High-fructose corn syrup seems to be a common ingredient in many foods. What are the concerns about high-fructose corn syrup?
Answer from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
High-fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener and preservative. High-fructose corn syrup is made by changing the sugar (glucose) in cornstarch to fructose — another form of sugar. The end product is a combination of fructose and glucose. Because it extends the shelf life of processed foods and is cheaper than sugar, high-fructose corn syrup has become a popular ingredient in many sodas, fruit-flavored drinks and other processed foods.
So far, research has yielded conflicting results about the effects of high-fructose corn syrup. For example, various early studies showed an association between increased consumption of sweetened beverages (many of which contained high-fructose corn syrup) and obesity. But recent research — some of which is supported by the beverage industry — suggests that high-fructose corn syrup isn’t intrinsically less healthy than other sweeteners, nor is it the root cause of obesity.
While research continues, moderation remains important. Many beverages and other processed foods made with high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners are high in calories and low in nutritional value. Regularly including these products in your diet has the potential to promote obesity — which, in turn, promotes conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
If you’re concerned about the amount of high-fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners in your diet, consider these tips:
Limit processed foods.
Avoid foods that contain added sugar.
Choose fresh fruit rather than fruit juice or fruit-flavored drinks. Even 100 percent fruit juice has a high concentration of sugar.
Choose fruit canned in its own juices instead of heavy syrup.
Drink less soda.
Don’t allow sweetened beverages to replace milk, especially for children.
To view this article at the Mayo Clinic site (and for other fantastic articles) go to:
The average American consumes 24 pounds of artificial sweeteners each year,
a habit that could actually be making you heavier. Studies show how these substances may confuse the body’s regulatory systems that control hunger.
Whenever you eat, your body is trained to expect calories, but it’s not getting them when you eat zero-calorie sweeteners. You end up craving more food and not feeling full. What’s more, artificial sweeteners are up to 7000 times sweeter than natural sugars and this can desensitize taste buds. To learn more about the link between artificial sweeteners and weight gain, click here.
Beyond the commonly used serving packets, artificial sweeteners are often hidden in everyday items not advertised as diet foods such as cereal, vitamins, sauces and even baby food. Look for these key words on food labels to spot artificial substitutes:
Saccharin
Aspartame
Sucralose
Neotame (used in stable baked goods)
Acesulfame (found in diet sodas)
Break the Habit
Consume no more than two servings (two packets or one diet soda) of artificial sweeteners per day.
Try combining a half a teaspoon of your preferred artificial sweetener with a teaspoon of raw sugar. Then eventually wean yourself off the artificial sweetener.
Choose natural alternatives such as honey or agave. Or try coconut sap syrup, which has a low-glycemic index and just 10 calories per teaspoon. It also contains B vitamins, potassium and amino acids. Because these are all quite sweet tasting, you’ll find you don’t need to use much of them. Coconut syrup is available at health food stores for about $7.
CDC: Defining Overweight and Obesity Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight
that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height.
In Brene Brown‘s post today (her personal website), she introduced Jess Weiner, a successful-in-life woman who was forced to face the truth about her obesity. You can see it here:
For years, Jess Weiner urged women to accept their weight as is. She, after all, was a happy, successful size 18. But when her doctor warned that her weight posed a health risk, she had to ask: Was her body acceptance making her sick? Could yours be?
CDC: Defining Overweight and Obesity Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight
that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height.
Many practitioners of natural medicine, and more Western doctors, are recommending courses of supplements that boost immunity and fight the growth of cancerous cells. These can include vitamins and minerals, as well as extracts of plants and mushrooms, the juices of berries and exotic fruits, and ocean-based supplements.
When consulting with multiple health professionals, it’s essential to discuss these supplements—to determine which ones are right for you and to ensure none are contraindicated with other treatments.
But one thing that experts agree on is the importance of a healthy diet in your continued health. “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food,” said Hippocrates. Think of the kitchen as your personal medicine cabinet, filled with nutrients that can help you show cancer who’s boss.
Here are some of the basics of healthy, cancer-fighting eating.
Fruits and vegetables
A plant-based diet is one of the biggest cancer fighters we have, and every day new compounds are discovered inside these nutritional powerhouses that keep good cells functioning and stop the baddies from growing.
