Lowering the Risk Factors of Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart Disease

Lowering the Risk Factors

Diabetes is a dangerous health problem. In adults, diabetes is related to long-term nutritional neglect and abuse.

Most of us don’t eat breakfast. Our fuel supply is depleted, and we wind up running on fumes. We grab a high-calorie muffin or a candy bar later in the morning when we’re really, really hungry. What we don’t know is that this snack causes insulin to dump out of the pancreas into the bloodstream, as the body attempts to process the surge in blood glucose from the snack we just ate.

This pattern is repeated throughout the day. A graph of the average person’s blood sugar levels would show sharp spikes - both highs and lows - in every 24-hour period. Eventually, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas wear out. The result is consistently high levels of blood glucose which we term, diabetes.

Diabetes may cause severe eye problems, severe kidney problems, and severe circulatory problems. It is associated with obesity, heart disease, and increased mortality. Not good.

An obvious preventive strategy would be to ensure that blood glucose levels are steady throughout the day. Actually, this is easy to do. All that’s required is to develop healthy eating habits and do regular exercise.

Eat breakfast - a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese mixed with a 6-ounce cup of yogurt is all you need in the morning.

Do food combining at every meal - always eat a combination of protein and carbohydrate as much as possible.

No between-meal snacks please!

Regular exercise that is challenging and fun - build-up gradually and be consistent

We’re in the middle of several deadly epidemics in the United States. Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are affecting more and more people every year. Recent statistics show that two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. Thirty percent of American children are obese. Approximately 21 million Americans have diabetes. One child out of every 500 has type I diabetes. In America, 72 million adults have high blood pressure. These are shocking statistics, considering that U.S. health care expenditures totaled $2 trillion in 2006. That’s 2 TRILLION dollars.

As Americans, we’re getting less healthy by the day. The good news is there are many things we can do about these trends. There is real action that every American, young and old, can take to support and protect their health and well-being. These action steps all focus on lifestyle - the choices we make each and every day.

The first step is an honest self-assessment. When was the last time I exercised? Does my clothes size increase every couple of years? How many times during the week do I eat fast food? When was the last time I ate an apple instead of half a box of cookies?

Regardless of the answers, it is possible to become healthy and fit again, whatever your current circumstances. You CAN lose 10 or 20 or 30 or however many pounds. You CAN climb stairs without getting out of breath. You CAN regain the youthful glow of vitality. You CAN be vigorous and proud of your body, rather than worrying about what’s going to be the next thing to break down.

Healthy eating and regular exercise are essential parts of the solution to combating obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.1,2 These practices have the magical effect of resetting your metabolic clock - your body shifts from a pattern of storing fat to a pattern of burning fat.3 Over time, with a nutritious food plan and consistent exercise, you even burn fat while you’re resting! Your body is very smart. You just have to treat it right.

Your chiropractor is a wonderful asset - both as a health care practitioner and as a guide - on your journey toward fitness and wellness. Your chiropractor has extensive resources available on practical nutrition and how to design a supportive food plan. He or she has deep knowledge regarding the types of exercises and activities that will be right for you. You and your chiropractor can design an exercise program that will be both fun and rewarding. Working together, you’ll be maximizing your health and vitality. You will begin to fulfill a way of living that will support you in being healthy and well for years to come.

1Lindstrom J, et al: Sustained reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes by lifestyle intervention: follow-up of the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study. Lancet 368(9548):1673-1679, 2006. 2Orchard TJ, et al: The effect of metformin and intensive lifestyle intervention on the metabolic syndrome: the Diabetes Prevention Program randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 142(8):611-619, 2005 3Yannakoulia M, et al: A dietary pattern characterized by high consumption of whole-grain cereals and low-fat dairy products and low consumption of refined cereals is positively associated with plasma adiponectin levels in healthy women. Metabolism 57(6):824-830, 2008

My Experience with the Atkins Diet (part 1).

When I first came across an Atkins Diet book, I was working in an office in south Wales. I had been working there for five or six years and had accumulated quite a bit of excess weight. I had never enjoyed participating in sport, but my previous job had been working on building sites, which entailed a certain amount of physical activity ” just enough to keep me in reasonable shape. After five years as office-wallah, I weighed 18 stone 12 pounds (264 lbs or 120 kg), three stones more than before and neither I nor my physician were happy about it.

One day a representative of a legal firm came in for an appointment, and, while we were waiting for the other directors to arrive, we got talking about office life and its propensity to put on weight. He said that he had had the same problem before, but that now he made sure he got out of the office regularly and walked everywhere time would allow. He also said that he’d read a good book on losing weight while on holiday in America and that he would send me a copy. I thought nothing more of it and never saw the man again. Mr. Blackwell, I think his name was.

