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Losing Weight

May 22
0

The Dangers of Obesity and Being Overweight

By | Losing Weight, Total Wellness, Weight Loss | No Comments

Dangers of Obesity

In 2008, more than 1.4 billion adults, 20 and older were overweight. Of these, over 200 million were men and 300 million were women. 35% under the age of 20 and 11% of these were obese. Fat and obesity is not just in America. It is a worldwide problem!

According to the WHO (World Health Organization) 65% of the world’s population live in countries where obesity and being overweight kills more people than being underweight. 40 million children under the age of five were overweight in 2011. (Source: WHO)

These are facts but here is a story to tell….

Heather Santo’s mom passed away at a young age of 34 from primary pulmonary hypertension. She was overweight and had to wait until she lost 80 pounds to get her double lung transplant. She may have been saved sooner if she hadn’t been so heavy and had to wait to get it off.

Her grandmother (her mother’s mom) died in her mid-50s from having a bad back and being almost 400 pounds. There was nothing physically wrong with her besides being obese. Her great grandmother was in her 80s and was over 300 pounds when she passed away. She had diabetes and was on all kinds of medication.

What does that leave Heather to face if she didn’t take action?

She probably would be in the same path as her mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Growing up Heather ate a whole lot of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). She said if they purchased KFC’s stock, they could be really rich by now. She grew up with fast food and junk food. She didn’t know how badly she was eating.

She started gaining weight and began noticing her weight problems by third grade. Her family didn’t encourage her to play and anytime she wanted to do any physical activity her family couldn’t take her because they were too obese to move.

Heather didn’t have friends in grade school because she was fat. No kid wanted to play with her. She’d just sit in the corner and pray for school to be over.

It all changed when Heather turned 30. On her 30th birthday while celebrating with her friends at the Hard Rock Café, Heather faced the truth. The tradition and joke for the celebration among her friends is to have the birthday girl/guy sit on a bar stool and receive all the ‘attention!’

Heather was nearly 300 pounds at that time. She was afraid she might crush the bar stool and be embarrassed….

She found a way to escape from that game and began to take a hard look at the state of her health. Her doctor warned her if she didn’t get her act together she would end up dying early like her mother. Her blood work was horribly off the charts.

What is obesity and overweight?

The WHO’s definition for overweight is a BMI greater than or equal to 25. A BMI greater than or equal to 30 is obesity. BMI or body mass index is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults or children. It is the person’s weight in pounds or kilograms divided by the square of his height in feet or meters.

For example a person who is 5 feet 9 inches tall at 169 (BMI 25) to 202 pounds (BMI 29.9) is overweight. At 203 pounds (BMI 30 and above) is obese. For your convenience here are two links to BMI calculators for adults and children/teens provided by CDC:

Adult
BMI calculation is the same for male or female.

Child or Teen
BMI calculation for a child or teen takes into consideration the sex of the child/teen. It is applicable for ages 2 to 19.

Are you overweight or obese?

Do you know what the extra weight on your body is doing to you?

Releasing 10 or 15 pounds will change your energy level, reduce aches and pain and help you to have better mood. Before Heather released the extra weight she was not feeling like herself. She was beginning to believe that she was going to fall into her family’s footsteps – die early or suffer with medical problems and take medications.

These are the things she went through while carrying the extra weight-

1. Put on a smile but deep inside she was miserable with her weight.
2. Lots of pain in her back from the excess weight.
3. Prior to gaining 300 pounds she had a car accident. The heavier she got the worse the pain became.
4. Ankles were weak because of weight.
5. Critical of herself.

It has not been easy for Heather. She was so overweight when she started the journey of eating right… feeling sick, nauseous and threw up a lot while her body was detoxing. It was like coming off of drugs – in this case fast food. She lost 5 pounds relatively quick and took baby steps to shed the weight.

Today she has lost over 80 pounds and is still on her journey of eating right and losing weight. It is not just “losing weight” or “dieting”. To Heather this journey is all about banishing that mindset of being perfect. Instead, enjoy the journey and continue working towards that goal of great health.

She noticed a dramatic change in how she looks at herself now. She feels better every day and no longer needs to lie to herself. Like any change that we embrace, there are challenges.

Heather’s challenges include-

1. Being critical on herself even after losing a large chunk of weight. She had to continually work on herself and her mindset.
2. There were many times when she felt like giving up.
3. She had to give herself grace and know that she will not eat perfectly her entire life. Perfection is overrated.
4. She has to remember to take it step by step and not cut off too much or expect miracles to happen because that will set her up for failure.
5. Keeping up has been an uphill and downhill battle. The entire process has been eight years now.
6. To remember this is not a race but a journey. Rebuilding our body takes time and effort. She has lost over 100 pounds twice fast only to gain it back very quickly.

One great piece of advice from Heather:

This time I’m going to go slow and win – it is for keeps. I’m done playing games and gaining it back. I keep the weight off by going one day at a time.

Are you on a journey to shed some pounds?

Here is Heather’s secret to losing weight, keeping it off, feeling and looking great:

1. To help with keeping her skin from getting saggy, she uses a dry brush and Cel-Lite Magic.
2. Start small. It is a journey and not a race.
3. Drink plenty of water. She uses Slique Essence and or lemon, grapefruit and peppermint every day. She drinks thirteen 8oz. glasses of water per day with these oils. She switches up the flavors of the citrus oils to keep it interesting.
4. Get moving in any capacity possible. She does different kinds of exercises so she won’t get bored- walk, yoga, Les Mills Combat, Rev Abs, dance, Zumba and more. The key is to keep it fresh.
5. Track your food and keep a journal to track your emotions and learn how you relate with food.
6. Get educated and read labels.
7. Keep the weight off by going one day at a time.

Heather is still on her journey. She wants to lose another 60 pounds. She is ready to fight every day to keep it off. She is one of TheTotalWellnessDoc’s group of ladies on a journey to feel better and healthier.

Are you ready to start your journey? Connect with Heather Santo at her website www.santofitlife.com today and get tips and encouragement from her.

For wellness tips from TheTotalWellnessDoc please join our weekly newsletters here.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

 

 

Feb 01
0

Happy Healthy Husbands

By | Losing Weight, Total Wellness, Weight Loss | No Comments

Since 1996 my husband Jay Carter of www.starrhost.com has been a part of my life. He is an incredible man but when I first met him, he lived a quite different life. I remember seeing his house for the first time and in his TV room was a GIANT can of processed nacho cheese, which he ate with his giant bags of nachos. He drank beer, lots of soda and smoked cigarettes. But one great thing he had going for his health is he was doing A LOT of manual labor everyday; sweating and getting cardiovascular exercise and strength building from his job. Over the years, his lifestyle improved drastically but he went from a manual labor job to a sit at a desk IT Job and he gained a lot of weight.

I have been blessed to see this man overcome addiction, improve his health and grow to learn and understand what keeps him healthy. Like all of us, he has the knowledge but doesn’t always practice it.   We have 2 busy children and he has a workload that has him in his office 60 plus hours a week. So making the decision to move to a home where manual labor was a necessity to heat our home and clean up our land was a GREAT DECISION.