Eat as many varieties and colours as you can, both raw and lightly cooked. Berries, dark leafy greens, and cruciferous veggies (such as broccoli) are especially recommended.
Whole grains
Don’t be fooled by the whole grains sticker on the Sugar Blobs cereal—we’re talking about actual grains, close to their natural state.
Cooked grains such as bulgur, quinoa, brown rice, and oats are excellent sources of fibre, which helps sweep carcinogens from the body. Whole grains also contain many other nutrients normally stripped out of processed grain foods.
Healthy fats
Many of us are deficient in healthy fats and overload our bodies with saturated and trans fats—including those found in fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and many store-bought foods such as cookies and crackers.
Replace these fat sources with oils from nuts and seeds, such as flax and olive (don’t overheat them and destroy their active compounds), and with foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as avocados and almonds. Essential fats work at the cellular level to combat inflammation, a condition that many believe leads to the growth of cancerous cells.
Spice it up
Fresh seasonings, such as garlic and ginger, as well as herbs and spices, such as cinnamon and turmeric, offer a potent array of antioxidants that can help repair and protect cells. Enjoy them in hot and cold dishes and consider supplementation—some have been shown to have a powerful anticancer effect in larger doses.
Drink it down
Many delicious herbs, dried flowers, and plants can also be enjoyed in the form of teas. Other good choices include antioxidant-rich juices and smoothies, especially green drinks containing alfalfa, chlorella, and wheatgrass.
Say goodbye to soda pop and hello to another green superstar—green tea. Most importantly, get yourself a good quality purifier and drink plenty of life-giving water every day.
You may have heard about the childhood obesity epidemic and maybe even have some concerns about your own children. If they do not have a weight problem now, that is good news. But, you can be proactive to prevent obesity from ever happening in your family.
Children are impressionable. They learn most of their habits from their parents. This is the time to take your kids under your wing and teach them healthy habits that will help them throughout their lifetime. As they get older (into their teens) their attention will shift from you to their friends. If a life of healthy eating and exercise are already instilled, you have a better chance of them sticking to those good habits.
Start Early
It is never too early to instill healthy habits. Some studies have shown that children who were breastfed tended to maintain a more normal weight than children who were bottle fed. One reason for this could be due to our desire to get our babies well fed and sleeping through the night as soon as possible, resulting in overfeeding — something that breast feeding naturally curtails. If you are bottle feeding, resist the urge to add cereal flakes when your baby is crying late at night. Our impulse is to get our baby sleeping longer, and it makes sense that a full tummy will help them sleep. However, your baby could be getting way too many calories.
Other parents are in a rush to introduce solid foods to their baby. Following most guidelines, your child will probably be fine without solid foods as late as nine or ten months of age. It won’t hurt to hold out as long as possible if that’s what you and your doctor decide. A child’s digestion and fat burning capabilities are built for your breast milk for quite some time. So, don’t rush a solid diet.
Stay as Natural as Possible
The healthiest foods are found around the perimeter of a grocery store. This is where you’ll find the fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy, meat, fish, and eggs. The prepackaged, pre-made foods and mixes in the center of the store are loaded with additives like sugars, salt, and fats.
Introduce a new fruit or vegetable each week to your child. Let them get the natural taste of food without adding any condiments. We often forget that condiments are there to suit our tastes. Children don’t feel that a food is bland without them because they have never tasted the food before. They may like it that way.
Offer healthy snacks. It may be easier at first to grab a prepackaged snack like pudding packs or cookies, but try to get into a routine of preparing healthy snacks ahead of time so they’ll be available as the need arises. Even unsweetened Cheerios are a better choice than snacks marketed for little hands. Throw a few Cheerios and raisins in a small ziplock bag and your little one will be thrilled.
Avoid sodas and try to prevent your child from acquiring a taste for it. They are loaded with High Fructose Corn Syrup and this chemical is being looked as as possibly the number one reason for the diabetes epidemic we are now facing.
