Part 2 of a 4 Part Series: How to Transform Your Mid-Section in Just 12 Weeks
- Apr 7, 2014
- 6 min read
Given all of today’s amenities, why do we still possess a natural tendency to run away from diet and exercise or make it so overly complicated? There may be no magic formula or potion for weight loss but it isn’t outside of one’s reach despite genetic inheritance in set-points. What it boils down to are the ABC’s of daily living.
Accountability to one’s self,
Belief that hard work pays dividends, and
Commitment to healthy living.
Basic principles that we often lose sight of under chronic stress due to competing demands and modern-day conveniences which tempt us to stray from ambitions no matter how determined we were at the break of day. After putting in a long, hard day’s work, it’s much too hard to resist temptations of simply pulling up to a drive through window or stopping at your local convenience store and filling up on your favorite fast food items without much downtime or fruits of labor involved.
But as the old adage goes, “You get out of something what you put into it” and by now you’ve already learned one of life’s biggest lessons, which is nothing is for free without hidden charges or a little blood, sweat, and tears involved. What it boils down to is lifestyle choice and prioritizing the competing demands of ones world to realize such goals. Until you break the cycle and commit to healthy living once and for all, you will continue to struggle with weight management and the physical and psychological effects of yo-yo dieting.
What is standing in your way? Battling substance abuse? Seek help. There are people and organizations out there that do care; it’s just a matter of finding the right resources and reaching out for help. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) has been a valuable resource for millions of people struggling with addiction offering education as well as support to those needing assistance. Call the HOPE LINE today at 1-800-622-2255 as hope is never light years away. You can realize your dreams and aspirations no matter what the odds or statistics are against recovery. Make sobriety your first priority.
So what is the no frills, no nonsense approach to weight loss? Everything in moderation. Yes, it really is that simple. If you deprive yourself of that slice of carrot cake around the holidays or friend’s birthday party, you’ll find yourself ending the night early while stopping at the nearest 7-Eleven and grabbing every starchy-sugary substance in sight and binging the night away. So have that slice of carrot cake, just don’t go for seconds or grab the largest piece on the serving table just because it’s pre-cut. Cut it in half and share it with the person behind you. They’ll appreciate the gesture and you might just make a new friend in the process.
There’s no need to fixate on calories either if you’re eating a balanced and nutritious whole-food diet in the form of fresh greens, fruits, grains (click here to learn about Celiac Disease and gluten free cooking), legumes, nuts, and fresh fish or seafood (click here to learn about mercury toxicity), which are all naturally low in fat (or heart healthy essential fatty acids) and caloric intake whether eating in moderation or abundance. Whole foods not only pack a punch in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants improving one’s overall health and quality of life by reducing chronic inflammation [a precursor to the onset of chronic disease and epigenetic changes linked to cancer] but it also strengthens your immune system while boosting metabolism inducing organic weight loss.
One of the many benefits of incorporating whole foods into your diet is that you’ll be getting plenty of fiber, key nutrients, and hydration your body needs to function properly and ward of disease. So say goodbye to constipation, lethargy, and sleepless nights while spending less on dietary supplements stowed away in your kitchen cabinet. Did you know that more than half of U.S. adults are popping vitamins and supplements to the tune of $27 billion dollars making the US Vitamin and Supplement Manufacturing Industry one of the largest revenue makers? Yes, you are contributing to someone else’s wealth as a result of poor eating habits. So why not put some of these dollars back into your own wallet by eating a balanced and nutritious whole-foods diet full of natural vitamins and minerals? Can’t afford to buy whole foods? How much are you spending annually on dietary supplements and health care costs?
Will you feel starved or battle food cravings by changing eating habits? Yes, in the beginning, as your body detoxifies from all the chemicals and additives you’ve acquired a strong taste for and addiction to. But over time, I can assure you that if you stick with it, not only will your palate change but you’ll have such a high abundance of energy that you won’t want to revert back to old eating habits or make poor food choices. Your stamina and endurance will increase, your appetite will decrease, and your body will produce less fat while burning more calories. With portion control your stomach will also shrink back to its normal size while feeling completely satisfied with less caloric intake because you’re giving your body the nutrients it craves.
Think of it as premium fuel for your race car’s high performance engine on the day of competition. After all, you wouldn’t dare put 87 octane in your car’s engine if you were serious about “winning” the Daytona 500. So why sabotage your odds of melting away those last few unwanted pounds from your mid-section in just 12 short weeks? To keep your metabolism firing all day, be sure to start your day off with a generous whole foods breakfast and mid-morning snack, followed by a heart healthy lunch, afternoon snack, and light dinner no later than 2-3 hours before bedtime. Still hungry? Wait 15 to 20 minutes and eat a banana or handful of spiced almonds to tame hunger pains. Or, sip on green tea full of antioxidants to rehydrate your body after a long, hard day’s work.
There are conflicting reports regarding water intake and hydration, so how much is enough? Contrary to popular belief, if you’re eating a balanced diet full of fresh fruits and greens, less may be more. Although it’s important to stay hydrated, one should exercise caution as to not go overboard depleting important electrolytes for critical bodily functions inducing water intoxication which can be life threatening. A good measure is a simple urine test. When your urine is clear you’re well hydrated. I drink on average between 30-60 ounces of spring water daily, sometimes less or more, depending on activity level, climate, and dietary intake.
Your assignment in this 4-part series is to slowly begin changing your palate introducing whole foods into your diet while allowing your body time to repair itself and detoxify from all the chemicals and additives you’ve acquired a strong taste for and addiction to. Headaches may be prevalent while in a state of detoxification but don’t be discouraged as this should subside in a few days provided you have the discipline and will power to fight off addiction. I would advise beginning such a regimen on a weekend or at a time when you can get plenty of rest at least in the first few days of detoxification. You should see drastic improvement in stamina in 2-weeks.
Next, we’ll discuss an effective exercise regimen involving some perspiration on your part in the privacy of your own home or nearest recreational trail in accelerating weight loss. Time to get off that sofa and stop sulking over celebrity fitness when such physique is within your own reach through focused effort and dedication.
I’ll also be sharing some of my favorite recipes to help induce organic weight loss and detoxification. It’s the combination of a balanced diet full of wholesome foods and daily exercise that induces healthy weight loss.
Will you commit today to healthy living?
Journal Source: http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/04/13/supplements.dietary/index.html http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_intoxication
General Disclaimer: This series is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a qualified physician, pharmacist, or other health care professional before starting any diet or exercise plan, or adopting any homeopathic remedy, treatment plan, or before taking any nutritional supplement(s) suggested by this website or linkages. NOMDEPLUMESTUDIO.COM is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other health-care profession. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical condition.
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