The book arrived as promised, but I left it lying on my desk unread for months and months, until one day, I had a dentist’s appointment and had forgotten to take a book to work to read while I was waiting ” something I always did/do because the magazines are always so old and boring. Anyway, I read 50-60 pages that day and I was mesmerised. I had never been on a proper diet before and I thought I should give it a a go. I had stopped eating pastry, cakes and chocolate months ago, but it hadn’t had much effect and my weight was still on the increase, albeit more slowly.

It appeared to me that it was a ‘thinking person’s’ diet There is a huge amount of scope for individual tastes and lifestyles and self-discipline did not seem to be much of a problem because for that reason. The book warned of addictions and fads and how best to overcome or prevent them. These did not seem to be an issue for me. I liked coffee, but could take it or leave it and I had already given up chocolate. I knew that maybe beer and bread could be a problem.

The only ‘must do’ in the seven-day induction phase is to eat not more than 20 gram of carbohydrate per day. The book had a clear list of almost all foods and their carbohydrate content. I found it really easy. In fact, I started eating in a more healthy manner in the induction stage than I had been eating before it! I bought a tub of Ketone sticks from the local chemist to check whether the Atkins Diet was working and found that I was in ketosis on the third day. It was very satisfying to know that now I would be losing weight whatever I did and wherever I was every minute of the day!

I gave up bread (and Guinness!) for a fortnight and felt great. I actually felt ’springy’ or ‘bouncy’ like a martial artistr in the ring before a fight. I had no bother whatsoever staying within the 20 gram limit, although I did miss some fruits more than I’d expected. But I found ways to get around any ‘problem’ that cropped up. There are hundreds of recipes and recommendations in the book so there’s no need to go into them here. I started eating breakfast before I went to work and dinner in the evenings regularly. I really enjoyed taking care over preparing lunch for work the next day, usually consisting of a salad, some cheese and various nuts to snack on. You can even eat a few strawberries too. In the evening, I would cook up something like a curry (no flour) eating it with green beans instead of rice; or a traditional British meal without potatoes followed by cheese and strawberries and cream. I lost 18 pounds in two weeks and felt better than I had for a decade.

Blast Into Summer with Fast Weight Loss

Today Americans are faced with huge dilemma of being the fattest nation in the world with no noticeable relief in sight. Many times a person who is desperately trying to experience fast weight loss may get caught up with using a hyped up weight loss product, and soon discover the claims were just an exaggeration.

The time has come to think outside of the box, and look for a Fast Weight Loss solution that has resulted to many people losing weight. If you consult with doctors, they will only provide you with a lot of drugs and diet plans with boiled vegetables on top.

For centuries now, hypnosis has been a tool that has been used by experts. Studies have show that Fast Weight Loss can be achieved using this technique. Mental disorders and other complications have been cured from clients suffering for years. Even seemingly impossible goals and targets can be helped with the use hypnosis.

The basic theme behind all this process is to start creating more control over the subconscious mind of the client. While apparently, a person may want to have Fast Weight Loss, but if the subconscious mind oppose it, then he will face great difficulties in reaching this goal of his. A skilled expert hypnotizes the client, and starts cultivating positive ideas and suggestions in his mind.

When the client returns to his daily life, he will be more focused on achieving Fast Weight Loss, as the subconscious mind takes control and commands the rest of the body. Things that once seemed to be boring and a waste of time, such as exercise, are now fun and enjoyable with the treatment of hypnosis.

Hypnosis continues to show great results in causing Fast Weight Loss and allowing the client to have better control of food consumption. Changing bad habits like eating bad foods full of fat becomes easier after treatment, leaving you with increased will power and self-control.

While conventional techniques, which have been tried and tested without much success, demand a lot of effort and sacrifices from the clients, use of hypnosis for Fast Weight Loss is a natural process. Clients do not have to follow diet plans in fact; most clients undergoing hypnosis eat whatever they like.

You can pick a hypnosis program and lose weight in the comfort of your home or decide to go to a clinic that offers excellent hypnosis services. Go online and make a search to get familiar with some basic understanding of hypnosis. Find the best site that offers Fast Weight Loss hypnosis services.

The dream to look slim and attractive will no longer remain impossibility, as Fast Weight Loss hypnosis, will act as a catalyst in helping you achieve this desire. But one must be cautious of not making the mistake of leaving all effort that has to be put in by the client himself. A patient with stronger will power is more likely to lose weight quicker.

Diabetes Prevention

There are ways to prevent getting diabetes. If you think you are at risk the first thing you should do though is talk to your doctor. You can also take a diabetes screening test online that can tell you if you are at risk.