In the first few weeks of living here, he lost 12lbs. He says, “I feel so good after sweating outside and accomplishing stuff.” He gets on the tractor, goes out in the woods, takes down a dead tree, cuts it up with a chainsaw, then brings it over to the splitter and then stacks it for us to use. Lots of work but it’s amazing how happy and healthy it is making him.

We need to recognize how important it is to have a Healthy Happy Husband. They are so vital to a healthy family. Here is another example of a man who decided to change his health, David. David’s tips and transformation should be an excellent example to all of us to get healthy and happy.

David’s story and tips:

We all know those people—or maybe you are one; you know, the type that likes to relive the “glory days” of younger years and how fantastic shape they were in. Chiseled abs, thick chest, 30 inch waist…and the list goes on. Up until last year I was that guy too. I had the same excuses as everyone else—college, marriage, kids (I have 3) and work. After over 10 years of being overweight, I decided I was no longer going to reminisce about how I used to be in good shape, I was going to be in good shape, no matter what it took.

I get asked frequently what I’m doing to lose weight—and it never fails that it’s difficult for me to answer succinctly. If I were to pin it to a single factor, it would simply be that I had a mindset change.  That mental switch that flipped has led me to developing habits and thought processes which have ultimately changed my body.

1. Figure out your “why”
This probably sounds like “duh” but think about it for a minute. This journey isn’t going to be short or easy. Things will get tough. When it gets hard, you need to be able to focus on why you started in the first place. I have two key moments in my life that I will reflect back on to get me through sticking points and keep me moving.

2. Develop mental discipline
Through my experiences, one of the biggest contributing factors to dieting failure is lack of mental discipline.  A lot of us don’t naturally have enough of this to get through a diet successfully/strictly for more than a few days –but the good news is that like other habits, it can be developed. I believe this is one of the MOST important aspects of change. You will constantly be bombarded with temptations: office parties, special events, family gatherings, spouses not on a “diet”, holidays. All these can easily derail your progress if you’re not prepared.

I’m not trying to say that junk food has to be 100% out of the diet, but it’s so easy to indulge here and there and before you know it, all your progress has been compromised. Unfortunately we can’t live in a junk food free bubble while dieting — even if we could, as soon as you come out you will not be equipped to handle it and probably end up back where you started.

3. Stop trying to out-work a bad diet
You can’t out exercise a bad diet, stop trying. I spent years in the gym trying to do this and I never experienced meaningful change until I got the diet right. Just look at all the people in the gym who spend HOURS every week doing cardio or lifting weights and yet still are overweight and out of shape.  Conversely, look at people with a “clean” diet that don’t even bother with exercise. [I put clean in quotations because that actually opens up a whole can of worms that I can’t address simply.]

4. Plan ahead
I quickly discovered that if I wasn’t always thinking a day or two ahead to make sure I had the proper food in the fridge, I would get “stuck” being hungry with less than optimal foods around to eat.

5. Track your food intake
It’s so easy to track our food intake these days; most of us have a smart phone or at least a computer with an internet connection. I would recommend utilizing one of the many websites/apps that make this easy; I call it training wheels for losing weight.

My favorite app for doing this is My Fitness Pal. It has a huge food database and you can easily scan the barcode on just about anything and enter into your journal. I also love the ability to “remember” meals and create recipes. Inputting my food takes very little time every day after the initial learning curve. Yes, for this to be accurate you’re going to have to weigh/measure your food, at least initially until you get a good reference. Even after months of this, I still weigh and measure just about everything I eat.  Otherwise you are just guessing.

Just recently I took tip 4 “plan ahead” and went a step further. Within the last couple of weeks I actually started to put my food in the day prior. Although this sounds extreme, it takes the emotion out of eating.  When you’re faced with hunger it’s very easy to make a snap decision that usually hurts your long term goals. If you’re not ready to take this step, often times simply asking yourself “does this [insert food] help me reach my goals?”

6.  Start with the big rocks
Remove sodas, excessive alcohol and fruit drinks from your diet and replace it with water or at least zero calorie options. There is a lot of debate over diet sodas and artificial sweeteners but I can tell you right now that excessive body fat is going to kill you faster than having some Aspartame or Splenda in a diet soda once in a while. If you eat fast food multiple times a week, eliminate it or reduce it severely. Yes you can lose weight eating fast food but it will make it slower and more difficult.

7. Exercise
Notice how far down the list exercise makes an appearance. People in the fitness industry often say body transformation is 70% diet, 30% exercise. I actually believe diet is more important than that.  Exercise is the catalyst for change; a good diet lets it happen. Yes you can lose “weight” without exercise, however, exercise does speed up the process and helps to maintain lean body tissue while under a caloric deficit. As most people know, muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat so keeping as much muscle as possible should be a priority. Plus, muscle is what gives your body the good kind of curves.

8. Set realistic goals
You didn’t get overweight overnight and getting back into shape isn’t going to happen overnight either.  Be patient but persistent. I found that for me, setting 5lb. short term goals kept me pushing toward my long term goals.

9. Take pictures/measurements
The scale is a liar. Even more so if you’re engaging in any significant amount of exercise. I’ve found that pictures and measurements taken at regular intervals is better feedback for how I’m progressing than the scale—especially as I get leaner and have less fat to lose.

10. Eat mostly whole food
Base the majority of your intake around whole foods—lean meats, eggs, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Personally, I avoid anything that comes out of a bag or box.

11. Make it a lifestyle, not a diet
All diets work great. The problems arise when you stop the diet and go back to eating like you did before.  Confession: this started as a diet for me. Eventually I realized that if I went back to eating what I used to then I would go back to looking that way too.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

Jan 26
0

How I Got in the Best Shape of My Life

By | Losing Weight, Mommy Tips, Total Wellness, Total Wellness Mom | One Comment

How I Got in the Best Shape of My Life

By: Christine Parton

For the past two years I have been on a journey to better health. I have always been of a “health conscious” mindset and knew the importance of eating well and exercising, yet more often than not, LIFE got in the way. It’s such an irony that often on our quest to live a good LIFE, a healthy LIFE, many of us are derailed by everyday LIFE. The long workdays, kids and family commitments, etc. that we are left feeling defeated, exhausted and frustrated to the point that we start to accept the unhealthiness of our LIFE and feel trapped.

Fortunately, with enough determination, support and commitment, we can all find our path on the road to a healthy LIFE. As I previously mentioned, I have been a health conscious person most of my adult life. I knew I had a terrible family history of heart disease, cancer and obesity, among others that if I didn’t take control of, I would soon become another statistic. There have been periods of time in my life when I was more “in shape” than others, when I ate a healthier diet and took long daily walks. I worked in a job once where all I did was promote organic, natural food to the community in which I lived. Yet again, LIFE took over. I had two babies in two years, worked stressful corporate jobs and commuted long hours. I did what I could to be healthy. I exercised when I could, I tried to eat right but most importantly, I never gave up and I knew that a time would come when the “stars would align” so to speak and I would finally get onboard the express train to the “me” I always dreamed of.

For me that time came when, mostly out of necessity, I became a stay at home mom. The cost of daycare for two children was astronomical and we had no local family support to provide childcare. Don’t get me wrong, I was very excited and wanted to stay home with my kids and spend time with them. I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown working and commuting for 12-14 hours a day, nursing my youngest (and all that goes with that commitment-pumping while at work, transporting breast milk, etc.), taking care of the home chores, finances, and everything else that happens in LIFE. Fitting time to exercise into my daily routine was almost impossible for this time in my life, yet I never gave up hope that one day, my circumstances would change and I would take hold of the reigns. I did just that in February 2012.

