People get fat as the world we live get more developed. The reasons for that may be many such as stress, lack of time, break up with your partner, going everywhere by vehicle and so on. Whatever the reason is results in obesity. Then, to loose fat, most of us take some actions dangerous to the healthy.
The first i want to emphasize is i am not professional on this issue and i am a normal guy like you, but i lost 15 kilos in 2 months following most of the blogs related to the issue and now, i want to collect useful info i learnt during loosing my fat in this article.
1. At least 1000 calorie per day
"The fastest way to loose fat is to eat as little as you can". I think most of you think the statement is correct but actually it is not. Because, the statement misses something important if you want to loose fat in healthy way.
Everyone has their special metabolism (Basal Metabolic Activity). Some of us has a high metabolic activity when the rest has a low metabolic activity. This metabolism activity includes the activity of the heart, brain and so on, and needs energy. Its energy come from burning fat in our body. If we don`t take at least 1000 calorie a day, at that day, the activity provides the energy it needs from harming our muscles. If you keep on following this path for a long time, you could get some diseases such as memory impairment, problem in nerve function.
2. Forget Eating Any Kind of Sweets
I know everyone loves sweets but if you want to loose fat in healthy way, you have to take some radical actions.
In this point, i want to emphasis something which is most of us do it wrong. It is that we could sometimes feel alone, desperate or in need; to be happy again or to feel relax at that time, the vast majority of us eat sweets (I fill chocolate into sweet category here) But, we should not do it! It is the biggest mistake people do if they care of obesity. During burning my fat, i just took a walk outside by listening to music i like when i was at that mood and let it pass by me.
3. Walking at Least 30 Min Per Day
I know we don`t have time to go to gym or to do sport we like due to many reasons. But, which doesn`t mean we can`t do any sport. For example, instead of going to job or school by a vehicle; you could get over wherever you want on foot. Just taking a 30 min walk burns approximately 150 calorie (up to your gender and weight).
Moreover, it was found that taking a 1 hour walk per day decreases the appearance of many diseases such as heart attack, diabetes.
4. Check Label of Products You Want to Buy
I know not every product has a label showing its nutrition facts. (Even though the latest EU regulations forces nutrition fact of food products to be clearly shown in label). But, you have to get a habit of checking label of food products. Because, in there, there is always info about the calorie of food product you want to buy and if you check it before, you can control yourself not buying food products too calorie.
P.s. When checking label of product, also have a look at saturated fat content. If it is too high, better not to buy the product.
5. Eat Fruit and Vegetables As Much As You Can
If you want to loose weight in healthy way, these are the foods you should mostly consume every day. Because, they provide you with minerals and some vitamins our bodies need daily and their calorie is the lowest when compared to sweet, desert and foods like them.
The important point i want to state here is consuming the mix of all fruit and vegetables is more desirable. Since, every fruit and vegetable has unique mix of mineral and vitamin.
It is the second article after Izmir Travel Guide -1-, because Izmir is a big city and there are too many things to do and just an article can`t get enough to cover all of them.
First article (Izmir Travel Guide -1-) ends in Alsancak district of Izmir and all places covered in the first article are close to each one and you can get them on foot. But, in the second article (this article) places covered are not close to each one (some of them may be close but not all) and you may need to use public transportation or your own car, or something else which you think works.
Here is my route and, art things i did and are places i visited:
1. Asansor (Lift)
Lift is the orange one in this photo
This is a lift taking passengers from the bottom to the top. Height difference between them is 58 meters. I strongly advise anyone traveling to Izmir to get Asansor because of the view at the top. For time being, using the lift there is free and at the top, there is a restaurant in which you may want to enjoy.The view of Izmir at the top:
2. Dario Mario Street and Synagogue
Dario Mario was a popular Turkish musician in the past. Even though he was born and grow up in different place in Turkey, he came to Izmir and loved it too much. Hence, he had lived in Izmir until he passed away. During his time, Izmir loved him too and after his death, his name given to street in which he lived and in respect to him, a synagogue (owing to his religion) was built in the street. The street and the synagogue is next to Asansor.
