urge to occasionally indulge in guilty pleasures, such as fries, burgers and onion rings, fast foods don’t have to make you feel that guilty. Here we show you eight ways to make healthy fast food choices when you’re in a hurry or just not up to cooking.