One of the first tasks on my “list” once I quit my job was to find a good gym. I had belonged to other gyms in the past but never stuck to it and would eventually cancel my membership. I researched and visited several local gyms, comparing my criteria and meeting the staff. I eventually settled on an amazing gym, BodyPlex. The have a wonderful staff in the kids’ area whom I felt comfortable caring for my children while I exercised. This was key to my commitment to go almost daily. Again, without family and friends near us to provide childcare, finding a gym with childcare was a non-negotiable. I spent the first few weeks trying various classes and seeing where I fit in and what resonated with me. I also met with the fitness director for what I knew was a sales pitch to join personal training sessions, but for a reason that eventually became clear, I talked to him anyway. I will never forget the words that rang truest to me, “a trainer will push you farther than you will push yourself. They hold you accountable when no one else will.”

It was a stretch financially with only one income however, my ultra supportive husband knew I was committed and encouraged me to go for it. Having a trainer has made ALL the difference in my journey. I decided to meet a trainer once a week and supplement my time with her by taking classes at the gym taught by the trainers. I now work out 5-6 days a week, two days high intensity cardio and 3-4 days weight training. Lifting weights burns more calories than cardio alone. Weight training helps develop lean muscle mass that cardio alone will never achieve. A body with more muscle mass will always burn calories faster. There are just so many reasons to ensure weight training is part of your “get fit” lifestyle.

Working with my trainer has also provided so much insight into diet and how the foods I consume directly impact my ability feel stronger and more successful at the gym. We have all heard it but a high protein, low carb diet rich in fruits and vegetables will do more for you than any fad diet. I rarely stray from my tried and true staples for breakfast, lunch and dinner but I will also add that I never make myself feel “guilty” if I want a special treat once in awhile. I teach this to my kids, a special treat is just that, a treat, it’s not an everyday occurrence.

On my two year journey, I let go of 30 extra pounds of weight that were holding me back from living the LIFE I always wanted. In the process, I discovered a body I had never known before, I am in the best shape of my life as I enter my last year in the 30’s. I didn’t look this good as a twenty-something. My husband, family and friends are incredibly proud and I am too. I made the commitment to make this my new LIFEstyle and eating right and exercising are my new norms.

If there is a day I don’t make it to the gym, the first thing I do is not feel guilty, but then get right back on track the next day. We live in a busy world, there is no doubt about it, but taking time now to make changes will only benefit you down the road for so many reasons. I think of the positive role model I try to be for my children, especially my daughter. I pray she learns healthy living tips from me that she can carry through adolescence and into her teenage years and beyond. I pray that I inspire my family and friends who have been struggling on their own journey to get fit. I strive to share my tips for success and encourage others to discover what works for them.

It’s important to realize what works for one person isn’t necessarily going to work for someone else. The key is perseverance and determination, push forward, cultivate your destiny and take the path that your are drawn to. As a result of getting healthier I have gained so much confidence. I can now go clothes shopping without the tears that once accompanied me. I am also finally teaching yoga, a path I first embarked on 7 years ago yet never felt confident enough to be in front of a class. I am excited to see where my path, my journey continues to take me in life.

If I were to sum up my experience in 5 tips that really “clicked,” I would say:

1. First and foremost getting a personal trainer was the single more successful venture I embarked on. My trainer has become a great friend. She pushed me when I wanted to quit. I cried during our first meeting recalling how much I wanted my life to change. I cried and screamed during our workouts and the countless wall balls, kettle bells swings, push ups and pull ups she coached me through. She also analyzed my diet and continues to give me recipe ideas to stay on track. Words cannot express how I feel about her support, she is the best.

2. Decide when the time is right and when you can really stick to your plans and until it’s the right time, incorporate little things like cutting out one crutch food or taking one walk a week, something is better than nothing. I have always said, “to get anywhere you need to start somewhere.”

I also read recently how crushing New Year’s Resolutions can be to a person. Resolutions are so black and white, you succeed or, more often you fail. In my yoga class, we set “intentions” to start our practice. An intention is something you are focusing on, something you are working towards. You may take one step forward and two steps back but your intention is still set on that idea, that goal.

3. Because I have children, I had to find a way to include them in my lifestyle change. I made sure the kids’ area at the gym was clean, safe, and the staff attentive. I also recently invested in a double stroller. When my son was an infant I put him in a baby carrier on my back, my two year old was in a single jogger and the dog was on a leash. I garnered many raised eyebrows from the neighbors but I just said, “We all needed to get out of the house!” Whether you have children our not, if there is something you may feel inclined to use as an excuse not to exercise, find a way to deal with it. I often think my house might be cleaner if I used my gym time for house chores instead. But in the end, what is more important, a spotless home or your health.

4. I am incredibly blessed to have a loving, supportive husband and my wish for everyone is the same support from home. But, I have also developed some friendships at the gym. Not necessarily people I would see outside the gym but people who I interact with at class and enjoy being around. We talk about our sessions at the gym, we sweat through tough classes together and wish each other well as we depart. I found a great community at my gym and this was key for me.

5. Most importantly, I know that I am human and I am not perfect. I do not strive to be something I am not. I strive to be healthy, to be a role model and live the life I was born to live. I try to practice compassion and forgiveness and know that if I want to eat pizza today, it’s okay. I just don’t eat it everyday. I think we have all fallen victim to the notion that once you “fall off the wagon” you are doomed and you failed. It’s important to get right back on and know that temporary setbacks are part of life and to learn from the experience.

I sincerely hope my stories inspire others and ignite that spark necessary to begin a journey to a better LIFE.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

Apr 04
0

How to Stop Gaining Weight and Stay Healthy While Cruising

By | Food, Losing Weight, Nutritional Supplements, Total Wellness, Weight Loss | No Comments

“Just picture a great big steak, fried, roasted or stewed…Oh…wonderful food, marvelous food, glorious food!” What an irony to think of a scene from Oliver the 1969 musical, based on a book written by Charles Dickens called Oliver Twist when looking at the abundance of food served in the buffet lounge of the Norwegian Cruise Line.

Cruising is synonymous to buffet meals and overeating. According to a fitness coach on the Norwegian Sun, the average person gains one to two pounds per day on a cruise. Which means, if you are on an eleven-day cruise you would have the potential of gaining 22 pounds.

Hedonic eating happens while cruising because food is readily available, free, and comes in great variety. We eat for enjoyment and entertainment as well and its no wonder almost eighty percent of us are overweight.

So when we saw the sign up sheet outside the gym on the first full day of our cruise for “Detox for health and weight loss” we immediately signed up. It was definitely worth the one hour of lecture.

Walking out of the lecture we discovered the trilogy of good health- exercise, nutrition and detox. Here are five ways we keep the weight off while we cruise:

One: No soda or sugared water

Absolutely no sugar water in our 11-day diet because each can of soda or sweet tea contains about 40 grams (4 tablespoons) of fructose corn syrup or sugar. Do you know it takes 36 cups of water to drain out all the acidity from a can of soda? Our body may be sick and tired because of the acidity and toxicity from the food and drinks we consume.