3. Kadifekale
It is a castle at the top of the hill. It is near to Izmir city center but you can get there on foot from the center. The way to get Kadifekale from Dario Mario street is taking bus in the Dario Mario and get to main bus station in Konak. At there, find the bus going to Kadifekale (bus number 33 and every 20 min there is a bus)
The view of Kadifekale from Agora
Kadifekale was especially used in Roma era and what you can find there is the remains of Roman Empire in the historical castle and the beautiful view of Izmir over the hill. Remains have not been harmed too much so if you are interested in history, it is the place to which you should go.
4. Izmir Ethnography Museum
It is a museum in which you can find things ranging from traditional Turkish clothes to previously-used machines producing traditional Izmir goods. Here is especially peerless for those wanting to get to know more about Turkish traditions.
Its location is within walking distance from Konak bus station. (in which you get a bus going to Kadifekale) Entrance is free.
5. Izmir Archaeology Museum
Izmir has a long history getting back to Roma Empire. There are many archeologic researches in Izmir.In this researches, many things have been found and all of them are being shown in this museum. If you are interested in history, here is the place you should be In Izmir.
It is in front of Izmir Ethnography Museum. Entrance to museum is unfortunately not free but fortunately cheap.
P.s. Which one you go first between Kadifekale and, Izmir Ethnography and Archaeology museum is up to you.
6. Portrait and Sculpture Museum
If you are interested in fine arts, you will be excited to what you will find in this museum. But, if not, it may be better not to get there for you. Entrance to the museum is free and it is located near to Konak bus station.
7. Taking a Ferry Tour
There is a say in Izmir that if you come to Izmir and you leave Izmir without getting in Ferry, i miss half of your journey. I think so about that because taking a ferry tour is the one of the best moment of traveling to Izmir. There are many piers you can buy your ferryboat ticket but if you follow my route, Konak Pier is the place after Kadifekale or the museums above.
P.s. Actually there are i can say two Konak Pier. One is for commerce (restaurants, cafes, shops and cinema) and the another is for ferry. Pier used in here is the second one and its location is near to Konak underground station.
If you want to enjoy more with Ferry tour from Konak, i strongly advise you to get the ferry tour going to Bostanli. The reason is there are two routes from Konak and these are Karsiyaka and Bostanli. Karsiyaka ferry tour is always crowded but Bostanli one is not. Furthermore, you can enjoy with a brilliant park from Bostanli to Karsiyaka.
Here is the video i recorded during my time with ferry tour:
8. Park
If you are a tourist (of course you are if you read it) the only thing there is walking throughout park nearby the sea till Karsiyaka pier. You can enjoy with green and fresh air together with sea air when in the park. Moreover, if you bring your sport item (tennis racket, basketball...vs) with you, you can enjoy doing sport in the park.
9. Karsiyaka
It is the name of a district of Izmir. It is especially popular among Turks with its bazaar. The bazaar is too big and you can find lots of things ranging from clothes to electronic items.
Besides to its bazaar, it is the place in which the house of Zubeyde Hanim (who is the mother of ATATURK-the founder of modern Turkey) is. This house represents the modern Ottoman style house-design and you also have a change to see items ATATURK used and to be taken a photo with wax figure of ATATURK.
The house is open everyday at 8:30-12:30 _ 13:30-17:30 except for Mondays (closed on Mondays).
10. Urla
Some of you may not want to spent their entire time in Izmir on these things and want to do something entertaining. If you fall into this category, this place is for you. Urla is a district which is far away from city center. It welcomes tourists with its natural habitat and its magnificent beach. Actually, there are many beaches in Izmir but Urla`s is one of the best-known (with Alacati).
You can rent a boat and go on seafaring. If you bring your fishing rod with you when going to Urla, you can catch fish when on the sea. If you can`t catch any, you can eat your fish in the restaurant at Urla port.