Healthy Stress Relief
Little ones need to learn coping mechanisms. Teach them how to deal with difficult situations so they can use those skills as they get older. This goes well for you, too. Instead of reaching for a bag of chips when you are stressed, show them that you have good coping skills as well. Use your stressed-out energy to chop up some celery and carrots or go outside and hop on your bike. Do some somersaults if you have to. Your kids will see you burning off your frustrations in healthy ways and will naturally want to join you. Be an example for your kids of the right way to fight stress and burn energy.
It is never too early to start when it comes to preventing childhood obesity. Start today and use these simple strategies to ensure that your family will get healthy and stay healthy and avoid the specter of childhood obesity from every haunting your doorstep.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could take a supplement and your excess weight would just melt away?
Doctors, scientists and companies specializing in weight loss have been looking for a magic pill for forever. The truth is that there is no magic pill.
The REALLY good news is that there are natural fat burning remedies you can use to help the process along. For example, there’s
Green tea
has long been used as a remedy for inflammation. It also helps with digestion, boosts immunity, and helps detoxify your body.
It is a diuretic, an appetite suppressant, and can help you burn fat. A compound in the tea’s polyphenols raises your metabolism, so that you burn more calories. Drink a few cups of green tea daily (but remember, there is caffeine in it so drink it in the morning).
Tumeric
is a spice found in many Indian foods and in mustard. It’s great for reducing inflammation in the body and when you reduce inflammation you may actually look and feel thinner.
Additionally, the curcumin in turmeric regulates your blood sugar. This means that your energy is balanced throughout the day and your cravings for sweets and starchy carbohydrates is dramatically reduced.
Vitamin D
There have been many studies on vitamin D recently and they’ve shown that people with normal levels of vitamin D lose weight faster than those who are deficient. Get some sunshine and take your Vitamin D, especially if you live in an area of the world where the winters are long and dark!
Vitamin B
is essential for an efficient metabolism and for cellular health. It helps to boost your mood and manage stress better. Try it — you’ll be in a good mood, relaxed, your metabolism will hum along, and losing weight will be much easier.
Apple Cider Vinegar
contains acetic acid which has been shown to slow the absorption of carbohydrates and the speed of which it pours into your blood stream. The result is that your body may need to turn to your fat stores for energy.
Additionally, you’ll not only be burning more fat, but you have more balanced blood sugar levels. And balanced blood sugar gives you a more even level of energy, fewer cravings and more weight loss.
Sleep
is vital for weight loss and fat burning. A good night’s sleep will keep the leptin levels steady in your body (leptin is the hormone that tells your body that you have eaten enough food), Without proper sleep, this hormone will not function properly and won’t give yor body the proper messages about food consumption.
As well, when you get a good night’s sleep you have more energy the next day. You can better manage stress and you’ll make better decisions about your diet and health generally.
Sleep regenerates and revives our bodies, so after a night (or many nights with inadequate sleep) you’ll feel hungry and tired, resulting in cravings for sweets and starchy carbs. To add to the already bad results of not enough sleep, your metabolism will slow as well.
And women are particularly affected by inadequate sleep. Studies have shown that women who don’t sleep well will, on average, gain five pounds more than those who get a good night’s sleep. It’s vital that you sleep if you are trying to lose weight. Experts recommend at least seven hours of sleep per night — and eight is better. Make it a goal to get this much sleep.
Losing weight and burning fat doesn’t happen overnight, but with a few simple natural remedies, a healthy diet, and good sleep, you can achieve your weight loss goals.
Have you tried to lose weight and just can’t seem to make it happen? First, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Losing weight is a challenge. The good news is that there are numerous resources to help you manage weight loss and obesity. Here’s how to know when it’s time to get help managing your obesity.
You don’t know where to start. It’s easy to know you need to lose weight. It’s not so easy to know how to begin losing the weight. If you feel overwhelmed or would just like some guidance then it’s time to get help.Look into meeting with a nutritionist and a personal trainer. Make sure both experts have experience working with obesity and the related health concerns.
You have a plan to lose weight and exercise – you just can’t seem to stick to it. If this is you then chances are your plan isn’t customized for your personality and basic needs. The best way to achieve big goals is to take baby steps to get there. Small steps are easier to accomplish. Consider seeking help modifying your weight loss plan.You don’t have to lose all your weight at once. A pound a week is a great start. Over the course of a year that’s 52 pounds so it adds up too. Consider consulting a coach to help you create a weight loss plan that makes sense for you.