You save money and calories when you drink just water while cruising. Water has the ability to hydrate and flush out toxins from our body.

In addition, we also had 2 oz. packets of NingXia Red per person per day with our water.

Two: High fiber food

stay healthy while cruising

Constipation is one of the main problems in America today. What we put in must come out but some people are finding it hard to do so. If we eat three meals a day, it means 21 meals in a week. If we go to the bathroom once a day, we are left with 14 meals still in our gut.What if you don’t go once a day?

Toxins are built up when food is stored in our body if it is not being eliminated daily. Toxicity and acidity are poisons to our liver and whole body. Eating fruits and vegetables in every meal is essential. Most of those huge bellies we have may be due to stored up waste. Our guts are overflowing and they are making us sick. In the “Oliver” musical, the kids sang about three banquets a day and indigestion.

Take a look at some of the glorious breakfast, lunch and dinner I took with my iPhone:
stay healthy while cruising
stay healthy while cruising
Three: Exercise

We took every opportunity to jog and walk every day. All cruise ships have well-equipped gyms and exercise programs like yoga, stretching, bicycling and Pilates. Usage of gym is free but for a small fee of $10 to $15 per person anyone can join the daily exercise programs.Swimming is another form of exercise onboard a cruise ship. You could even hire a personal trainer for your daily workout.

Four: Nutritional Supplements

We brought nutritional supplements even on a cruise. Three essential supplements that we used daily were NingXia Red wolfberry drink, Life 5 Probiotic and Essentialzyme.

These products help with digestion and promote energy in our body and mind. NingXia Red is a superfruit supplement containing essential oil and puree wolfberry. We take it for the antioxidant and phytonutrients that help provide natural energy supply and aid with liver health. Essentialzyme helps with digesting the over abundance of protein we consumed every day during cruising. It helps balance our body’s overall enzyme activity and digestive health. Last but not least is Life 5 probiotic that supports core intestinal health.

Five: Take the stairs and take a walk (don’t eat the bread)

Instead of taking the elevators, walk the stairs. Walk after every meal and let go of as much carb as possible particularly any type of bread including whole wheat bread.

After 11 days of good food and great life, I gained three pounds. I guess that is really not bad considering I overate and had dessert for lunch and dinner everyday. What do you think of cruises and weight gain?

 

 

 

Claudia Looi is an online copywriter, travel writer and web content writer. She has traveled to more than 30 countries and is currently traveling in South America with her husband and two teens for nine months. You can find out how she could travel and work at the same time from her Free Report: Tips to Having Money and Time to Travel.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

Mar 18
0

He Lost 20 Pounds And Lowered His Cholesterol By 36 Points In 52 Days

By | Losing Weight, Nutritional Supplements, Total Wellness, Weight Loss | No Comments

Lowered His Cholesterol

In less than 8 weeks he lost 20 pounds, lowered his cholesterol by 36 points and his Triglycerides by 388 points. How did he do it? Here is his story written by me.

On the last day of 2012 Jay had his first trip to the doctors’ in many years for a routine checkup. Prodded by me to go, we both thought it would be a good idea to get some base line tests done to see where his health was. He knew he was overweight and had been complaining of snoring, fatigue, exhaustion and I felt he had been more moody and even was exhibiting hypoglycemic tendencies for many months.

On 12/31/2012 the doctor’s office weighed him at 218 pounds, his blood pressure was normal, his stress test was normal, they also took blood for lab work and here is what they found.

They found in his Lipid Panel

Triglycerides at 597 (normal 45-150)
Cholesterol 230 (normal 125-200)
LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) was invalid because his Triglycerides were so high
HDL (good cholesterol) 41 (39-96 is normal)
They could not determine his cholesterol to HDL ratio because the Triglycerides were so high
Vitamin D was low at 16 (normal 30-100)
—————————————————————-
Prior to 12/31/12, the only regular supplement Jay took was NingXia Red 1-2 oz. a day. Ironically even being overweight, sedentary, and eating a poor diet for almost a year, his CBC, blood chemistry and inflammatory markers were all within normal ranges including Vitamin B 12, Sed Rate, PSA screening and Hemoglobin A1C. I believe drinking the NingXia Red for the past 5 years kept these numbers normal.

Eating habits included skipping meals or going many hours in between meals. Diet included one healthier meal but he ate white breads, chips, quesadillas 4-5 times a week, beef jerky 3-4 times a week, soda 3-4 times a week, sugar/sweets 4-5 times a week. Fast food meals 1-2 times a week. Very little vegetables and fruit in diet. And his portions were large.

On 1/12/13 we returned to the doctors and got the results of the labs and we asked for the option to try a program of exercise, diet changes, and nutritional supplements for the next 2 months. They agreed.

I must say that Jay was the one who made the decision that he was going to make the changes, he did ask for my help but he was all in. The next day he purchased a used treadmill on Craig’s list for $200.

Program from January 12 – March 4th  (so not even 8 weeks)

Exercise: Started walking 20 minutes or more about 5 times a week with an incline and higher speed.  Always sweated during workout. Occasionally used weights for biceps and upper body.

Diet:

Got rid of white foods in the house. Set up a strict protocol of no white products, soda, or sugar. Cut back on red meat but still had it at least once a week. Also cut out cheese he ate almost daily.

Daily Food Staples

Oatmeal, beans, avocado, dark berries and coconut oil were a staple on most days.

Also a protein fruit shake most mornings and another some afternoons. (this is where I snuck in the avocado and berries)

Created food schedule so he was eating at regular intervals!

Ate every couple of hours including 3 meals and 3 -4 snacks

Beverages

Water minimum of 2-3 25 oz. bottles
1 -2 cups of Slique Tea  (one tea bag a day)
NingXia Red about 2 ounces or more a day.

Snacks

A protein bar (tried a variety of different kinds)
Greek yogurt and granola
Apples or fruit
Hummus and crackers or veggies and hummus
Shake
or a lite meal or leftovers

Breakfast

Oatmeal most every day

Lunches and Dinners

Included more soups, chilis, salads, and smaller portions. 80% gluten free

Nutritional Supplements

Daily Young Living Supplements

Thyromin 2 capsules first thing upon waking up and 2 capsules before going to bed
True Source 1 packet
Longevity 1 pill
Super B 1 tablet
OmegaGize 3-4 capsules a day
Essentialzymes-4 1 -2 duo packs usually with larger meals
Again Slique Tea- one cup on most days right around the 3 pm -5pm time
NingXia Red 2-3 oz. a day
He also took Liquid Vitamin D about  50,000 IU’s a week

He also did on an off about maybe 10 or less days out of the 52 days took 2 Life 5 Probiotics at night,  4-5 Sulfurzyme a day, and maybe 5 doses of Lemongrass in a capsule.

To help remember to take supplements we used these little pill boxes I found near the pharmacy section of a store. They were only like $1.50 but really help to keep you on track. Every morning I would fill his pill box and mine.  We usually keep them near us most of the day. (But again we work from home so that’s not far.)

On March 11th we returned to the doctor’s office to get his lab results from March 5th.  

They weighed Jay at 199.4 lbs. and we are giving him the .4 for heavy clothes making his total weight loss 20lbs. And here were the results of 52 days of diet changes, light exercise and Young Living supplements.