Moreover, there is an interesting gallery at the port. Its name is Yorgo Seferis gallery. You may have fun when visiting this gallery.
11. Alacati
If you are too young for fishing, you would want something different and more entertaining. Alacati especially welcomes this kind of tourists. Alacati is also a district of Izmir and away from city center.
When you reach Alacati, first thing you will see is a big bazaar and nice places (behind me in the photo above). The bazaar there is a little different from any bazaar in Izmir. It is especially a fantastic place for women because you can find quality goods and the last fashion goods.
Walking inside Alacati, you can see Alacati beach. It is the center of surfing in Turkey. You can rent your surfboard there. If you don`t know surfing, don`t worry you share the same problem with the vast majority of people being around there. You can get education about how to surf and use surfboard there from the professional even if you bring your own surfboard.
Izmir is on the Aegean coast of Anatolia and was known as Smyrna in the past. Izmir is commonly well-known with its natural beaches. However, in addition to that, there are many see-catching things ranging from historical sites to big shopping centers.
Here is my route and, are things i did and are places i visited:
1. Clock Tower
It is a historical clock and constructed in 1901. It is in the middle of Konak square. I advise you to start off your travel to Izmir here. Because, the square is in the middle of Izmir city and i can easily go wherever you want from here.
There is also a historical mosque there. It is called as Yali Mosque and was constructed in 1755. It can attract attraction due to its Ottoman style and its shape.
2. Kemeralti Bazaar
It is next to Konak square (Clock Tower). It is a very big bazaar and you can find whatever you want to buy, from clothes to souvenir. Take attention after you enter the bazaar. There are two reasons for that. First: the bazaar is usually a crowded place (except in morning) and your belongings could be stolen and you may not be able to realize it. Second reason is the bazaar covers an enormous area and you may get lost inside.
In the bazaar, there are many inns. But, the best-known inn is Kizlaragasi Inn. It was constructed in 1744 and shows ottoman-style style. Inside of the inn, you can buy precious stones (gold, silver and diamond) with some more goods.
P.s. I strongly advise you to get the bazaar in morning if yo wish to go there.
3. Agora
It is the place where the remains of Smyrna (old name of Izmir city) have been shown in the open. Entrance to this place costs just 5 Turkish lira. There is an old tunnel there as well.
Its location is at the exit of the bazaar. There is clear indications showing the way to Agora inside of the bazaar, so you can easily get there from the bazaar.
4. Izmir International Fair Center (IEF)
It is a fair place with museums. entertainment park (lunapark) and very beautiful lake and green area. There are two museums there. These are Museum of History and Art, and Culture Park Art Museum.
I advise that if you go there, get there at night. Because, Lunapark is open at night and you can enjoy with great park (Culture Park) including green area and a very nice lake. In the park, there is a bicycle line with walking trail. But, keep in mind that if you want to visit the museums inside of the fair, you may go there before night due to their closing time. (the museums are close on Mondays)
5. Santa Maria Church
The easiest way to get there from the fair is to get off from the fair at Lozan Gate and walk there by foot. It gets just 5 min.
The Church was constructed in 1689 and has been open to worship from that date. There is an incredible hand workmanship inside of the church.
6. Ahmet Piristine Kent Arsivi Museum (Apikam)
It is near to the Church. But, believe me if you don`t get there, i won`t lose anything important. I don`t advise anyone to get there for time being, but if its concept will be changed, then my advice would change.
7. Republic Square
It is on the coast of Izmir. After APIKAM, you get there on foot by walking to seaside. It takes just 3 min. In the square, there is a monument of Kemal ATATURK (the founder of Modern Turkey).
If you are lucky, you can see lots of motorbikes in the square. Because, motor bikers gather and make a show with their motorbikes in the square.
Near to the square, there is a pier. It is called as Passport Pier. There is an only police center in the pier.
