Weight is dependent on the balance of calories taken versus calories burned. If you consume more calories than your body needs, you gain weight. Take in less and you lose weight. As we know metabolism is the engine that burns these calories, increasing metabolism means burning more calories and burning more calories means losing more weight.

Ephedra is a natural stimulant and not approved by the FDA. Several deaths have been reported in association with this stimulant.

Ephaedra is a medicinal herb, known scientifically as Ephedra sinica and Ephedra equisetina, also known as mahuang and herbal ecstasy. Ephedra comes from the dried rhizome and root of the plant.

The main active ingredients in ephedra are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine which account for the medicinal properties of the herb. Both central nervous system stimulants that act as decongestants but, in high doses, can raise the blood pressure.

Contraindications for taking ephedra include anxiety, hypertension, heart disease, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, and prostate enlargement. Ephedra can stimulate uterine contractions and so is hazardous during pregnancy.

Ephedra was widely promoted as a natural stimulant and appetite suppressant. There were reports of strokes, heart attacks and death in patients with no prior history of vascular disease. The misuse and overdose of ephedra also resulted in seizures and psychosis.

Skipping breakfast can stall your metabolism and cause a weight loss plateau.

2. Watch Portions

Eating too much of even healthier foods can stall your weight loss if the increased portions cause your caloric intake to spike. (As you lose weight you need fewer calories.)

3. Choose Whole Grains

Choose whole grains over "white" carbs and you'll regulate your blood sugar and feel fuller longer, both of which will keep your appetite in check.

4. Pump Some Iron

The benefits of strength training continue when you're at rest! Your metabolism stays raised even if you are inactive.

5. Fill Up with Fiber

Fiber helps you stay fuller longer and may even keep blood sugar in check -- two benefits that can help with long-term weight management.

6. Walk Smarter

Make that brisk walk a little more intense and you'll burn more calories and build more muscle.

7. Get Goals in Check

Make sure you really do need to lose those 10 pounds! Re-assess your goals and how far you've come ... maybe you're a-okay where you are.

8. Keep a Food Diary

If you've stopped writing down your food intake ... start again. You may be eating more -- and more often -- than you think.

9. Handle Emotional Eating

Emotional eating could be keeping on those last few pounds -- learn to cope and the pounds just might melt.

10. Don't Take Calories too Low

Cutting calories too low can have an adverse effect. You may actually stop losing weight if you're not eating enough.

Common side effects resulting from the stimulatory effects of ephedra include headache, irritability, restlessness of muscles, nausea, sleeplessness, increased heart rate, urinary disturbances and vomiting. Higher dosages may result in drastic increases in blood pressure and cardiac rhythm disorders. 

• Ephedra has an additive effect on the nervous system when used in conjunction with caffeine, decongestants, and other central nervous system stimulants.
• Disturbance of heart rhythm
• Enhancement of Guanethidine effect on the sympathetic nervous system
• Development of high blood pressure