Obesity is running rampant in America today – about 36 percent of all adults are considered to be obese! Magic diets and weight loss programs abound, but most of us have a hard time losing weight, and when we do lose weight, we ultimately regain it. What is a smart approach to make the lifestyle changes necessary to have a real impact on your body?[gap height=”15″]
We suggest that you adopt the “less is more” philosophy as outlined below:[gap height=”15″]
LESS:[gap height=”15″]
1. Calories: [gap height=”15″]
As a general rule, your weight is based on how much energy you take in on the average day (the food and the beverages) vs. the amount of energy your body uses up (burns):
• You will gain weight if you eat more calories than you burn.
• You will lose weight if you eat less calories than you burn.
• You can burn more calories by increasing your physical activity, especially with regular hyperthermic fitness wellness sessions.[gap height=”15″]
2. Sugar: [gap height=”15″]
Enter the sweet “villain.” Sugar has been associated with the increase in obesity and conditions of unhealthy weight seen in the past 30 years. There are many different types of sugar, including glucose, fructose, lactose, maltose and sucrose (table sugar). Most of the foods we consume contain “added” sugars to enhance the flavorful cravings. The most common sources of added sugars include soft drinks, cakes, pies, chocolate, fruit drinks and desserts.[gap height=”15″]
3. Alcohol: [gap height=”15″]
This is another carbohydrate source with no nutritional value (more “empty calories”).[gap height=”15″]
4. Stress: [gap height=”15″]
Stress can play a role in weight gain. Experts believe that long-term “chronic” stress makes us overeat, since our bodies think we need extra calories to deal with our stress. The levels of cortisol – the “stress hormone” – rise, and turn our overeating into a habit. And, our blood sugar levels drop causing us to crave sugary and fatty foods.[gap height=”15″]
MORE:[gap height=”15″]
1. Water Intake: [gap height=”15″]
Drinking water before a meal may reduce your appetite, making an important contribution to a weight loss program. Researchers believe that water consumption increases calorie burn. A recent study showed that after drinking approximately 17 ounces of water, the subjects’ metabolic rates increased by 30% within ten minutes. Over the course of a year, a person who increases his water consumption by 1.5 liters a day would burn an extra 17,400 calories![gap height=”15″]
2. Hyperthermic Conditioning:[gap height=”15″]
Studies have shown that regular hyperthermic conditioning sessions (i.e., hyperthermic fitness saunas) increase cleansing, metabolic rate, caloric burn and improve body composition through reduced adiposity and improved weight control. Active hyperthermic conditioning exercise training also promotes lean muscle mass.
3. Relaxation: [gap height=”15″]
More relaxation helps reduce and manage stress, which is one of the leading contributors to weight gain. [gap height=”15″]
4. Vegetables: [gap height=”15″]
Increase consumption of vegetables, which are generally low in calories and nutrient-dense.[gap height=”15″]
5. Appetite Reduction: [gap height=”15″]
Hyperthermic conditioning has been shown to suppress the appetite and triple the synthesis of BDNF, which is important for thermogenesis and the ability of cells to burn fat and control satiety.[gap height=”15″]
6. Weight Management: [gap height=”15″]
Greater weight loss will result from hyperthermic conditioning, appetite suppression and incremental nutrition improvement. [gap height=”15″]
7. Longevity, Anti-aging: [gap height=”15″]
Experts believe longevity is greatly affected by four lifestyle factors: Nutrition, Stress Management, Exercise, and Sleep. Improvement in these lifestyle factors will help combat aging and becoming overweight.[gap height=”15″]
Make it a point to reduce the lifestyle factors that contribute to weight gain and increase the factors which help you maintain a healthy weight.[gap height=”15″]
Take a smart approach to make the lifestyle changes necessary to have a real impact on your body.[gap height=”15″]
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