Symptoms Gone

Within a week Jay had more energy, improved moods, motivation and overall happiness. His snoring stopped after about week 2. The difference in him especially when on the full nutritional program and eating regularly and healthy is almost like another man.  He is full of energy, life and thinks very clearly.

The Partnerships

Jay and I worked together along with a few helpers. What do I mean we worked together? He asked me for a protocol and I wrote out basically what you see above for diet and supplements. Since I am growing a baby, I decided to cut out the same foods (mostly) and eat regularly and supplement similar to Jay every day.

We worked as a team but I also pay my health conscious great cook, friend and my Aunt Shirley to help prepare some healthier soups and desserts that all of us could eat, 2 meals a week. And because I am doing more cooking and prepping I also got some help 2 times a week with cleaning.

It’s not easy to make all these changes at once but it was the best decision for our family since we are on a deadline to change our ways and get on track with our health.  (our 2nd child is arriving at the end of this month)

One more comment  – Stress Levels and Sleep

Jay’s stress levels did not go down, in fact I would say the demands on his time and energy went up during these past 8 weeks. With the birth of a new baby approaching, working 60-70 plus hours a week and getting on average 6 hours of quality sleep a night and yet was still able to lose weight. I believe that exercise even if just 20 minutes a day, better eating, supplements especially Thyromin was the KEY TO THIS! Thyromin isn’t just for thyroid support but for the adrenal glands, which I am sure, were exhausted from his former lifestyle. Exhausted adrenal glands lead to fatigue, exhausted bodies, sick bodies and more.

Also he wasn’t sick at all in those 8 weeks when prior to this he had been sick with a cold or something little almost every couple of weeks for several months.

The next step

This is just the first step. 52 days is just the beginning. We have another 180 days until his next appointment because the doctor agreed he is making great results with diet, exercise and supplements.  Some of the staff and doctors already use Young Living essential oils and products so they wanted to know what we used as well.

Jay is on the road to health again. But he has to continue the process.

What about you? Are you ready to get on the road to health? Some will choose to do a full protocol like Jay, others will take some of things he is doing and incorporate it into their life.  Make the commitment.  Jay made a commitment to be healthier for his growing family. Find something that will help you stay motivated and make a commitment to do something to improve your health today!

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

Jan 03
0

Weight Loss Tips from Everyday People

By | Losing Weight, Total Wellness, Weight Loss | One Comment

Curt Cooper is an everyday guy. Almost 50 years old he has been very active most of his life until about 7 years ago. In his earlier life he farmed, ran a lumber mill, and operated a golf course but ever since his job working for the town as a Motorized Vehicle operator, he hasn’t had the physical activity he once did.

He didn’t have a scale in his house so he didn’t really notice the weight he was putting on. But he did notice less energy and stiffness. About a year ago his doctor found high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and that he was overweight. Curt didn’t want to be put on a lot of pills so he followed the doctor’s advice and started taking a multivitamin, fish oils, and committed to losing weight.

Weight Loss Tips from Everyday People

How did Curt lose 25 lbs. get more energy, better digestion, lower his blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar?

1. He got a scale
When he got home from the doctors’ he told his wife his results and she went out and bought a scale for their bathroom. This was helpful for him to monitor his progress.  Remember, weighing yourself weekly or every other week is most useful because women especially can be prone to fluctuate a 1-3 lbs. daily.

2. Incorporate more exercise
Curt is not one to get a gym membership or do an organized sport so he decided to find other ways to exercise and sweat. Splitting and stacking 100 quarts of wood, helped him lose quite a bit a weight, he also gardened, walked more, and found different opportunities to be active.

3. Eliminate soda – Drank more water
He went from drinking 1-2 sodas a day to no soda in his diet. He has replaced most drinks with water and he and his wife are more conscious about how many grams of sugar are in juices.
Just 20 oz. of coke is about 240 calories and 65 grams of sugar. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says just 12 oz. of sugary soda can make us gain up to 15 lbs. a year.

4. Replace your sugar snacks
Curt used to have donuts with the guys at break or a candy bar and soda. Now he brings a bottle of water, sea salt nuts and a yogurt. He has this every day and says the yogurt has really helped his digestion.

5. Increase fiber
Every night Curt and his wife have a big salad with their dinner. It’s a tradition Curt’s wife Lisa’s parents have done for more than 30 plus years and they are healthy 87 year olds. In addition, the food choices they make like switching to a marble rye bread have more fiber in them.

6. Cut portion sizes
Curt is no longer stuffing himself and has cut his portions. For example the Marble rye bread they get from Wegmans is bigger so he will cut it in half and make a sandwich from one piece of bread.

Lisa, Curt’s wife, says before Curt started eating better he would have nights he’d have to sleep on the couch because his stomach would be off, now he sleeps so much better, his digestion and energy are improved and no more nights on the couch.

Curt has also noticed that when he started taking the fish oil his joint stiffness improved.  And his doctor was so impressed with Curt’s weight loss and blood test results he said he wished all his patients could be as determined as Curt.

Do you want to lose, 10 -25lbs.? You can! These are some simple things you can start doing too. Remember, Curt lost 25 lbs. and he still enjoys an occasional treat, drinks beer, and lives life, you don’t have to be perfect to lose weight. Follow some of these simple steps and see how your body responds.

If you don’t see any improvement in your health and weight loss efforts after 6 weeks or you find yourself at a plateau, send me a note in the Comment Section below and I will recommend some Total Wellness products that can help you get over the hump.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

Oct 24
0

7 Days of Juice Fasting – Almost

By | Colon cleansing, Dr Mary Starr, Losing Weight, Master cleanse, Mind and Soul, Nutritional Supplements, Total Wellness, Weight Loss, Wellness Coaching | 29 Comments

7 Days of Juice Fasting – Almost 

By Dr. Mary Starr Carter

So I am writing this on the 7 ½ day of my almost Juice Fasting. As some of you know I had been recently inspired by the movie “Fat, Sick and Almost Dead”.  Although I had done several different cleansing and fast I had never done juices.  My husband and I had been getting colds much more frequently than usual, gained some weight, and just felt overall “yucky”.   So we both committed to do it.

Reboot is a term used in the movie to rest the body from solid foods and fortify with high dosages of nutrition from freshly juiced vegetables and fruits.

Reboot Tip #1:   Having a partner to do your cleanse or fast with helps you stay motivated. 

The Saturday before our cleanse my husband decides we need to eat pepperoni pizza since will be fasting soon.  I am tired and hungry and give in to 3 slices and some fried mushrooms.  Although I knew already this wasn't a good idea I would soon feel why in the next few days.

Reboot Tip #2:  Eat light before your fast for at least several days or longer.   Light meaning no starch breads, pasta, or pizza, no dairy, no sugar, no alcohol, or even meat, It does mean eat lots of veggies, fruits, healthy soups to get your fiber intake high.  This tip will help the transition to cleansing be much easier.

I didn't spend a lot of time investigating what kind of juicing I was going to do I just knew I was going to do mostly GREEN juices meaning more veggies than fruits.  The cost of about 3 days of groceries for both of us was about $75 with a few organic veggies like carrots and apples and the rest non-organic. 

Reboot Tip #3:  Decide on your recipes and get your food buying done in advance. Know where you can purchase the produce you will need.  For some of us it may be a 15-45 minute trip to get organic veggies and some will not be in season. Plan your time accordingly.

