Friday, October 8, 2010
Weight Loss Tip #9: Don't be a New Year's Casualty!
I got so caught up in this year's fitness goals that I completely forgot about something that I usually brace myself for this time of year.
But no sooner had I stepped into my gym a week or two ago than I was sharply reminded of it.
Reminded of what?, you may ask.
The New Year's Resolution crowd.
They come every year like snowbirds to Florida; they're so predictable, that I can literally set my watch by them at the stroke of midnight each New Year's Eve.
And they're so easy to tell from everyone else, too. They show up in January in flocks and droves so thick that there is literally a line in front of every piece of equipment at the gym.
Then around mid to late March they start disappearing one by one like game birds being picked off by hunters. By April, they're pretty much all gone.
These seasonal "birds" are the joke of the gym every hunting season.
The question is, will YOU be one of them?
Because you certainly don't have to be. Everyone who's in shape now was once someone who was just getting started or getting back on the horse after "letting themselves go" a bit. So getting a fresh start is nothing to be ashamed about.
In fact, it should be applauded. Getting started new and fresh means that you have stepped up to the plate to do something that so many people at home just are not willing to do for themselves.
The trick is not to let it all end just as quickly as it started.
I'll give you the secret to being the last man or woman standing when everyone else has "flown back north" because they couldn't hack it.
Set your weight loss and fitness goals NOW. Make them as specific as possible. The dress or waist size you want, your perfect weight, the outfit you want to wear, the reaction you want to get. Write it all out.
Studies have shown that written goals are more than twice as likely to become reality than those that are not.
Then when you go in the gym, forget about everybody else. You heard me right---EVERYBODY.
Don't pay any attention to those toned physiques that look like they must have taken years to put together. Pay no mind to the show-off in the corner doing some fancy upside-down exercise with chains, ropes, and 2 machines. They aren't your concern.
Its all about you.
Your body. Your goals. Your workout. Your results.
Go ahead and take that "before" picture. Look at it everyday as you work away from the old and toward the new you.
If you can just make it through the first few months you've greatly increased your chances of being around for the long haul.
Don't cheat yourself by being on of this year's gym casulties.
...And if you can't make it to a gym, that's all the better. Do the YourBestBodyNOW 15 Minute Workout at home and find a place close to home to get in your cardio.
The only thing that can keep you away from your goals is you.
Don't allow that to happen.
Start this year strong and dig as deep as you can to make sure that you keep it up until you get exactly what you want. You can do it, I know you can.
But no sooner had I stepped into my gym a week or two ago than I was sharply reminded of it.
Reminded of what?, you may ask.
The New Year's Resolution crowd.
They come every year like snowbirds to Florida; they're so predictable, that I can literally set my watch by them at the stroke of midnight each New Year's Eve.
And they're so easy to tell from everyone else, too. They show up in January in flocks and droves so thick that there is literally a line in front of every piece of equipment at the gym.
Then around mid to late March they start disappearing one by one like game birds being picked off by hunters. By April, they're pretty much all gone.
These seasonal "birds" are the joke of the gym every hunting season.
The question is, will YOU be one of them?
Because you certainly don't have to be. Everyone who's in shape now was once someone who was just getting started or getting back on the horse after "letting themselves go" a bit. So getting a fresh start is nothing to be ashamed about.
In fact, it should be applauded. Getting started new and fresh means that you have stepped up to the plate to do something that so many people at home just are not willing to do for themselves.
The trick is not to let it all end just as quickly as it started.
I'll give you the secret to being the last man or woman standing when everyone else has "flown back north" because they couldn't hack it.
Set your weight loss and fitness goals NOW. Make them as specific as possible. The dress or waist size you want, your perfect weight, the outfit you want to wear, the reaction you want to get. Write it all out.
Studies have shown that written goals are more than twice as likely to become reality than those that are not.
Then when you go in the gym, forget about everybody else. You heard me right---EVERYBODY.
Don't pay any attention to those toned physiques that look like they must have taken years to put together. Pay no mind to the show-off in the corner doing some fancy upside-down exercise with chains, ropes, and 2 machines. They aren't your concern.
