Losing Weight...For Good
Posted: 1/10/2012 12:25:12 PM
By: Nathan Thompson | with: 0comments
With an estimated 75% of the population overweight and/or obese and billions of dollars spent every year on diet “fads”, weight loss is at the forefront of our health care crisis. How do we separate fad from fact? How do we distinguish junk science from what really works? How do we lose weight…for good?
Why have we gotten so fat as a country?
1) Insulin Resistance: Insulin is the hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows glucose or sugar to enter into the body’s cells for energy. Insulin is signaled to be released by the brain when blood sugar begins to rise. Eating foods high in carbohydrates will cause blood sugar to spike, thereby causing insulin to be released. When insulin is being released in abundance, the cells begin to adapt to insulin and become less sensitive. When the cells are not sensitive to insulin, glucose or sugar cannot be transported into the cell. As a result, sugar that is not immediately utilized for energy will be stored as fat.
2) Cortisol: Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands during stress. When the body is in a chronic state of stress, cortisol is released and signals the body to store fat and begin using muscle as an energy source. Lack of sleep and negative stress will raise levels of cortisol in the body and lead to an increase in fat storage.
3) Toxicity: Heavy metals such as lead and mercury will directly block the ability to lose weight and burn fat as an energy source. Toxins such as aspartame found in diet sodas and low fat foods have actually been found to stimulate cravings for more food, particularly sugar.
What is the proven solution that makes sense?
1) Eat low glycemic foods: Foods that are low glycemic simply mean that they are lower in simple sugars. Low glycemic foods do not spike blood sugar levels and cause a more level blood sugar throughout the day. The effect of low glycemic foods such as lean meat, raw fruits and raw vegetables are reduced hunger and sugar cravings.
2) Replace bad fats with good fats: Contrary to popular belief, not all fat is bad. Good fats such as Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish, flax, and almonds actually can help to lose weight and reduce arterial and joint inflammation.
3) Surge Training: While long bouts of exercise like jogging or walking have positive effects, research now has found that it can actually hinder weight loss by releasing cortisol in the body. The focus of exercise should be to stimulate the growth hormone and testosterone, hormones responsible for muscle building and fat loss.
If you are ready to change, then make sure you are registered for the Maximized Living Makeover: Weight Loss on Saturday, January 21st followed by our Biggest Loser Challenge. If you follow the plan, it's guarenteed to work. Registration deadline is THIS MONDAY!!!! What are you waiting for? Call (630) 553-6149 to register. Only $25 for guests and FREE for patients.