Millions of people have problems losing weight. They can manage their finances, relationships and almost any aspect of their lives but weight loss remains elusive.
For 20 years I too struggled with yo-yo dieting until it was discovered that I was eating foods to which I was allergic. Within a month of avoiding these foods, I lost 20 pounds – never to be regained unless I slipped back into my old eating habits. The secrets of successful weight loss are all described in my bestselling book “ The Body Knows – How to Tune in to Your Body and Improve Your health ". I believe that successful weight loss is a code – a formula which when followed will yield results without the usual starvation and misery.
These are the five key components of effective weight loss:
1. Food allergies: most overweight people have food allergies — particularly to the common foods that they eat every day. Foods to avoid are dairy products, wheat, corn, soy and yeast. Food allergies can trigger histamine reactions which result in fluid retention and inflammation.
2. Chronic Candidiasis: most overweight people are afflicted with the Candida Yeast Syndrome, which can trigger tremendous cravings for starches and sugars. Candida is easy to control – ask for a yeast eradication kit or supplements at your health food store.
3. Excessive carbohydrate consumption: carbohydrates (starches) quickly convert to sugar. Excess sugar is stored in the fat cells. Reduce carbohydrate consumption to 60 grams per day. For example ½ cup cooked rice is about 23 grams of carbohydrate and 1 slice of whole wheat bread is 25 grams. Carb grams add up quickly!
4. Exercise: let’s get the body moving, move the lymphatic system, tune and tone up muscles and fibers, increase the heart rate and feel better. Choose something simple that you can commit to every day like a brisk walk, a good workout, swim or yoga stretches.
5. Hormone imbalances: another major component in the weight question is hormones. Overweight people often have thyroid problems and related endocrine problems which can affect fat-burning metabolism. Hormones require careful balancing which can be done through your local naturopathic physician or holistic medical doctor or family nurse practitioner.
Now let’s take a look at the emotional component of why people overeat. Often we use food to pacify our inner child which is always hungry for joyful, meaningful expression. How much joy and happiness do you have in your life? Are you enjoying your job and relationships? Are you enjoying your own company and are you at peace with yourself? These are things to think about as we embark on any health program.
Caroline Sutherland is the author of The Body Knows – How to Tune in to Your Body and Improve Your health
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