Its all about you.
Your body. Your goals. Your workout. Your results.
Go ahead and take that "before" picture. Look at it everyday as you work away from the old and toward the new you.
If you can just make it through the first few months you've greatly increased your chances of being around for the long haul.
Don't cheat yourself by being on of this year's gym casulties.
...And if you can't make it to a gym, that's all the better. Do the YourBestBodyNOW 15 Minute Workout at home and find a place close to home to get in your cardio.
The only thing that can keep you away from your goals is you.
Don't allow that to happen.
Start this year strong and dig as deep as you can to make sure that you keep it up until you get exactly what you want. You can do it, I know you can.
Weight Loss Tip #8: Have Your Cake and Burn it Off Too
With Christmas less than a week away, the holiday season is almost over, but the holiday EATING for most people will last for nearly another month.
I could try and tell you how to not eat anything but lettuce and fruit while the rest of the family is enjoying succulent hams, delicious cakes, and scrumptious pies; but that would be a waste of time, wouldn't it?
Besides, if you've been "good" all year with your eating habits (haven't you?), why shouldn't you get to enjoy some of that wonderful holiday food?
But what about your weight?
Your waistline?
I can show you how to manage that. The trick is to not get so carried away with all that food that all your weight loss and fitness efforts go down the tube.
How is that done?
It's pretty simple, actually. Just like any successful undertaking in life, it all comes down to a few rules that are geared toward helping you reach your goal. Keeping yourself together after sampling a veritable feast is no different.
In this case, there are just a few things you need to keep in mind and follow:
1) Don't munch yourself into a coma day after day. Choose 3 or 4 designated days through the REST of the season to "do your thing" at the table, and practice restraint on the rest.
2) On your big eating days, plan a morning cardio workout that is about an hour long. Why an hour? Sixty minutes of cardiovascular activity at the start of your day will keep your metabolism elevated well into the afternoon. It doesn't matter what you do---the gym, walking around the block, jogging with the dog---whatever. Just plan to do an hour of SOMETHING on each of those mornings.
3) Don't eat anything before your workouts. Just jump right into them with a bottle of water and don't allow yourself to be too interrupted until you are done. This will help you to get the most out of shedding some of the fat that is already stored on your body to give you a "head start" on the day's festivities.
4) This one is optional, but can make a difference if you stick to it. If you know that you just aren't going to be able to resist all those wonderful cakes and pies, try eating them with your entree's and pass on all or most of the starchy sides.
Remember, the goal here is not so much to lose weight, but to BREAK EVEN.
All you want to do is SURVIVE so that you don't blow up like a house and derail all of the work that you may have done up unto this point.
I could try and tell you how to not eat anything but lettuce and fruit while the rest of the family is enjoying succulent hams, delicious cakes, and scrumptious pies; but that would be a waste of time, wouldn't it?
Besides, if you've been "good" all year with your eating habits (haven't you?), why shouldn't you get to enjoy some of that wonderful holiday food?
But what about your weight?
Your waistline?
I can show you how to manage that. The trick is to not get so carried away with all that food that all your weight loss and fitness efforts go down the tube.
How is that done?
It's pretty simple, actually. Just like any successful undertaking in life, it all comes down to a few rules that are geared toward helping you reach your goal. Keeping yourself together after sampling a veritable feast is no different.
In this case, there are just a few things you need to keep in mind and follow:
1) Don't munch yourself into a coma day after day. Choose 3 or 4 designated days through the REST of the season to "do your thing" at the table, and practice restraint on the rest.
2) On your big eating days, plan a morning cardio workout that is about an hour long. Why an hour? Sixty minutes of cardiovascular activity at the start of your day will keep your metabolism elevated well into the afternoon. It doesn't matter what you do---the gym, walking around the block, jogging with the dog---whatever. Just plan to do an hour of SOMETHING on each of those mornings.
