It seems to be a universal feeling among women.  We all want to lose a few pounds, especially around our middle.  Although our desire for a trimmer waist is usually all about our looks, a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine states the larger your waist, regardless of your weight, the greater your risk of dying from cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease.

I’m not going to tell you about a crash diet to lose weight or other gimmicks.  The simple truth is there’s no one quick fix.  It’s about living a healthy lifestyle.  It’s learning to eat well, move well, breathe well and sleep well.

While many people think they need to exercise themselves into exhaustion to make progress, that’s going about it the wrong way.  Exercise is important, but it’s only one fourth of the equation.

JUST SAY NO TO SUGAR

Let’s face it… sugar is addictive.   It starts a vicious cycle.  The more you eat it, the more you want it. Insulin levels go up, and your body stores more fat.  That’s because insulin is “the fat storing hormone.”

In the beginning you may find it difficult to go completely without sugar.  So I recommend eating a lower glycemic diet, which means never eating a sugary sweet by itself.  Always have some protein first.  Eating protein first will help your body burn fat.  That’s because protein stimulates glucagon, “the fat-burning hormone.”
Other ways to lower the glycemic index is to avoid gluten and processed foods.  Try it and see if you don’t notice a reduction in your stomach.

EAT THE RIGHT FATS

Most people take some form of Omega-3 for heart health.  But you may not know this healthy fat also helps with weight loss by switching on enzymes that actually trigger fat burning.  Plus Omega-3’s help improve mood.  I like using a pharmaceutical grade fish oil by Zone Labs.

Olive oil, nuts and seeds have all been shown to increase fat burning.  They also help reduce appetite and keep blood sugar steady, while helping you slowly lose weight.

POLYPHENOLS TO THE RESCUE

Polyphenols are nature’s weight loss pump.  They’re found in superfoods such as green tea, apples, blueberries, artichokes, broccoli, celery, garlic and cocoa.
Drinking 2-4 cups of green tea a day can be very effective for long term weight loss.  Or if drinking that much isn’t your thing, you can take a green tea extract supplement.

Making the right choices can be powerful. You can improve your energy, mind, muscles and mood while losing weight in the process.  It’s my personal mission to help you be all that you can be.
If you would like to know more about which foods support your unique metabolism, call 817-683-9045 to schedule a “Metabolic Typing” consultation.  With the knowledge of your unique metabolism and the foods that enhance it, you’ll discover it’s possible to have a body you love.