The Obesity Dilemma - Part 2

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“It’s great for people to be personally responsible, but we have to make it easy for them. We have to create an environment that facilitates responsibility.                                

                                                               ~ Marlene Schwartz

The Obesity Dilemma – Is there an Answer?
To echo the last part of our first blog on the obesity epidemic, at a certain point, a lack of hope is as much a cause or a shackle as the excess weight itself. And let’s be real, most times there are unresolved issues and emotional triggers that food seems to pacify in individuals who are afflicted by obesity. Again, one only needs to watch a few of the popular weight loss TV programs to understand this. Obviously we can’t tackle these types of issues here, other than to encourage personal responsibility in seeking professional help when and where it’s needed.
Since our theme here is hope and enablement, one can get free help with any and all emotional issues from The National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists (NACBT) @ 1-800-853-1135, or e-mail - nacbt@nacbt.org. With that out of the way, listen up - DIETS DON’T WORK. In case you didn’t hear us, diets do not work. Don’t frustrate yourself, probably again, by trying one. Remember, we’re offering hope here. It takes a directional change, one in which we start to incorporate changes in three areas: food intake, movement and supplementation.

Choices, Choices, and more Choices
Food intake needs to be based around lean proteins (eggs, meat, fish, minimal dairy products), fruits and vegetables (a rule on these and other carbohydrates - if it’s white, take flight, ie: bananas, corn, potatoes, etc.) in even ratio, and a couple of whole grain (sprouted grains are even better) complex carbohydrate servings/day of brown rice, bread, or pasta. Another rule that will serve us all well: if you eat a lean protein WITH any carbohydrate, the carbohydrates break down much slower into the sugar (glucose) that packs on pounds.

For those that don’t know, white or simple carbohydrates (bread, pasta, rice) turn into sugar nearly as fast as dumping sugar packets onto our tongue. Whole wheat carbohydrates turn into sugar slightly slower than white, but we are really looking for is WHOLE GRAIN (or sprouted grain complex carbohydrate) options that are the most complete and slowest converting, therefore the least damaging in packing on pounds.
Eating 5-6 times a day is advisable as this stokes up our metabolisms, assuming we are following the common sense rules and are practicing portion control. Do NOT use this 5-6 times a day eating rule to gorge yourself with crap! It is imperative to eat a good breakfast, balanced with a lean protein plus a complex carbohydrate, as this sets us up for success from the first meal of the day.
When shopping, try to plan ahead for meals as this will keep you from picking up the dangerous ‘quick fix’ or fast food meals and items that will sabotage your fitness efforts. Stay in the fresh food sections, avoiding processed foods like the plague. Cook more than you need and use leftovers effectively, or freeze the extra food for another day.

Movement is of course exercise, but this is to our own ability and a little beyond. For example, if just getting off the couch is now your form of exercise, then start walking. If you can walk easily, alternate walking and jogging. Take where you are, and challenge yourself to more. Supplements are just that, a way to get your body more supplemental nutrition than food alone will supply. Buy supplements with optimal nutrient levels.

Look Better, Feel Better, Live Better

To battle any disease or affliction, one must take back the control it exerts over us. Hopefully we’ve provided a small push for you in that direction. It is our sincere wish that whatever your weight, you’ll take back control over your life, setting a sterling example for those (kids) looking up to you.

  “Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will – his personal responsibility.”
                                                                 ~ Albert Einstein

PS: Regardless of your fitness level or weight, if unsightly cellulite bumps are bothering you, UP Beauty’s Anti-Cellulite Cream will help for sure!