Day 1:   We start juicing and Jay can't stand the Mean Green juice with Ginger and refuses to drink it.  He starts juicing his own drinks including apple and lemon, apple and carrot and things like that. I am braver and even make a tomato juice with garlic. 

Day 2:  My throat is burning and my skin yeast gets in full flare even though I am only having like 1 apple or less per drink.  I am a little stiff and achey and a bit spacey.  Jay turns into a gorilla Tuesday morning most likely because he is not having juices regularly maybe 3 a day and letting 6-8 hrs go by in between drinks. Jay and I both continue.

Reboot Tip #4:  You must do your juices or shakes every few hours especially in the beginning. A minimum of 3-6 20 ounce juices a day.

Day 3:  I realize that because of the yeast in my system that just juicing even veggies will not be good for me so I add a protein shake.   We both do 3 shakes and 3 juices today. Jay is a lot less irritable and I feel kind of good except I am not pooping.

Reboot Tip #5:  Juicing can spike blood sugar and cause a body that has some underlying yeast overgrowth to flare up. 

Day 4:  Jay's special protein shake and enzymes gets him to flush out a lot of old poop. He feels increased energy and stamina, but his cough from last week's cold is still hanging on.  His bloating in his gut is down and his face is thinner.  I feel good but still not having any significant bowel movements even with my cabbage juice.

Reboot Tip #6:  You have to get the poop out when doing any type of cleansing, fasting or juicing program. Not pooping will drain your energy, give you headaches, mental fogginess and just have for feeling yicky if those toxins can't get out.  If not pooping use Smooth move tea or Senna may be a good choice before and during your cleanse.

Day 5:  I feel good and get my colon moving some but decide to go do an Infrared Sauna to sweat the toxins out for 45 minutes.  Boy do I start stinking in that sauna, those toxins really start coming out. Today I notice a difference in my face thinner but also my complexion is clearer.  I even go out to Tim Horton's to meet friends and have no cravings for breads or sugar. I have energy all the way until midnight.

Jay is back to juicing only once a day and maybe one shake so he is feeling not so good.  His sinuses are very congested again and he has a cough.

Reboot Tip #7:  Infrared Saunas, Lite exercise, Chiropractic, Foot Detox, Raindrop Therapies are all good to do when cleansing to help release toxins out of your system.

Day 6:  I feel really good and get a juice and a shake in before a day of cleaning and heavy lifting.  I can't believe the energy I have.  Although I forget to bring any shakes, juices or water so at noon I eat a pear that was there. I feel pretty dehydrated by 6pm but still lots of energy. I have released 9lbs.

Jay warms up some beans around noon and eats 2 servings of beans that day. He lost 12 lbs.

Day 7:  I have no desire to make another veggie juice because every time I drink one my throat gets irritated so I am deciding that I will just have protein shakes and a little light food. I enjoy a shake this morning and eat a little sweet potato.

Reboot Tip #8:  Coming off a cleanse is just as important as starting if not more.  

Jay's cough is really bad now.  Sunday after church we find ourselves on the road to show a property we own in Syracuse NY and Jay decides he is going to get a Five Guys hamburger and Fries, I tell him I am not going to eat meat for a while but I still have a few of his French fries.  He finishes his fries and is full and decides to save the burger until later.  When he eats his burger (protein, bread and heavy food his body isn't used to having) he can't keep his eyes open and goes to bed at 6pm that night.

 That night I cook a turkey breast for my son to have this week but end up eating over a cup of it.  I didn't feel hungry but I definitively craved something that must be in turkey.  I guess I am officially done with fasting. I can't even fall back into a Daniel Fast now. 

Did this Juice Fasting make Jay's cold worse?  No, his actions of not drinking water or juicing regular or even have shakes regular led to that in my opinion. 
But overall this was a really good experience for both of us. We feel good and have broken sugar habits and shrunk our stomachs. We are motivated to continue to eat smaller portions, liter foods, and exercise more regularly.  

I realize that juice fasting is not the right place for me and most of my clients to start when trying to rest and reboot our bodies. I pray that our story will be an encouragement to you. We are real people too who struggle with food. But we both were ready to REBOOT.  You can do it too even if it is a day to start with.  But I will share with you my favorite Reboot program which is safe and sooooooo much simpler is the 5 day Cleanse by Young Living.  It is easy to stick with and taste a lot better than the mean green juice with more benefits in my opinion.

The 5 day cleanse is the next thing we will do one to two times before the end of the year to solidify and continue our progress. 

Got Feedback? Please share your comments below. Your comments help us serve you better.

Dr. Mary Starr Carter is known as the Total Wellness Doc. She has been training individuals about Natural Health Solutions for over 13 years. She is trained as a Chiropractor and has studied under the world’s foremost leaders in natural medicine. She is a mother and a wife and has created a balanced and total wellness life for herself and thousands of her clients using her simple wholistic approach to health and wellness. Her coaching, classes and ebooks help clients with Fibromyalgia, Hormone and Adrenal issues, Asthma, Diabetes, Weight problems, Thyroid and Chronic pain find resources and solutions to better health.

 

 

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.


Oct 20
0

Fat Sick and Nearly Dead

By | Body, Losing Weight, Master cleanse, Mind and Soul, Nutritional Supplements, Total Wellness, Weight Loss, Wellness Coaching | 4 Comments

 

My husband and I pulled out the scale after vacation to see the numbers once again go up. He gained 10Lbs and I gained 5% bodyfat.. AGGGHHH.  We both have realized we have allowed ourselves to slowly gain weight, get out of shape, and begin a spiral of POOR HEALTH. Extra weight on our body before the holiday season and winter is not good. Did you know the average American puts on 11lbs between October 31st – January 1st and 5-10lbs during winter months?  

Don't get me wrong I love the holidays and I love vacations with my family. At my amazing Southern Cooking Mother- In-laws home good food is always around along with not so good food. I can always start my vacation saying no to desserts and then by mid week I have one of these decadent desserts and that's it…. It is all over. By the end of vacation I don't care what it tastes like I just want sugar and bread.

Vacations aren't bad for us we all need time away, we all need days we can just break loose of food restrictions and eat sugar, breads, soda and so on, but it's when we continue this trend after the holidays that things get bad. Constantly eating and drinking junk foods will lead to a junky body. Below is a trailer from the movie Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead I think it would be worth your time to watch it for free on www.hulu.com or rent it.

Let me know what you think below in the comments section.   My husband and I were both motivated to start a REBOOT.  In Monday's Blog I will share with you what our results were and what may be the best way to start for you.

 

 


Oct 03
0

Infrared Sauna and Your Total Wellness

By | Body, Chronic Illness, Losing Weight, Master cleanse, Mind and Soul, Weight Loss | 2 Comments

Infrared Sauna and Your Total Wellness
By Dr. Mary Starr Carter

The body accumulates toxins just from everyday breathing, eating and living.  The less movement and exercise we get the less our bodies can eliminate these toxins.  Sweating is very good for us because it is nature’s way of removing toxins from the body.  But think about how often do you really sweat?  

Once a week, once a month…..  Never ….

Sweating is a great way to get and stay healthy.

