Weight Loss
Obesity is excessively high proportion of body fat. Body Mass Index (BMI) measures the proportion of body fat is calculated by multiplying your weight (pounds) by 700, divide it by your height (inches), and then divide that by your height (inches) again. In general, a BMI of 19-24.9 is healthy, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese. In summary, the higher your BMI, the greater the risk you have of developing obesity-related problems.
In the United States, more than 61 percent of adults are overweight or obese. Excess weight and inactivity account for more than 300,000 premature deaths each year, which is second only to deaths related to smoking. Excess weight creates a greater chance of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.
The most common causes of obesity are poor diet and/or eating habits as well as a lack of exercise. If improper methods are used for weight loss, it can cause nutritional deficiencies and impair health. The key to losing weight is simple: Eat less and move more. In order to lose weight, the body must burn more calories than it takes in. In order for weight loss to be permanent, a person must make major lifestyle changes in diet and nutrition, exercise, and make a behavior modification.
Some very important nutrients that aid in weight loss include the following:
- Aerobic Bulk Cleanse - gives one a full feeling, decreases hunger pains
- Chromium picolinate – reduces sugar cravings
- Essential fatty acids – provides essential fatty acids necessary for the body and appetite control
- Lecithin granules – fat emulsifier, breaks down the fat
- Vitamin C – speeds up slow metabolism which burns more calories
Some herbs that may aid in weight loss include the following:
- Alfafa, dandelion, gravel root, horsetail, hyssop, juniper berries, parsley, thyme, and yarrow – use in tea form for diuretic properties
- Aloe vera juice – improves digestion, cleanses digestive tract
- Amla – increases lean body mass, reduces fat
- Astragalus – increases energy and improves nutrient absorption
- Licorice root & sarsaparilla – stimulate adrenal glands, improve thyroid function
- Fennel – natural appetite suppressant
- Turmeric – strengthens digestion, increases energy, cleanses the blood
Some recommendations for weight loss include the following:
- Do not worry about the number of calories; do worry about eating proper foods
- Eat a balanced variety of foods
- Eat more complex carbohydrates with protein such as lentils, plain baked potatoes (no toppings), sesame seeds, beans, brown rice, whole grains, skinless turkey or chicken breast, and whitefish (no shellfish)
- Eat fresh fruits and lots of raw vegetables; one meal a day should be entirely vegetables and fruits
- Eat foods raw if possible; limit foods and drinks with added sugar
- Consume the following in moderation: apples, brown rice, buckwheat, corn, grapes, oatmeal, white potatoes, and yellow vegetables
- Eat healthy snacks such as celery, carrots, low-fat cottage cheese, fresh applesauce, unsalted popcorn, watermelon, fresh fruit, and unsweetened low-fat yogurt with granola
- Avoid white flour products, salt, white rice, processed foods, fast food restaurants, and all junk foods
- Avoid sweets such as soda, pastries, pies, cakes, doughnuts, and candy
- Avoid eating before bedtime and during the night
- Be active; take a brisk walk every day before breakfast or dinner to burn off fat; walk or ride a bike instead of driving
- Always eat breakfast to jump-start your metabolism; don’t skip meals; don’t chew gum