3) Don't eat anything before your workouts. Just jump right into them with a bottle of water and don't allow yourself to be too interrupted until you are done. This will help you to get the most out of shedding some of the fat that is already stored on your body to give you a "head start" on the day's festivities.
4) This one is optional, but can make a difference if you stick to it. If you know that you just aren't going to be able to resist all those wonderful cakes and pies, try eating them with your entree's and pass on all or most of the starchy sides.
Remember, the goal here is not so much to lose weight, but to BREAK EVEN.
All you want to do is SURVIVE so that you don't blow up like a house and derail all of the work that you may have done up unto this point.
Weight Loss Tip #7: You Become Who You Hang Around
Can you remember the last few times you completely gorged on food that you KNEW was making you fat?
Were you alone? And if not, who were you with?
More than likely, you were pigging out with the same person or group of people that you have no doubt done this with on more than one if not many occassions.
One of the things that I teach in the Your Best Body NOW Weight Loss Program is that a regular "treat" is actually a healthy thing to keep you mentally in the game of weight loss.
At the same time, we can all tend to go overboard with this when we are in "certain company". Whether that company be friends, a significant other, or co-workers, it can be difficult to not give into the pressure and go along with whatever fattening food they may want you to indulge in with them.
Can you remember the last few times you completely gorged on food that you KNEW was making you fat?
Were you alone? And if not, who were you with?
More than likely, you were pigging out with the same person or group of people that you have no doubt done this with on more than one if not many occassions.
One of the things that I teach in the Your Best Body NOW Weight Loss Program is that a regular "treat" is actually a healthy thing to keep you mentally in the game of weight loss.
At the same time, we can all tend to go overboard with this when we are in "certain company". Whether that company be friends, a significant other, or co-workers, it can be difficult to not give into the pressure and go along with whatever fattening food they may want you to indulge in with them.
So how can you get a grip on the situation?
One word---CONTROL.
Now, when I mention this "control", I'm not talking about the strict, cast-iron stomach type that has you to stick to your celery and fruit even in the midst of your favorite pizza or pastry. If you had THAT, you wouldn't be pigging out in the first place, right?
What I'm referring to is much easier, because you don't have to do it all alone.
This type of control is not just over yourself, but is exercised on your environment. It works by simply letting everyone around you know that you are participating in weight loss---not just for aesthetics, but for your health, and sincerely ask for their help.
Some people in your life will be resistant to your change at first. However, with time and consistency you will see them develop a respect for you that will make them want to HELP you eat the right thing so that you reach your weight loss goals.
This doesn't mean that you'll never enjoy your favorite decadant food with friends or loved ones again, but it does help you to not fall into a revolving door of poor food choices by giving in to every bad-for-you treat that is placed before you.
Then, when you do get around to indulging, you can do so guiltlessly because you've exercised the CONTROL to stay on the weight loss straight and narrow---most of the time.
Were you alone? And if not, who were you with?
More than likely, you were pigging out with the same person or group of people that you have no doubt done this with on more than one if not many occassions.
One of the things that I teach in the Your Best Body NOW Weight Loss Program is that a regular "treat" is actually a healthy thing to keep you mentally in the game of weight loss.
At the same time, we can all tend to go overboard with this when we are in "certain company". Whether that company be friends, a significant other, or co-workers, it can be difficult to not give into the pressure and go along with whatever fattening food they may want you to indulge in with them.
Can you remember the last few times you completely gorged on food that you KNEW was making you fat?
Were you alone? And if not, who were you with?
More than likely, you were pigging out with the same person or group of people that you have no doubt done this with on more than one if not many occassions.
One of the things that I teach in the Your Best Body NOW Weight Loss Program is that a regular "treat" is actually a healthy thing to keep you mentally in the game of weight loss.
At the same time, we can all tend to go overboard with this when we are in "certain company". Whether that company be friends, a significant other, or co-workers, it can be difficult to not give into the pressure and go along with whatever fattening food they may want you to indulge in with them.
So how can you get a grip on the situation?
One word---CONTROL.