There are often signs and symptoms of type two diabetes before you actually develop the disease, this is known as pre-diabetes. Before you have fully developed diabetes you are likely to have increased, blood sugar levels and these can be an indicator that you are in a pre diabetes state.The good news is that the condition does not have to be permanent or turn into full-blown diabetes.Diabetes preventions include: Change in diet, Increased exercise levels, Medication, Relaxation, and Diet Changes.

One of the reasons that many people are getting diabetes is because of the terrible american diets. They are high in sugar and carbohydrates and high levels of carbs turn into sugar. The pancreas then has to work a lot harder to create the necessary insulin to deal with the sugar. Additionally, the poor eating habits can cause obesity and it is a leading factor of diabetes.

Some recent research is also pointing to a link between obesity and type two diabetes. In a study done at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine it was found that obese mice had an over abundance of a hormone called resitin. These same mice were unable to transport glucose efficiently. When given a drug to lower the resistance, the mice resumed their glucose transportation. These drugs are not available as of yet and human testing is still some time in the future. That does not mean that there is not another way to combat increasing resistans. Exercise is the magic bullet that for many has turned back the tide of diabetes.

The body burns more glucose when it is active. Exercising will cause your blood sugar levels to lower and will also help you to lose weight. Thirty minutes a day walking is a great way to begin. Exercising is a diabetes prevention.

If your condition is extreme, what doctors call boarder line diabetic, your physician may want to start you on medications that will reduce your insulin resistance. These are prescribed on a case-by-case basis and what is prescribed will depend on your symptoms. If you are not producing insulin, you may need to take an oral medication. If the problem is in your sugar production, other medications address the issue. Talk with your doctor about all the options.

Step by Step to Effective Weight Loss

It can be intimidating to follow a weight loss plan, but it is especially difficult if you strive for too much and set yourself goals that are impossible to attain. The many changes that you have to commit to and the restraint you will be mustering just to stick to a weight loss plan mean that the best way to do it is a step at a time.

For the majority of people conducting a weight loss program in abrupt big measures is not the correct approach. There are personalities and attitudes of people that have to be considered for the weight loss program to be successful. Some people would feel that the trade-off of impending self sacrifice might not fully warrant their expectations in following the weight loss program.

Instead the challenge lies in breaking up the goals into manageable bits and pieces. Working gradually on these small pieces should prove easier to handle and more sustainable. You will not be overwhelmed by the commitment that the program is requiring from you and you will feel less stressed about it.

Taking a conservative approach and doing things in your own time is an alternative that you might want to strongly consider. You don’t want to start on a weight loss program only to find yourself backsliding to your old habits less than a week after youve started. Choose a path that you can accept into your lifestyle for the long haul.

Finding enough motivation is needed to stick to the weight loss program. One cannot start today, skip four days and then go back to the program. If getting a better physique and appearance is not giving enough motivation, then finding other sources to work for like a healthier well-being and the undivided admiration and cajoling of friends and family should be empowering. Nonetheless it has to involve a plan that you can eaily incorporate into your lifestyle without making you miserable.

Making the small changes you would employ will take deliberate effort. Modifying your eating habits is normally the first step taken to lose weight. Reducing portions and eating healthier alternatives from the foods you are eating are sure fire ways to get you on track on your weight loss program. Managing your intake of fuel will mean you don’t have as much to burn - meaning your body will burn the excess instead.

The next thing to incorporate is a bit of exercise. Just don’t over-do it. It is often the case that someone starting an exercise programme burns themselves out within weeks of starting. Start off gently - maybe a walk for a couple of evenings a week. Build it up slowly and try to enjoy it. Taking up a hobby such as badminton or another sport will help you with this.

Finding the motivation within yourself or with the encouragement of the people around you will surely help break unhealthy habits and replace them with healthier ones. If you stick to the program, work on it and believe in yourself then you will be making great strides. Keep your goals in mind and in less time than you think your small steps will carry you a long way.

Fast Weight Loss To Shrink Your Belly

Perhaps you have heard the old saying once you reach the age of 40, you start heading downhill and then come the middle age weight gain. The days of starving yourself for days at a time to achieve fast weight loss are no longer an option. Have you seen how young kids and teenagers have developed the middle age weight gain as well?

In this article I will reveal to you the secrets to fast weight loss and belly be gone with suggestions and programming the subconscious mind using hypnosis. People lose unwanted weight and reduce their belly size. When hypnosis is performed correctly, a person will be able to leave food on their plate, feel fuller with less food and be disinterested in food.

The second secret to shrinking the mid section experience fast weight loss, drink lots of water all day long. Drinking 12 OZ of water 15 minutes before each meal will help reduce the amount of food you are consuming. Most often people eat ” of what they normally would.

