Home		View our 'Article Archive' Lose weight and keep it off! The underlying causes of being overweight are many and varied. It is important to consider the reasons behind it and to address them, rather than simply the goal of shedding pounds. Bringing the body into balance ,allows the body to heal and regulate itself. Depression, stress, digestive disturbances, lack of enzymes, nutritional deficiencies, low thyroid, glandular imbalances, drastic reducing diets, lack of essential fatty acids and more are as important considerations as exercise and appetite control.       Educate yourself, listen to your body, and support its efforts to heal and regulate. Not only proper weight, but more importantly glowing health, can be your reward! Considerations Diet do not "diet", as this exercise in self denial feels restrictive and even like punishment. Dieting also puts you into a "conservation mode" in which the metabolism slows down and the body stores fat. the right types of foods are much more important than amounts eaten; not all calories are the same! you can satisfy your appetite completely with the proper lifestyle foods, and lose weight gradually but surely. Aim for long term success! (Beware of "big loss" diets; they will be followed by big gains.) concentrate on low fat - good fat, high fiber, complex carbohydrate, moderate lean-protein foods that boost metabolism be aware that some individuals are carbohydrate sensitive and need to balance moderate amounts of complex carbos with lean proteins and small amounts of essential fats avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates, processed oils and binge eating eat regularly - do not skip meals What type of weight? have a positive outlook that takes your frame size and muscles into consideration. Weight includes lean muscle mass plus body fat plus water; all are important consider what type of weight a new fad diet loses: is it excess water? lean muscle mass? or excess body fat? Exercise get moving! Choose the right type of exercise which stimulates metabolism, circulation, and mph flow exercise alone may not be an effective way to lose weight; proper eating along with addressing causative factors will give a multi-factorial, successful approach Digestion and Elimination good food, digested well, means that our bodies will be nourished, supported, and satisfied efficient waste elimination complements proper digestion and helps bring balance to the body herbs such as dandelion (to stimulate bile) and ginger; fibers such as milled flax and legumes; enzymes, aloe vera, chlorophyll and acidophilus all may be helpful. Drink sufficient water. the book "Eating Alive" is an excellent resource for information Correct Nutritional Deficiencies essential fatty acids such as flax oil, and evening primrose oil especially co-factors B complex, C, zinc, copper, chromium, manganese and amino acids; spirulina is very helpful for many Hormone Imbalances low thyroid function slows metabolism (Consider Dr. Balch's temperature self-check as found in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing".) Kelp and iodine may help balance the body essential fatty acids are important R59 is a homeopathic to stimulate glandular function, especially when weight is a concern; H-Thy is another Stress and Depression if these are underlying causes, address them. You'll find some info and considerations on our media issue # 2 Handout. Also consult Rita Elkins' excellent book called "Depression and Natural Medicine". Herbs many herbs are of benefit in bringing balance, such as chickweed, burdock, licorice, parsley and more. Consult an herb book for specific information on each, including benefits and contraindications an herbal combination such as SKC is formulated to support the body during weight loss and is excellent Other Supplements spirulina may be helpful in balancing appetite and gives a sense of energy, too citrimax can be an effective addition to a weight management program; studies show it can curb the appetite, reduce food intake, and inhibit fat storage Suggested Reading Today's Herbal Health for Women by Louise Tenney Enter the Zone by Barry Sears Foods that cause You to Lose Weight by Neal Barnard Return to the Joy of Health Evening Primrose Oil by Richard Passwater by Zoltan Rona