Now, when I mention this "control", I'm not talking about the strict, cast-iron stomach type that has you to stick to your celery and fruit even in the midst of your favorite pizza or pastry. If you had THAT, you wouldn't be pigging out in the first place, right?
What I'm referring to is much easier, because you don't have to do it all alone.
This type of control is not just over yourself, but is exercised on your environment. It works by simply letting everyone around you know that you are participating in weight loss---not just for aesthetics, but for your health, and sincerely ask for their help.
Some people in your life will be resistant to your change at first. However, with time and consistency you will see them develop a respect for you that will make them want to HELP you eat the right thing so that you reach your weight loss goals.
This doesn't mean that you'll never enjoy your favorite decadant food with friends or loved ones again, but it does help you to not fall into a revolving door of poor food choices by giving in to every bad-for-you treat that is placed before you.
Then, when you do get around to indulging, you can do so guiltlessly because you've exercised the CONTROL to stay on the weight loss straight and narrow---most of the time.
Weight Loss Tip #6: Using Antioxidants in Your Weight Loss Program
If you're smart, you should not only be focused on your goal to lose weight but to maximize your weight loss program to its full extent by getting some health benfits out of it as well, and make them priority #1.
One of the health benefits you should be aiming for as you lose weight should be getting a good daily dosage of <b>antioxidants</b> while on your weight loss plan and even afterward while in maintainence mode.
Just a few short years ago, the average person had never even heard of an <b>antioxidant</b>, let alone could actually tell you what one was.
Now, antioxidants are one of the biggest buzz words in health and fitness. Nearly every other product on the market claims to be chuck full of them. So what <i>are</i> they? <i><u>REALLY?</u></i> And what's so darn good about them that it creates such hoopla?
Simply put, antioxidants fight to help eliminate the body of one of its most dangerous internal enemies---<b>free radicals.</b> "Free Radical" is the layman's term for an oxygen atom that has been split in half so that it only has one electron as opposed to the two that it is supposed to have.
These split particles are constantly being made in the body, and if they are left unchecked, they can cause a myriad of problems. One such problem is to bump into and damage the internal tissues of the body's organs and systems.
A second problem is to attached themselves to molecules within the body and throw of the chemical balance within us, setting off chemical chain reactions and causing health problems while multiplying more and more new free radical particles from these reactions.
Damage from free radicals has been proven to contribute to such common and deadly illnesses as atherosclerosis, cancer, quickening the aging process, and eye cataracts.
There are currently 3 vitamins and 2 minerals that have been identified to have antioxidant properties:
<b>Vitamins:</b><Br>
<ul>
<li>Vitamin C
<li>Vitamin E
<li>beta carotene
</ul>
<b>Minerals:</b><Br>
<ul>
<li>Sulfur
<li>Selenium
</ul>
As you embark on your weight loss program, remember that your goal is not only to lose weight, but to gain <b>optimum health</b>. Weight loss itself is just an added benefit of being a wholistically healthy person.
One of the health benefits you should be aiming for as you lose weight should be getting a good daily dosage of <b>antioxidants</b> while on your weight loss plan and even afterward while in maintainence mode.
Just a few short years ago, the average person had never even heard of an <b>antioxidant</b>, let alone could actually tell you what one was.
Now, antioxidants are one of the biggest buzz words in health and fitness. Nearly every other product on the market claims to be chuck full of them. So what <i>are</i> they? <i><u>REALLY?</u></i> And what's so darn good about them that it creates such hoopla?
Simply put, antioxidants fight to help eliminate the body of one of its most dangerous internal enemies---<b>free radicals.</b> "Free Radical" is the layman's term for an oxygen atom that has been split in half so that it only has one electron as opposed to the two that it is supposed to have.
These split particles are constantly being made in the body, and if they are left unchecked, they can cause a myriad of problems. One such problem is to bump into and damage the internal tissues of the body's organs and systems.
A second problem is to attached themselves to molecules within the body and throw of the chemical balance within us, setting off chemical chain reactions and causing health problems while multiplying more and more new free radical particles from these reactions.
