Getting into Shape for SummerDid you know that Australians spend more than 700
million dollars per year on weight loss?
I find this truly amazing because it you look at statics we seem to be
increasing in size every year too. It
was not that long ago that clothing manufacturers decided to change the basic
sizing that all companies adhere to so that a size 12 became a size 10, a size
10 an 8 etc. It was to literally keep
the truth from consumers and allow then to continue shopping believing they
were the same size as 10 years ago. The theory
being if you fit into a small size you are more likely to buy it.
So why is it that the majority of us are unable to maintain
our weight? Well firstly the giant
hamburger and mammoth pizza that is on “special” distorts our perception of
what is a normal size serving for us. A
lean protein portion should be the same size and thickness as our palm. We also seem to be time poor when it comes to
cooking nutritious meals filled with protein, vitamins and minerals. Especially at breakfast; which as our
Grandmothers told us, needs to be the most important meal of the day.
Regular exercise has also slowed down. I find there are two main groups – the Gym
junkie that goes every day first thing in the morning before breakfast. Sadly all they do is lose muscle mass. Then we have the no time, too cold, cannot be
bothered type who considers a brisk walk something that is only important for
some-one else to do. Thankfully there
are still quite a few who are happy to gently exercise regularly and seem to be
the ones that reap the most benefits.
So what about those people that do all the right
things i.e. protein breakfast and lunch, regularly protein snacks, a light
evening meal, exercise and still are unable to lose the kilos. Generally this is because they are not
burning their fats stores effectively.
This can be caused by high free fatty acids, inflammation and/or
oxidative stress. In other words
something else may be going on that is not allowing you to lose weight – your
body’s way of protecting you.
Metabolic rates and energy levels are governed by
mitochondrial production and can become compromised if not supported with the
correct B vitamins, magnesium, calcium and carnitine. Get these nutrients right and there will be
an improvement. Then we have
thermogenesis which is the increase in fat burning which may also promote
abdominal fat loss. However living in warm climates, heated offices, homes and
cars suppress our thermogenic ability.
When
you eat a large meal, you often start to feel warm. This is called diet-induced
thermogenesis. It means that we are going to need more energy to digest this
food than the energy it contains. Responsibility
for this is brown fat tissue. As we grow older, this system tends to slow
down. There are
plenty of products around that claim they can promote this action but beware of
any product containing whey as these may actually block lymph nodes and create
another set of problems. Simply things
like green tea, cocoa, calcium, sweet pepper, bitter orange all assist with
thermogenesis.
Anti-appetite medication targets neurotransmitters
which may decrease carbohydrate cravings but can upset our brains natural
ability to respond as needed in other areas.
What we can use is will power and that has absolutely no cost or side
effects.
Over the years I have discovered that each person is an
individual with differing needs. Often
it is a sluggish thyroid, sleep depravation, emotional baggage, a lack of self
esteem or their subconscious providing self protection. These issues slowly allow them to become
tired and over weight. It is also
important to remember that the body has a memory and just because it is summer
does not necessarily mean it wants to be lured from its safety zone.
Plan your meals in advance and never go shopping when
you are hungry. Clean out your pantry –
if it is not there you won’t want it.
Instead of meeting friends for coffee and cake meet for a walk. When eating out order an entrée size meal and
use lemon juice and oil as a substituted for many sauces especially the creamy
ones.
Deborah Rugari N.D.
Naturopath
The House of Healing
62 Dulwich Avenue
Dulwich 5065
South Australia
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