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Three Strategies For Weight Loss
Many of us struggle with excess weight at one time or another - whether a few pounds or a major "spare tire" -- and for some of us, no matter what we do, those pounds just won't budge. The goal of any weight-loss effort ought to be two-fold: to maintain the weight-loss,
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and to benefit the whole body in the process. In order to succeed and gain long-term benfits, some understanding of the reasons underlying an over-fat body is necessary. We'll look at three possibilities.
As we age, many of us experience the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, and we lose muscle strength and lean body mass, replacing them with fat. Women especially show a continuous loss of muscular strength at an earlier age than men. Crash diets exacerbate this. Because muscle is our prime site for burning fat, muscle loss lowers our resting metabolic rate and our fat-burning capacity. Losing just one-half pound of muscle can result in a gain of 1 1/2 - 3 pounds of fat per year, without an increase in caloric intake. So, even though we are eating the same, our weight increases. This strategy for weight loss emphasizes a muscle building program through weight-resistance exercises, along with aerobic exercise. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so building muscle is gaining an important ally.
The thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland with a powerful influence on almost every aspect of the body. One of its important jobs is to regulate our metabolic rate and our body's temperature. Low thyroid, or hypothyroid states are very common and are one of the most undiagnosed conditions. The reason for this is that people often have a functionally low thyroid without having a clinically low thyroid. Accompanying low thyroid is a low basal body temperature, which means that fewer calories are needed to keep this lower metabolic state going, and weight gain easily follows. This strategy for weight loss involves nourishing and healing the thyroid gland, through proper diet, exercise, detoxification, and adrenal support. Pick up "Thyroid Tips" in store for an action plan.
A third consideration is an over-abundance of the hormone insulin. In response to the consumption of breads, cereals, pastas, or sugars, the pancreas secretes insulin. If the cells do not readily take up the insulin, it elevates in the bloodstream. Insulin is your fat-storing hormone and an excess is responsible for additional pounds, especially around the waist. We call this situation insulin resistance, and besides weight gain, you may notice elevated triglycerides and blood pressure, and a lowered HDL -- strong risk factors for heart disease. This strategy involves exercise, supplements, and diet, with a major reduction in carbohydrates, and an "oil change". Return your body to normal, and lose weight easily once insulin resistance is removed.
At Goodness Me! we specialize in helping you find the solutions you need with a whole body approach. Come and see us, and speak to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Suggested reading: "Menopause"; "Fat Wars"; "Solved: The Riddle of Illness"; "Syndrome X"; "Hypothyroidism, the Unsuspected Illness"; "Diabetes, Prevention and Cure"; "The Food Connection" among others, all available at Goodness Me!
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