Because of the endless amounts of chemicals that are put into our food supply people are struggling with weight gain and belly fat. Another way you can achieve fast weight loss and a smaller waistline is to stop eating high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). You may think that is easier said than done because HFCS is in everything but there are plenty of foods that do not have it. HFCS is responsible for most excess weight gain.

HFCS was added to our food supply in 1970. Since that time each generation of Americans are heavier and there seems to be no relief in sight. Did you know that if you stop eating HFCS you will experience fast weight loss and reduce your mid section quickly.

Perhaps the next thing that you need know is how HFCS affects your body. HFCS increases appetite and makes you addicted to whatever you are eating. High Fructose Corn Syrup is processed differently than regular sugar and it negatively affects the metabolism and the insulin levels. If you want to have fast weight loss then remove HFCS from your diet.

Another secret to shrinking your belly size, eliminate soft drinks. Regular soft drinks have 13 teaspoons of sugar. The diet version is not any better; it is full of artificial sweeteners that make your belly much bigger. If you want to have fast weight loss and to sit back and watch your body and belly shrink in size, say goodbye to soft drinks.

Another secret is become physically active. All you have to do is get out of the house and start walking. It does not have to be much, just start moving. The goal would be to walk 20 Minutes per day. Now if you want to experience fast weight loss, combine hypnosis with your walking to add discipline, will power and self-control.

The body becomes accustomed to habits and routines quickly. Walking for a prolonged period of time does not guarantee fast weight loss. If you want to speed up your metabolism and burn belly fat then consider this routine, do a 20-minute interval walk, one comfortable minute and one fast minute. You will improve cardiovascular system and lose weight fast.

Why Europeans Are Well Built

What we view in our everyday world, we come to view as normal. Take on a new perspective and all that changes. This is why travel used to be considered an essential part of education.

I have been performing my hypnosis show on a cruise ship in Europe this past week. It has been awesome (honestly, I can hardly believe I get paid to do this stuff!). Ive seen many wonders of the ancient world (the Colosseum in Rome, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, the ruins of Pompeii). And everywhere I go there is sumptuous local food to sample (gelato in Monaco, grilled octopus in Greece, Pizza in Naples). And everything tastes different than it does in America.

Even the familiar foods taste different. Pizza tastes different, The crusts are thinner and the sauces less sweet. There are no fast food restaurants that I have seen. Instead they have little shops open to the street that have freshly prepared sandwiches and baguettes behind glass. Not burgers and fries. In general, the foods are served in smaller portions, are less sugary, and are more commonly made from locally grown ingredients. They are NOT of full of additives and preservatives and chemicals. They are simple, fresh, and local. Perhaps its no small coincidence that I have seen very few overweight Europeans in these areas.

Because they go outside and walk more has something to do with this as well. You dont see everyone staring at TVs or laptop screens or plugged into cell phones and iPods. They really are walking around and talking with one another. But I digress.

In many places worldwide the population is leaner and more fit than the United States. I notice this every time Im in Australia and New Zealand too. I think were slowly killing ourselves in the States with the foods we eat and the lifestyles we lead. Personally Id rather pay a bit more for my food and only eat fresh food than consume all the chemicals that most of our prepackaged foods now contain.

120 million Americans are now obese (according to the governments own statistics). Thats a third of our population. Many of these people will develop other disease as a result of this condition, like diabetes, heart disease, and certain kinds of cancer. This is not the case in Europe and most of the rest of the world. Were doing this to ourselves. Its time to stop this madness and do something about it.

* Dont eat something just because its cheap or its fast or its convenient.

* Dont eat food just because its on your plate and you feel obligated to finish it.

* Eat it because its what your body needs to replenish itself and restore its energy.

* Learn to reconnect your mind with your body.

* Learn what its like to feel satisfied after a meal instead of stuffed full.

* Taste what a real tomato tastes like.

* Once again retake control of your life.

Look around you, what you see isnt normal, its the sad result of the disconnection of our minds from our bodies and our bodies from the land on which we live. Weve been trained to think that following diets and counting calories are the roadmaps to fitness and good health. Its much simpler than that.

If you ever get to visit the Greek Isles or Cote dAzur in France and youd see that you can be absolutely perfectly satisfied with a freshly baked baguette, some olive oil, herbs, and tomatoes picked from from the garden out back, with perhaps a a small bit of protein and a single glass of red wine. Consume slowly with a beautiful companion and enjoy while overlooking the sea on a sun drenched afternoon.

Free from rules. Just living life exactly as it was meant to be lived. Simple, satisfying, and free.

An excerpt from the best-seller The Weight Loss Hypnosis Solution (August, 2008 from New You Publishing).