Verda Jones found Far Infrared to be very healing for her arthritis pain condition in her hands and back.
“The thing that I can tell instantly is the pain relief during and after the sauna…”

I recently visited Jones Health Essentials after seeing Verda Jones in April for the birth of my son in NY. She was slim, fit and about 10lbs lighter. I asked her “what have you been doing?”  She said well everyday she was sweating outside in her garden and then 3 times a week she walked for 20 minutes on her treadmill and laid on her Far Infrared Bio Mat for 30 minutes.

The Biomat is a mat that contains Far Infrared technology along with Ion and Mineral technology to super charge it and create even more of a relaxing feeling.  She says the BioMat really helps her relax when she is stressed.  Well the result was 10lbs released, a lot less pain, better health and about 5 years more youthfulness in her skin and face as I observed her.

Here are some keys, how Far Infrared Heat, Mats and Saunas work:
(This information is not meant to diagnose and prescribe; it is taken from the literature received with the BioMat, and Infrared Sauna.) :

Strengthens the cardiovascular system

Deep Far Infrared penetration (up to 1.5 inches some literature says 6-8 inches)

Detoxifies heavy metals, hydrocarbon residues, alcohol, nicotine, sodium and cholesterol.

Helps purify fat cells, burns calories and controls weight.

Improves and clears cellulite.

Most effective way in burning calories. Burns up to 500 calories in one full session.

Effective for treating sprains, muscles spasms, and joint stiffness: relieves aches and pains.

Improves you immune system by sweating at a lower more comfortable temperature than a conventional hot sauna. Increases overall health and resistance to disease.

Sharpens senses and relieves stress, leaving you felling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Improves skin within a few minutes. Helps scars and burns.
Acne, psoriasis, and eczema conditions will also improve.
(I agree with this one. My skin was so soft after this treatment)

The Infrared Sauna stimulates endorphins of the brain and kills organisms like bacteria and parasites.

Increases blood flow

Destroys cancer and viral cells without harming surrounding healthy cells.  (Harvard Med School)

Now this is very interesting because Nancy Weber, a good friend and colleague in Young living Essential Oils, told me just this week that in July, she was struggling with Lyme’s disease and using Essential oils to help her condition.  When she started using her Young Living oils along with her Saunas she started getting quicker and more dramatic results.  “The Far Infrared sauna drives the oils in much deeper”   When I saw her for the first time in 2 years she looked 10 years younger.  I couldn’t believe it, even after her terrible summer.

So enhance your infrared sauna with Young Living essential oils before your treatment.  Don’t forget that you really need to take a shower in clean chlorinated free water after your sauna to wash off the toxins.

So far during my vacation I have only done one Sauna treatment and 2 Biomat treatments.  My skin and face are clear and smooth; I got rid of a headache with the treatments and feel really refreshed.  I LOVE Far Infrared Treatments.

If you struggle with Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Cancer, or an Autoimmune Condition you may want to invest in a Sauna.  It may be the piece of health puzzle you are missing.

Please share your comments below. Your comments help us serve you better.

 

 

Dr. Mary Starr Carter is known as the Total Wellness Doc. She has been training individuals about Natural Health Solutions for over 13 years. She is trained as a Chiropractor and has studied under the world’s foremost leaders in natural medicine. She is a mother and a wife and has created a balanced and total wellness life for herself and thousands of her clients using her simple wholistic approach to health and wellness. Her coaching, classes and ebooks help clients with Fibromyalgia, Hormone and Adrenal issues, Asthma, Diabetes, Weight problems, Thyroid and Chronic pain find resources and solutions to better health.

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

Aug 22
0

What is your Biggest Setback to Losing Weight?

By | Losing Weight, Sugar Addiction, Total Wellness, Wellness Coaching | 5 Comments
 
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST
SETBACK TO LOSING WEIGHT?


By Dr. Mary Starr Carter


Recently we surveyed over 50 women who struggle or have struggled with weight loss. All types of women responded to our Question including young women in their 20's to women in their 70's. Moms of eight children, woman Business owners and even some actresses and singers. Their responses were genuine and awakening. Read on and see if you agree. I think some of the answers will shock you.


Food: Over 25% of the women surveyed named food as a specific reason why they couldn't release the weight.

I love food          Sugar          chips   chocolate

 
I enjoy food alcohol portion control
 
 
Milk Chocolate and Southern Cooking
 
 

Environment. It is more difficult to stay on track when surrounded by those who are not on the same eating plan. Family meal times- cooking 2 different meals all the time. when society all around you- bombarded by messages that do not coincide with your own decision to eat healthy. Not just eating at a restaurant, but ANY social event often involves food. To stay on track- I must plan, plan, plan ahead and bring something of your own to share, or eat well before I go out!


My response : Yes food is a culprit in the majority of weight release and maintenance. Many individuals can go on diets like South Beach, the HcG diet, Medi-Fast and lose the weight. But unless followed by a maintenance plan or an actual change in their lifestyle when it comes to food, including portions, they will gain the weight back slowly or rapidly.

Also many woman with thyroid insufficiency or digestive issues will need specific nutritional supplementation to even take off 5lbs. We discuss more details at http://www.thetotalwellnessdoc.com/thyroid-dysfunction 


Exercise: 25% of those surveyed said lack of exercise was contributing to their weight problem.


I'm in too much pain to exercise I sit all day on my job.

Not enough exercise
 
I do go to the gym but not as often as I should.



My response: Yes for Total Wellness we must exercise. Most programs that only address food will work better and help create lasting results with exercise. But there is a catch. The type of exercise you do is very important.


For pain clients must start with something that they can do. Swimming is ideal even though chlorinated pools are not so good for the thyroid gland and can hinder weight release. (We give specifics of how to fight chlorine in our 5-20lbs Weight loss Webinar http://www.thetotalwellnessdoc.com/thyroid-dysfunction)


But let me share something specific for those of you exercising and can't seem to lose weight. #1 Make sure you are not going over your calorie ceiling. A great resource for this is Spark People . On that website you can create a weight release goal and it can calculate your calorie limits for the day. Then you just enter them in. Most smart phones will allow you to download this app for free and it makes it much easier to keep track.


#2 For optimal weight release and TOTAL WELLNESS you must exercise Aerobically 30 minutes or more 3 times a week. The best weight loss aerobic exercises uses interval training to your max if you have been okayed by your doc to do so. In addition you also must strength train 30 minutes or more 3 times a week as well. As I have stated before Chalene Extreme is my favorite program for incorporating both the Aerobic and Strength Training necessary to release the weight. ( I have to brag I already released 13% body fat.)


Will Power, Energy and I'm to busy : About another 15% named Will Power, lack of energy or I'm too busy as why they were struggling.

 
I also have a problem with finding that "will power".


Staying in "the zone" for a length of time. A big trigger with this is getting too busy to prepare healthy meals consistently and then making excuses why no time exercise
Willpower (sugar) Energy and great attitude!

    I can eat well in relatively good portions – but can't seem to get the energy up to exercise.


    My response: Lack of energy could be the result of something else going on in the body like lack of a specific nutrition need, a thyroid issue, or toxic liver.  
     
    Great mentors taught me the following quotes :

     

    There are reasons and results and the reasons don't matter.


    Excuses are well planned lies.


