WRITTEN BY Dr. Stephanie Rubino, BSc. ND- 11 April 2012
Webber Naturals expert, Dr. Stephanie Rubino, discusses your 2012 Weight Loss Resolutions and asks, "Have You Given Up?"
My gym has not been busy for the last few weeks. The hustle I witnessed in January has disappeared. Where did everyone go? Have people given up on their weight loss resolutions already? It is not surprising if this is the case.
Motivation to accomplish new goals for the year tends to wane within a few weeks to a few months. Often times, this may occur for a variety of reasons: your resolution was too broad, your results did not occur fast enough, or your goals were unrealistic. But, whatever the reason, it’s never too late to make a commitment to yourself to start again and begin your journey on a weight management program. Creating a step by step program, like the one below, might be the best approach for you.
Step 1: Your Nutrition
Which areas in your daily diet need some attention? Do you need more fibre, protein, water, or good fats? Take the time to record everything you eat for one week - and be honest! Then evaluate and make sure you are doing the following:
- Eating breakfast every day and not skipping meals.
- Incorporating low glycemic carbohydrates such as brown rice, quinoa, and sweet potatoes.
- Consuming a source of protein at each meal, such as lean meats, fish, beans, lentils or nut butters.
- Drinking at least the equivalent of one-half your body weight in ounces each day.
- Eliminating saturated and trans fats, and adding healthy fats from nuts and different oils such as fish, olive and flaxseed.
- Practicing portion control: protein portions should be the size and thickness of your palm; vegetables should be equal to that of two loose fists; and carbohydrates should be the size of one clenched fist.
Step 2: Are You Moving?
Are you being physically active? If not, what obstacles are preventing you from achieving this? Remember, it’s all about movement. As the weather improves, it’s a great time to walk or run outdoors, take a bike ride, or dust off those rollerblades! All you have to do is find three 1-hour periods per week to be physically active. If you are still unsure of where to start, get some advice from a personal trainer or workout with a friend.
Step 3: Incorporate Natural Health Products
With the advice of your health care provider, you may consider using natural health products that have been shown to support weight management. Here are few products that you may want to consider to help you achieve your weight loss goals:
- PGX® Daily helps stop food cravings, reduces appetite and provides a lasting feeling of fullness so you eat less. PGX® slows the digestive process to help level out the "blood sugar rollercoaster" that can contribute to obesity, diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions. PGX® Daily is available as softgels and unflavoured granules, which can be mixed easily with moist foods such as soups, yogurt and cereal, or in water or juices.
- Green Tea may support weight management by increasing calorie and fat metabolism.
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) may increase metabolic rate, decrease abdominal fat and enhance muscle growth.
Remember, setting small and realistic goals is the best way to approach a weight management program. It is also important to make a plan. You may decide in week 1 you will drink an extra glass of water each day, and in week 2 you will start to jog three times per week. Set your plan and then evaluate your progress. Are you accomplishing each goal? If not, what is holding you back? Take the time to identify any obstacles you might be facing and determine how you can overcome them. It takes time and dedication, but the results will lead to a healthier you!
Image source: http://www.myfitwichita.com/the-new-weight-loss-resolution/
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This month is IBS Awreness Month, so for those of you who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, webber naturals would like provide you with some tips on how to help manage your symptoms.
