Weight Loss Steps – (1st in our series)
I am so delighted to see many of you revisiting your Weight Loss goals. So to help you get back on track and in to the swing of it all, I thought I’d write a little series this month termed the 10 Steps to Weight Loss as I see it. As many of you know, I have been helping thousands of clients lose weight since the year 1999, with great results. I am more than delighted to help you or a friend get what they want for themselves regarding their health and weight loss goals. Do ring 03 9879 9596 to discuss.
Step Number 1. Rule out any Medical health issues.
It is a well known fact that there are health issues that result in substantial weight gain. There are also those that make losing weight difficult.
It is wise to rule out problems with the Thyroid gland; to deal with Stress effectively; to make sure the Liver is in tip top shape; and manage Insulin Resistance. These can all result in weight gain. We can see if any of these are a possible problem at your first consultation should you not already be aware of it.
We all know that certain medications can result in substantial weight gain as well. And it goes without saying that excessive weight gain will inevitably result in serious health issues.
Depending on how toxic your body is and how bad (sorry to say) your diet is, you may have to proceed a bit more cautiously. For instance, you may be advised to first eliminate certain foods and control your yearning for the damaging food. Many of you may proclaim that you do not have enough willpower for this. If this is the case we will provide you with herbal or other supplements to support your craving. Many of these act like magic, and before you know it, you will be pulling up your nose at sweets, chips, fatty food cream doughnuts, or whatever your favourite damaging food is.
A Spring Detox is really the thing if you have been eating stodgy stews, fatty soups and rich desserts to help you stay warm this past winter. With it normally comes an extra tummy roll that makes you feel as though you are reaching over a tyre every time you bend down.
Don’t worry! Just proceed, decide that today’s the day to start getting into shape for summer. I have the happy clients with those fantastic results and invite you to be one too. As they say, ‘the more, the merrier’. Look forward to chatting to you about this, so remember to ring me. 03 98799596
Many people are “feeling” the cold with comments like: “It’s been a while since it’s been this cold” and “It’s like winter used to be”… being common comments.
Others seem to be feeling the effects more strongly and feel a bit down as well. If you are one of them and feel less than yourself each day, especially on these cold winter mornings, you may be suffering from the “Winter Blues” or Seasonal Affective Disorder, “SAD”.
The “Winter Blues” or Seasonal Affective Disorder “SAD” is a well documented phenomenon which affects thousands of people each winter. Winter has the second highest reported cases of depression and suicide, second only to Christmas.
Symptoms of SAD include depression, decreased motivation, tearfulness or being easily saddened, and apathetic. Other changes in behaviour include, cravings for carbohydrate rich food (comfort foods) such as bread, pasta, potato etc, weight gain, withdrawal from social groups, isolation, constipation or other digestive symptoms.
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters for the brain. It leaves us feeling calm, happy and enthusiastic for life. Sunlight triggers the brain to release serotonin. So as the days shorten and we are exposed to less sunlight, the brain releases less serotonin leaving us apathetic and de-motivated. Coupled with decreased exercise and poor eating habits during the winter months, life is all a bit dark and gloomy.
Carbohydrate cravings can worsen throughout this time of the year due to the decreased serotonin production. Carbohydrate foods lead to a surge in serotonin leaving us feeling calmer. It also increases blood sugar giving us more energy. However, both of these increases are short lived and lead to a sudden decrease in serotonin and blood sugar. We then find ourselves feeling tired and sleepy, craving even more sugar. The subsequent weight gain is enough to depress anyone!
The good news is there is a lot which can be done to treat SAD or better still prevent if from occurring.
Some simple adjustments to your lifestyle can go along way in treating/preventing SAD.
- Exposing yourself to full sunlight for 10 – 20 minutes each day
- Regular exercise for 30 – 40 minutes, four to five times per week encourages the release of your bodies endorphins and lifts your mood and energy levels.
- A diet including low glycemic vegetables and fruits as well as lean protein with each meal. This will help stabilize blood sugar levels and feed the body the required amino acids for serotonin production.
- Therapeutic dosages of specific nutritional supplements may also be required to quickly increase serotonin levels.
If each Winter you gain a few extra kilos, have decreased motivation and then when Spring arrives and the sun begins to shine you feel so much happier and more energized, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder unnecessarily.
For more information and to discuss further treatment options contact us at : health@yourwellnesscentre.com.au
It could start with a sneeze or itchy, sore throat
So could it be a cold or the flu on its way? Normally not to much of a problem because they really don’t last that long. But, if you really have a busy week or some ”not to be missed social engagement” and you want to be on the safe side and do all you can to stop it coming, I normally advise clients to pop in as much Vitamin C as they can and then to top it up with Zinc.
By the way, Vitamin C taken to saturation point is advisable here. You’ll know this when your stools become a bit loose and then you simply go back to the previous dose. Research shows that you can go up to 12g vitamin C per day in divided doses. I’ve added an article for you below:
ARE YOU SICK OF CATCHING COLDS AND ‘FLUS?
Colds and ‘flus can strike at anytime, not just the dreaded winter season. The good news is you do not have to put up with runny noses, sinus pain, fevers, sore throats, coughs and generally feeling unwell. Now is the time to look at which natural supplements may help support your immune system.
Ask us for help with fighting colds and ‘flus.
Why Do We Get Colds and ‘Flus?
If you regularly catch colds and ‘flus you may have an imbalance in your immune system which may make you more susceptible to infections. A poor diet, nutritional deficiencies and/or a lack of exercise can all lead to these imbalances in your immune system. A strong immune system can help to protect you from potentially harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, by recognising and responding to them as a threat.
Viruses Can Cause Colds and ‘Flus
Contrary to popular belief, viruses cause colds and ‘flus – not bacteria. Viruses are minute infectious agents which invade and hijack your cells. The immune system recognises viruses as invaders and attempts to destroy them before they can invade your cells. If the immune system is out of balance however, it may not have the ability to destroy viruses and viral infections can occur. Common symptoms of viral infections include sore throat, fever and fatigue.
Herbs and Nutrients
If your immune system is struggling to defend you, don’t despair – Natural Medicines may help! Particular herbs and nutrients may help you to manage your cold and ‘flu symptoms naturally, as well as improving underlying immune imbalances. The following herbs and nutrients may be beneficial for fighting colds and ‘flus.
Speak to us about which herbs and nutrients may be of benefit for you.
Diet and Lifestyle Suggestions
There are dietary and lifestyle changes that you can make to strengthen your immune system to prevent colds and ‘flus, including:
• Eat a well balanced diet including fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, legumes and lean red meat.
• Reduce your intake of mucus forming foods such as dairy.
• Avoid foods low in nutrients that suppress the immune system, such as sugar, white flour products and alcohol.
• Drink at least 2 litres of filtered water every day.
• Exercise regularly.
• Ensure you are getting enough sleep.
Say Goodbye To Colds and ‘Flus
By making some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle and by taking the appropriate supplements, you can reduce your risk of catching colds and ‘flus. Speak to us about the best way to manage or prevent your colds and ‘flus naturally.
| Symptoms | Useful Herbs and Nutrients |
| Fever and sore throat | Andrographis |
| Productive cough | Aster, Pinellia, Magnolia, Cynanchum |
| Dry irritating cough | Licorice, Marshmallow, Fritillary, Dwarf lilyturf |
| Sinus congestion | Anti-microbial essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender and Thyme used in a sinus spray |
| Frequent colds and ‘flus | Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Probiotics |