Damage from free radicals has been proven to contribute to such common and deadly illnesses as atherosclerosis, cancer, quickening the aging process, and eye cataracts.
There are currently 3 vitamins and 2 minerals that have been identified to have antioxidant properties:
<b>Vitamins:</b><Br>
<ul>
<li>Vitamin C
<li>Vitamin E
<li>beta carotene
</ul>
<b>Minerals:</b><Br>
<ul>
<li>Sulfur
<li>Selenium
</ul>
As you embark on your weight loss program, remember that your goal is not only to lose weight, but to gain <b>optimum health</b>. Weight loss itself is just an added benefit of being a wholistically healthy person.
Weight Loss Tip #5: Trim Down Your Waist to Avoid Heart Attack
A recent global study has come to some pretty alarming conclusions about the link between your waist-to-hip ratio and the risk of suffering from a heart attack.
How does waist-to hip ratio (WHR) work? Well, if your waist and hips are exactly the same circumference, you have a ration of 1 to 1 (1:1).
If your waist is smaller than your hips, the ratio will go down. For example, if your waist is only half as big around as your hips, the it changes to 1 to 2, or 1:2.
If the opposite is true, and your waist is twice as big as your hip area, the ratio goes up to 2 to 1, or 2:1.
Apparently, having a waist to hip ratio of 1:1 or more greatly increases your chances of suffering from a potentially fatal dysfunction of the heart.
A recent global study has come to some pretty alarming conclusions about the link between your waist-to-hip ratio and the risk of suffering from a heart attack.
How does waist-to hip ratio (WHR) work? Well, if your waist and hips are exactly the same circumference, you have a ration of 1 to 1 (1:1).
If your waist is smaller than your hips, the ratio will go down. For example, if your waist is only half as big around as your hips, the it changes to 1 to 2, or 1:2.
If the opposite is true, and your waist is twice as big as your hip area, the ratio goes up to 2 to 1, or 2:1.
Apparently, having a waist to hip ratio of 1:1 or more greatly increases your chances of suffering from a potentially fatal dysfunction of the heart.
Check your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)
Being in a state of obesity makes the threat many times worse. Currently there are more than 300 million obese people worldwide.
An obese person is generally regarded as somewhat with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
Find out your body mass index (BMI)
What makes this issue so tricky is that some people will have a natural advantage with their WHR based on their genetic body type and shape.
Women with small waists and curvy hips will have the easiest time managing this ratio, while both men and women who have large midsections will have the most difficult time managing it.
Regardless of sex or body type, what is important for you to know is that you must do everything you can to keep your waist size down, down, DOWN!
In addition to heart attack, the WHR has been linked to determining your general risk of developing chronic diseases. It represents one of the many reasons why weight loss has so much more to offer you than a just a sexy body (all though it does come with that!)
The Your Best Body NOW Weight Loss Program teaches you not just how to lose weight but how to improve your entire lifestyle to make weight control and WAIST control simple and easy.
You only get one chance at life. Take care of it by living healthy and fit.
How does waist-to hip ratio (WHR) work? Well, if your waist and hips are exactly the same circumference, you have a ration of 1 to 1 (1:1).
If your waist is smaller than your hips, the ratio will go down. For example, if your waist is only half as big around as your hips, the it changes to 1 to 2, or 1:2.
If the opposite is true, and your waist is twice as big as your hip area, the ratio goes up to 2 to 1, or 2:1.
Apparently, having a waist to hip ratio of 1:1 or more greatly increases your chances of suffering from a potentially fatal dysfunction of the heart.
A recent global study has come to some pretty alarming conclusions about the link between your waist-to-hip ratio and the risk of suffering from a heart attack.
How does waist-to hip ratio (WHR) work? Well, if your waist and hips are exactly the same circumference, you have a ration of 1 to 1 (1:1).
If your waist is smaller than your hips, the ratio will go down. For example, if your waist is only half as big around as your hips, the it changes to 1 to 2, or 1:2.
If the opposite is true, and your waist is twice as big as your hip area, the ratio goes up to 2 to 1, or 2:1.
