Sunday, May 18, 2008

Custom Weight Loss Formulas

With this New Year comes many resolutions, the most popular being weight loss. As with all good intentions, resolutions are most successful when a person has a plan to help support the effort. Whether you are trying to lose 20 lbs or 100 lbs it is important to create a plan for success. Part of your plan should include the nutrients your body needs in order to function at its peak. Since so many millions of people today are taking prescription medications for health concerns, it is often confusing when attempting to choose the best support formula for weight loss. Don't be fooled by the ads that claim that "anyone" can take this formula or that formula. That simply is not true. If you are currently taking medication for High blood pressure, cardiac concerns, diabetes, kidney, thyroid, stress, pain, or any other health issue, it is wise to avoid certain supplements and herbs. It is impossible to list all of the supplements that one should avoid since each body has an individual bio-chemistry and unique needs. Please do not just walk into a drug store, health food store, or your local grocer and choose a formula off the shelf. It would be much wiser for you to know that the supplements you are taking coincide with all medications your doctor has prescribed. If you'd like more information on how you can obtain a custom formula that is made specifically for you and your health concerns, call my office.

For over 23 yrs I have helped people achieve their health goals including weight loss. Weight loss is not just an issue of the body, it is connected closely to your mental and emotional states. Here are some important elements to help you succeed:

Make movement part of every idle moment. When you are on "hold" waiting for someone to come back to a phone conversation just stand up, or move your feet, your legs, your hands, or your arms until the conversation continues. If you are sitting down to finish your conversation, rotate your wrists and ankles. Squeeze your leg muscles for a few seconds and release. Just think MOVE whenever you have idle time. Park your car a longer distance from the grocery store than your norm. Each extra step you take equates to burned calories...so the more you move, the more calories you burn. Be sure to include weight-bearing exercises as part of your health routine. The dense muscles of your body will actually continue burning calories after your work out has finished, which is contrary to aerobic exercise. It is important that you use weights three times per week. Talk to your doctor to find out what you are allowed to do. If you do not get any guidelines for restriction, speak with an exercise coach, a physical therapist, or even the physical education instructor at a local high school or college if you can. Find out what is allowed for your age and condition.

Eat foods that are filled with fiber. You will find that raw fruits and vegetables, and slightly steam veggies are generally rich in fibers and packed with nutrients. Limit the amount of animal foods that you consume. Certainly cut out empty calorie junk foods such as pies, cakes, ice creams, donuts, soda, alcohol, sugar, and white flour foods. Whatever you put in your mouth should be as valuable as possible. Eat nutrient dense foods, foods that are closer to nature. If you wish to dip your raw veggies try non-fat or low fat dressings.

Be sure to eat three main meals and two snacks daily. This will actually help to keep your metabolism active. It will prevent you from having a craving because it will allow more stable blood sugar throughout your day. If a person were to cut back on calories and skip meals it would trick the mind and the metabolism into thinking that it needed to hold onto weight and/or water in order to survive. This is our body's natural survival instinct.

Drink purified water throughout the day. Do not drink soda or alcohol.
Cut down on the amount of salt you take in daily
Find hobbies that will occupy your time.
Taking digestive enzymes with your meals may help. Check to see if you are compatible with papaya tablets, bromelain, and probiotics.
Include more dark leafy greens if your condition allows. Dark leafy green vegetables have more iron which in turn will hold more oxygen in the cells. If you are not allowed to take extra iron you might want to avoid extra dark leafy greens and other iron-rich foods like raisins and liver.
Use non-salt flavorings such as dried herbs to add pep to your dishes.
Get used to chewing your food for thirty seconds before swallowing. Carbohydrate metabolism begins in the mouth.
Find activities that interest you. Often eating too much has its roots in boredom, if it is not due to metabolism issues. Fill your life with new activities to change your focus. Changing your focus is paramount to the success of any weight loss program.

If you need to "chew" something, use sugarless gum in a pinch.
When you find yourself craving a food that you smell or see start saying the following immediately: "No food tastes as good as thin feels!"
Wear a small alarm, or use your phone alarm. Set the alarm to go off once each half hour when you first start your lifestyle change. When the alarm goes off, repeat your favorite positive affirmation. Along with the affirmation drink some purified water - add a little lemon juice if you can tolerate it, or slice of orange, or strawberry. Warm green tea may be good if your doctor allows.
If you are someone who was used to having an alcoholic beverage more than once or twice a week, try the following: Ice water with an olive. Ice Tea with a lemon wedge. Tonic Water with an olive or other fresh fruit slice. Sip slowly and repeat your positive affirmation mentally. A small amount of wine may be permissible. Again, ask your physician.
Adding some invisible fiber to your foods may also help to curb your appetite. You will find invisible fiber in most all grocery stores and drug stores. Follow the directions on the label. When we eat foods rich in fiber we naturally eat less because we feel fuller faster.
Practice deep breathing exercises to avoid stress periods during your day. Close your eyes, breathe in deeply and hold it for three seconds. Exhale. Repeat three to five times. As you breathe correctly from the diaphragm you will feel invigorated and get a mental lift as well.
Get a good pair of walking shoes and USE them. When the weather permits walk out of doors. If not, walk in place while you watch your favorite program. You will surprised how fast the time goes by. If you can't walk for thirty minutes consecutively, start out with five minutes at a time. Before you know it you will be walking ten then twenty and eventually you should be able to easily walk for thirty minutes. You can try to sing or repeat the alphabet or talk with your family or a friend while you walk. You should be able to hold a conversation as you walk - if not, you might be walking too quickly. Pace yourself and make it fun!
Get some good work-out music. When we hear energizing music our heart rate increases and our bodies are filled with a sense of power.
Some people do best if they can check in with a coach. Ask for referrals in your area. Do what it takes to stay motivated. Remember that each day away from an old habit is one day closer to SUCCESS!

Janet Angel, Ph.D.
847/836-8345

Janet Angel is a sought-after wellness expert with advanced degrees in nutritional biochemistry and psychology. She believes that everyone needs to educate themselves on the wellness opportunities available around the world. Dr. Angel has counseled many prominent citizens across the United States and has participated in several international research programs surrounding health. She has been a guest on many radio programs, is a public speaker, author and seminar leader. Dr. Angel believes that the body has the innate ability to heal itself in most circumstances, given the right environment, the right elements and the opportunity. For further information on her drive to help others reach their fullest potential, please go to http://www.Totallywell.com For financial wellness ideas go to http://www.LinkToCashNow.com

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