Weight Loss Tips

More than 66% of Americans are considered to be overweight or obese. Summer is a great time to put together a strategy for losing weight, although any time of year is a good time to lose weight as when body fat increases so does the risk for disease.

There are many reasons so many folks struggle with their weight:

1. Highly processed foods destroy enzymes needed for digestion of nutrients and fiber
2. Larger portions that restaurants serve encourage us to eat more
3. Many people eat only one good meal a day, which leads to snacking and overeating
4. Added chemicals can cause health issues and metabolic stagnation

Experts suggest we should eat 4-6 times per day (every 3-4 hours) and include fiber foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains to help keep blood sugar stable and food cravings to a minumum. And eating wholesome, nutritious foods also helps to provide enzymes and nutrients to help energy cycles work better, including the ability to burn fat.

It takes time to put on the pounds, and time to lose them. About 1/2 to 2 pounds per week is considered a safe rate of weight loss.

For healthy weight loss digestion and metabolism need to be working like clockwork. Things that will help to keep your system healthy and balanced include: Fiber helps to balance blood sugar, control hunger and keep the intestines clean and comes from plant foods like vegetables, beans, whole grains, fruits and seeds. Essential fats like Omega-3 and monunsaturated essential fats support healthy metabolism, blood sugar levels and feelings of fullness - try flaxseed oil or fish oil, fish and walnuts. Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria essential to intestinal health, thus digestion are a few of the crucial substances that will keep them ticking.

Additional tips for losing weight:

• Don't skip meals - if you do or don't eat enough or often enough, your metabolism will slow down and burn less fat and calories.
• Depriving yourself of certain foods makes it more likely you will binge on those things later because your body requires a balance of nutrients, including good fats and good carbohydrates.
• If you don't exercise your body may replace lost muscle with fat as you regain weight.
• Drink lots of water to battle hunger, keep cells and systems working properly and wash away toxins. Add lemon to aid digestion.
• Learn to destress as studies show that stress contributes to unhealthy weight patterns.(See Stress, Relaxation Techniques , Meditation , Breathing  Exercises)
• Choose low GI (glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food causes blood sugar levels to rise) foods and cooking methods.
• Eat less and chew more - overeating and not chewing enough inhibits digestion by limiting the effectiveness of stomach enzymes in breaking down food.

Thanks to Whole Foods for many of these great tips! www.WholeFoodsMarket.com.

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Send questions or comments to:  Andrea@HealWithHope.com