Apparently, having a waist to hip ratio of 1:1 or more greatly increases your chances of suffering from a potentially fatal dysfunction of the heart.
Check your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)
Being in a state of obesity makes the threat many times worse. Currently there are more than 300 million obese people worldwide.
An obese person is generally regarded as somewhat with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
Find out your body mass index (BMI)
What makes this issue so tricky is that some people will have a natural advantage with their WHR based on their genetic body type and shape.
Women with small waists and curvy hips will have the easiest time managing this ratio, while both men and women who have large midsections will have the most difficult time managing it.
Regardless of sex or body type, what is important for you to know is that you must do everything you can to keep your waist size down, down, DOWN!
In addition to heart attack, the WHR has been linked to determining your general risk of developing chronic diseases. It represents one of the many reasons why weight loss has so much more to offer you than a just a sexy body (all though it does come with that!)
The Your Best Body NOW Weight Loss Program teaches you not just how to lose weight but how to improve your entire lifestyle to make weight control and WAIST control simple and easy.
You only get one chance at life. Take care of it by living healthy and fit.
Weight Loss Tip #4 Protecting Your Spine and Lower Back While You Lose Weight
When most people begin a Weight Loss program or diet plan so that they can tone up and/or lose weight, the often forget about THE most important aspect of any exercise and diet program: <b>Safety</b>.
Although there are numerous ways in which exercising safely is beneficial to you, one of the most important and the least observed is concerning <b>the spine and lower back.</b>
There is nothing inherently wrong with spinal movement. However, problems tend to arise over time as a result of holding static positions such as sitting or standing with bad posture or not using proper body mechanics for lifting objects over a period of months and/or years.
Due to the above factors, a very large portion of the population eventually develops one form or another of complications with their lower spine and back.
Here are some ways that you can protect your lower back and spine area from injury and strain while exercising to tone up and lose weight:
<ul>
<b><li>Avoid bending over and lifting objects with your back muscles</b>
This is a common habit that wears down on the spine and lower back area by placing more tension on the area than it should be handling. As an alternative, bend fully at the kness when picking up objects of any significant weight and use the power of your larger, much stronger leg muscles to carry the majority of the weight load and give your lower back and spine a break.
<b><li>Strengthen your abdominal muscles for additional back support</b>
The abdominal muscles are antagonist to the lower back, meaning that they stabilize movement at the back by providing a force in the opposite direction. They also have the potential to significantly reduce or even stop a force made on the back if they are strong enough.</li>
</ul>
Either way you slice it watching out for your spine is a crucial part of your weight loss program in that it keeps your body in good enough condition to continue your plan to help you tone and lose weight effectively.
Although there are numerous ways in which exercising safely is beneficial to you, one of the most important and the least observed is concerning <b>the spine and lower back.</b>
There is nothing inherently wrong with spinal movement. However, problems tend to arise over time as a result of holding static positions such as sitting or standing with bad posture or not using proper body mechanics for lifting objects over a period of months and/or years.
Due to the above factors, a very large portion of the population eventually develops one form or another of complications with their lower spine and back.
Here are some ways that you can protect your lower back and spine area from injury and strain while exercising to tone up and lose weight:
<ul>
<b><li>Avoid bending over and lifting objects with your back muscles</b>
This is a common habit that wears down on the spine and lower back area by placing more tension on the area than it should be handling. As an alternative, bend fully at the kness when picking up objects of any significant weight and use the power of your larger, much stronger leg muscles to carry the majority of the weight load and give your lower back and spine a break.
<b><li>Strengthen your abdominal muscles for additional back support</b>
The abdominal muscles are antagonist to the lower back, meaning that they stabilize movement at the back by providing a force in the opposite direction. They also have the potential to significantly reduce or even stop a force made on the back if they are strong enough.</li>
</ul>
Either way you slice it watching out for your spine is a crucial part of your weight loss program in that it keeps your body in good enough condition to continue your plan to help you tone and lose weight effectively.
Weight Loss Tip #3: Moderate Drinking May Help You With Weight Loss
The connection between moderate drinking and avoiding heart disease is pretty much old news to most of us at this point.