8. Kordon Boyu
It starts from Konak Pier (Near to Clock Tower) and ends at Alsancak harbor. Republic square is in the middle of Kordon Boyu. It is a place where the local and tourists usually get there for walking throughout the coast or sit in front of the sea.
Also, there is a particular way for riding bicycle and stations where people can rent a bicycle to ride. Renting a bicycle just costs 2 Turkish lira per hour and bicycle stations are available every part of Izmir city center.Here is the map showing where bicycle stations are:
9. Ataturk Museum
It is on the way of Kordon Boyu and this building was constructed in 1880. There are two floors and items as to Kemal ATATURK have been shown inside of the museum.Furthermore, first Izmir economy congress was held in this building. Entrance is free.
You can get there on foot and walking from Republic Square to the museum just takes 5 min.
Wax Figures of ATATURK and his friends discussing about attack before the last fight in Independent War of Turks
10. Alsancak Harbor
If you go over Izmir by ship, here is the first place you will be in Izmir. It is just 3 min away by foot from ATATURK museum. If you want to pay a visit to Izmir and don`t want to search touristic places and don`t want to walk during this travel, you can buy a ticket there from Izmir City Tour Bus. The bus take tourists to touristic places.
11. Collection of Traditional Turkish Musical Instrument
It is a museum where Traditional Turkish Instruments have been shown. If you are interested in music, there is the place you should go to in Izmir. If not, no need to spend time there. Its location is near to the harbor. It is just 2 min away from the harbor by foot.and is on the drive to St. John the Evangelist Church from the harbor.
12. St. John Evangelist Church
It is open on Sundays and services are held at 10 a.m. It was constructed in 1625 and is an Anglo-Catholic Church.
13. Alsancak Stadium
It is the stadium of Altay which is one of the football team of Izmir. It is a small stadium but if you want to see a Turkish stadium or go to a Turkish football match, there is the place to which you will go.
P.s. Before going to any football match in Turkey, you have to buy a card called as Passolig.
This article got too long to read, because of that, i divided Izmir Travel Guide into 2 parts. Here is the end of first part. If you want to read the second part, click here.
Olympos is an ancient city in Lycia. The location of its remains is in the Kumluca distinct of Antalya province. However, Olympos is far away from Antalya and is near to Kemer. which has a fantastic beach with social activities done on the sea. Coming to entrance cost to Olympos, i would say that you have to take a ticket costing 5 Turkish lira. But, If you have a debit card of Turkish Is Bank, you can enter for free. Visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 19 p.m.
Transportation to Olympos is a little hard. Because, it is away from the city center and away from the main road between cities. How to go to there includes two options. First is to have your own car. Second is travel agency. I suggest you to use travel agency if you don`t want to stay at least a night in Olympos. Since, they know how to get Olympos easily and what to do after-before and in there.
However, if you prefer to get there by your own car, you have to have a navigation with you to find there. Around Olympos, there are many fantastic hotels and prices look not too bad. After or before Olympos, be advised that you should go to Yanartas or take a sea tour in combination with Kemer tour.
Coming back to visit in ancient city, i would say that walking throughout the city is so gorgeous. The remains have not been damaged but in order to not damage anything of the city`s remains, nothing done. I mean when you walk there, you could get hard with that. Be advised that you take a suitable shoe with you before going Olympos (i think Flip-flop or slipper is the best because you can walk in river going inside of Olympus and after Olympus, you can go for swimming in the sea nearby)
The photo on the left side shows the river going inside of Olympos. Even though there is a road too, i advise you to take this river road.
In Olympos, there are many remains ranging from Church to the first street of the world. I won`t put every photo i took there. Yet, here are some photos of Olympus:
The Old World`s First Street Found Up to Now
Olympos has a brilliant coast. I strongly advise that any tourist visiting there should take his swimsuit with himself. After walking thought ancient city, you can get relax by swimming on the sea. But, the problem is after swimming, you may not have a shower. (the sea is salty)