    We all have excuses of why we can't. But for every excuse you give me I can show you someone in your same exact situation or worse who can. What is the difference? One makes the choice, action and commitment to change the other stays stuck. Sorry, but let's get real. You don't because you don't, not because the kids take up all your time, you don't have the money, you don't have the time. There are solutions to everything including low energy, no time, and no desire. I wrote an article called Support Systems that can help you see some situations that might help you find solutions thought support and delegation. Make the choice. I know you can do it. Remember we will all fall off the wagon, have good weeks and bad, but if you keep with it you raise yourself to an amazing level of Total Wellness.



    Emotions, Self Image, Self Esteem, Body Image

    this category was mentioned by more than 60% of the women polled.


    my emotions, I eat for every one of them and I am emotional!

    I am constantly calling myself fat. I know my self esteem is my biggest block.

    holding onto past thoughts, ideas, beliefs. Also weight is a safety net.

    changing my body image, the way I think about myself.


    My Biggest challenge: Is always the fluctuation in self esteem that effects the drive to loose weight and therefore setting back progress or accelerating it… When the weight is gone: I'm happy and happy with myself … (sad but true) I have recently come to this conclusion and started focusing on my self esteem instead 🙂 which effects my weight naturally


    My response: WOW!!! I can't add more to this than those responses. Working with hundreds of clients I see this all to often where we will make progress with a client and then they plateau or fall back. Until they are willing to break through past hurts, junk in the trunk, release anger or pain, and embrace forgiveness healing and weight release stop happening.


    Lastly I would like to share this comment from a woman who has recently addressed the emotional and spiritual blocks in her life and released 20lbs.


    "When a person is ready to let go of the emotional and spiritual blocks in their lives, the weight will go away, they will want to get up and move and the will have energy and health and well being. After much time and effort and willingness of spirit I can say now I am ready to achieve and live my most healthy life."


    Interesting how she and many others will have the weight just FALL OFF when they address Emotional and Spiritual roots. Emotional pain can be obvious or not, but many times Spiritual Injury is overlooked. We are Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual beings. My opinion is God made us that way and it is foolish to think that we can have lasting weight release, Total Wellness, and healing without addressing all three.



    This my friend Rachel Jones before and after addressing all three components is finding weight release, Total Wellness and happiness.

     

    I pray that you will make the choice to look your biggest challenge in the face and ATTACK.

    To know more about Rachel's story and many more go to  www.http://www.thetotalwellnessdoc.com/thyroid-dysfunction

     

    Let us know what your biggest set back to weight release is. Please leave a comment in the comment section below.  

     

     

     

    Dr. Mary Starr Carter has worked with thousands of clients from terminally ill and chronic diseases to those who are healthy and want vibrant health.  She has counseled hundreds of families who had given up hope find simple safe solutions. Known as the Total Wellness Doc she looks at all aspects of health to help someone overcome disease.    She specializes in difficult cases like Fibromyalgia,  Hormone and Adrenal issues, Asthma, Diabetes and Chronic pain.

     

    We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

    Jul 21
    0

    The Middle Miles of your Health Recovery of Health Program

    By | Losing Weight, Mind and Soul, Total Wellness, Wellness Coaching | One Comment

    The Middle Miles of your Health Recovery of Health Program

    By Dr. Mary Starr Carter

    Remember when you start a new exercise program or a diet plan how you are so excited in the beginning.  You are motivated, committed and you feel like nothing is going to stop you. The same thing happens for many of our clients when they start a Wellness Coaching. Once we find some answers and make some changes most everyone will FEEL BETTER.  And then time goes by and they are still feeling 30-60% better than before but then they hit what I like to call the MIDDLE MILES. 

     

    The Middle Miles can be found in Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Recovery, any type of Rehab, Exercise Programs, and Diet Plans.  They are this period of time when the newness and excitement goes away, boredom and weariness might set in, and we can easily lose our focus and fall off track.  It is a time for Fibromyalgia Recovery where you can have forgotten how you could barely walk up the stairs without having to take a nap afterwards and now that you have some energy you are frustrated you don't have more.    You may even feel like you are going backwards because you are not getting well fast enough.   In the Middle Miles of a Diet or Exercise Plan you may get bored or something happens that throws you off track.   Things like you sprain an ankle, or your mother in law comes to visit for a month and these are your excuses to not exercise or not eat according to your plan.  But I am here to tell you …. the MIDDLE MILES can be the FUN and FABULOUS.  Here are 5 tips to stay on Track with your health. 

     

    1)   Give Yourself Grace.    I understand that you may need to see the Chiropractor every week or eat certain foods at specific times of day, or exercise a certain routine every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, but life will happen expect it too. And when you can't do those things Give yourself some Grace. Be lenient with yourself and don't beat yourself up.   Just shake the dust from your shoes and move on.  No one is perfect and you won't be either.

    2)   Make it FUN.  Although things like Colon Cleansing, Yeast Free Diets, or P90X programs may not sound fun your attitude and some simple planning could make them fun.  If you like to cook pick up some new cookbooks for Yeast Free eating or your eating plan and go to town. Invite friends to join you or be your team mate on your health program.  If you are cleansing and in the bathroom alot set up your favorite show reruns on your smart phone, or book on tape. 

    3)   The Middle Miles need  REWARDS.  Some of us are motivated by the Challenge and Prize, others by the Fun and Friends, others by the Good they feel.  Whatever your motivation decide what REWARDS you will get in the Middle miles and stick too it.  For example, some clients who are on restrictive eating programs will make sure they have a massage of Raindrop Technique planned for their Middle miles every week or every couple of weeks.  Some clients allow themselves 1 FREE meal a week or 1 FREE day a month.  A FREE day is a day where they can eat whatever they want with NO GUILT.   It could be a pedicure or the purchase of a book you have wanted to read.  For us mommies it could be a  5 hours of Solitude, or a Day at the SPA.  Just Remember Rewards need planning.

    4)   Use Aromatherapy:  Studies show that the sense of smell has a direct connection to our emotional center. This means when you smell certain smells they can make you happy. So oils like Peace and Calming or Joy oil can be used as a perfume so you smell a feel great throughout the day.  Or Peppermint could be diffused in the kitchen if you are on a diet.  Peppermint has been scientifically proven to tell your brain your full. 

    5)   Expect Success:  Sometimes when I consult with a chronically ill client, someone who has been sick for many years or months and has tried everything they have an attitude that “this is not going to work”.   I have to deny clients consulting because I know if they think in their minds this is not going to work then it is not going to work for them.   So no matter how many times you have tried other weight loss programs, or exercise classes, or supplements to get out of pain DON'T GIVE UP, and DON'T EXPECT FAILURE.

     

    So remember plan for the middle miles.  No that you are going to lapse but when you do have Grace and get back up.  Have specific Rewards that will help you Stay on Track. Make it Fun to be in the Middle miles and use things like Aromatherapy.   And lastly expect and have an attitude of Success.

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    Dr. Mary Starr Carter has worked with thousands of clients from terminally ill and chronic diseases to those who are healthy and want vibrant health.  She has counseled hundreds of families who had given up hope find simple safe solutions. Known as the Total Wellness Doc she looks at all aspects of health to help someone overcome disease.    She specializes in difficult cases like Fibromyalgia,  Hormone and Adrenal issues, Asthma, Diabetes and Chronic pain.

     

    We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.