But now, experts are saying that those of us who have 1-2 drinks a few times a week are less likely to become obese than non drinkers.
Finally! A <i>Weight Loss</i> "Do and Don't" that we can have some fun with!
Not too much fun though.
Those of us who consume 4 or more drinks daily are a whopping 46% more likely to be obese, research says. The connection between moderate drinking and avoiding heart disease is pretty much old news to most of us at this point.
This new information was based on a study of over 8,000 people conducted by Dr. James Rohrer of the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Ahmed Arif, from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
"We don't want to give people the wrong impression"...says Rohrer..."We certainly don't want to recommend that nondrinkers become drinkers just to control their weight".
If you're a non-drinker---don't panic.
The odds for moderate drinkers are only .73% better than nondrinkers for staying thin. The main message here is that a few drinks consumed socially isn't anything to worry about if that's your M.O.
Some experts don't completely agree with these findings. Dr. David L. Katz, Director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center, says that the slight reduciton in obesity risk may very well be attributed to additional healthy behaviors unrelated to drinking.
"Many health-conscious people have a daily drink because of the widely touted health benefits; it may be a constellation of behaviors in such people that lead to weight control"...says Katz..."This would produce the appearance of a weight-control benefit from moderate drinking, but it would be illusory."
Well here's my 2 cents on the matter:
As mentioned above, I feel that the primary takeaway from this research is that responsible, moderate drinkers need not be alarmed at the implications of drinking on their weight loss.
Though the overall trend presented here makes sense to me, I am a slight bit skeptical of the percentages given for risk levels.
My suspiscion comes from the fact that body mass index, or BMI, was used as a measure of obesity. As I mention in my program, BMI is not the best determination of true obesity. Its measurements, though useful, are not accurate enough to be followed to the letter---certainly not for coming up with percentages in a medical research study.
So if you choose to drink, do it moderately and responsibly. And if you don't choose to do so, that's o.k. too. WHATEVER you choose to do, make sure you're eating right and exercising daily!
But now, experts are saying that those of us who have 1-2 drinks a few times a week are less likely to become obese than non drinkers.
Finally! A <i>Weight Loss</i> "Do and Don't" that we can have some fun with!
Not too much fun though.
Those of us who consume 4 or more drinks daily are a whopping 46% more likely to be obese, research says. The connection between moderate drinking and avoiding heart disease is pretty much old news to most of us at this point.
This new information was based on a study of over 8,000 people conducted by Dr. James Rohrer of the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Ahmed Arif, from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
"We don't want to give people the wrong impression"...says Rohrer..."We certainly don't want to recommend that nondrinkers become drinkers just to control their weight".
If you're a non-drinker---don't panic.
The odds for moderate drinkers are only .73% better than nondrinkers for staying thin. The main message here is that a few drinks consumed socially isn't anything to worry about if that's your M.O.
Some experts don't completely agree with these findings. Dr. David L. Katz, Director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center, says that the slight reduciton in obesity risk may very well be attributed to additional healthy behaviors unrelated to drinking.
"Many health-conscious people have a daily drink because of the widely touted health benefits; it may be a constellation of behaviors in such people that lead to weight control"...says Katz..."This would produce the appearance of a weight-control benefit from moderate drinking, but it would be illusory."
Well here's my 2 cents on the matter:
As mentioned above, I feel that the primary takeaway from this research is that responsible, moderate drinkers need not be alarmed at the implications of drinking on their weight loss.
Though the overall trend presented here makes sense to me, I am a slight bit skeptical of the percentages given for risk levels.
My suspiscion comes from the fact that body mass index, or BMI, was used as a measure of obesity. As I mention in my program, BMI is not the best determination of true obesity. Its measurements, though useful, are not accurate enough to be followed to the letter---certainly not for coming up with percentages in a medical research study.
So if you choose to drink, do it moderately and responsibly. And if you don't choose to do so, that's o.k. too. WHATEVER you choose to do, make sure you're eating right and exercising daily!
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