You hate to exercise. Okay, so for many exercise is a bad word. This is common and it’s easy to overcome. Consider changing your mindset. Instead of ‘exercise’ call it ‘activity’. Find an activity you enjoy. Perhaps you like to bird watch. Going on a weekly bird watching walk is great exercise. Perhaps you like to swim or dance.Sign up for a dance class or get a pass to your local pool. Exercise doesn’t mean you have to lift weights and run a marathon. Start by doing something that you love. Get help managing your fitness by exercising with friends. Find an instructor that makes you laugh. Make sure you’re having fun and exercise won’t feel like exercise.
You’re on your own without much support. It’s tough to lose weight without the support of others. If you don’t have a support system at home go out and find one. Join a group online. There are many obesity and weight loss support groups. There are also fun sites where you can network with others who are trying to lose weight too. You can support each other to succeed.Join a group offline. Your community likely has several weight loss programs or fitness clubs. Join one that is designed to help you meet your needs.
You’re dealing with emotional issues. Often, obesity is caused by or triggers emotional issues. Many people eat because they’re unhappy. If you’re struggling with the emotions of obesity or past traumas consider getting therapy. Once you’re able to come to terms with your emotions you can begin to control your eating habits. You can live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life.
Managing obesity is difficult. You don’t have to go it alone. Look for support. Find programs and system that work for you. And remember, you’re not alone with your obesity. Many people all around the world are going through the same struggles. Find those people and connect.
CDC: Defining Overweight and Obesity Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight
that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height.
Sleep affects your weight and people who get better sleep weigh less.
Studies have actually shown that by taking measures to improve your sleep can help you lose weight.
Why Sleep Matters
While we are sleeping, our bodies are recovering from the day. Our organs, hormonal systems and cells take this down-time to regroup. If you’re not getting enough sleep or you’re not getting good quality sleep your body cannot recover. This means your body spends the following day struggling.
Your metabolism is affected. Studies have found that people who sleep poorly eat more during the day. Some of this can be attributed to the fact that these people are turning to food for energy. However, it’s not really food they need– its better quality and more sleep.
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation alters the balance of hormones which control the rate at which we burn off calories–in particular the hormone leptin. It may also be that when you don’t get enough sleep your body switches to survival mode. It stores more fat.
Regardless of the reasons behind the sleep/weight loss correlation the facts are the same. If you don’t get good sleep you’re more prone to weight gain.
How to Get Better Sleep
To lose weight, then, it makes sense to take measures to improve your sleep. Here are some tried and true success strategies:
Refrain from eating or drinking two to three hours before bedtime. You’ll reduce your body’s need to digest and you won’t have to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Create a sleep ritual. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every day.
Create a routine: before bed, brush your teeth, wash your face and read a book for ten minutes before turning the lights out.
Aim for at least seven hours (but 8 is better) of sleep a night.
Don’t use electronics in the bedroom. Electronics stimulate your brain and you want to relax. Eliminate watching television, surfing or social networking on your mobile device before bed.
Avoid stimulants in the afternoon. If you routinely drink a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon, make it decaffeinated. Or move tea time up an hour or two. Caffeine can stay in your system for several hours and definitely affects your sleep. By the way, green tea is caffeinated
If you’re not sleeping well and cannot improve your sleep with these simple steps, consider seeking a doctor’s help. Good sleep is vital for overall mental and physical health. Once you’re able to sleep better you will also find you can lose extra weight and burn fat much more easily.
It’s amazing how much technology has changed our lives.
We can communicate with someone halfway around the world via instant message or video chat. We can transfer money from one bank account to another with the click of a button. We can also manage our health, burn fat and lose weight with the help of technology.
Track Your Progress
There are a number of gadgets and software programsthat make losing weight much easier. Many people neglect to track their information. Without this information it’s difficult to make smart diet and exercise decisions.
Additionally, tracking information can be extremely motivating. Many applications and software programs show you via a graph how much weight you’ve lost. If you own an iPod, iPad or iPhone take a look at the tracking applications available. There are some truly excellent applications that are free to download and use. If you spend more time on your computer or laptop check out free software programs or membership sites. Take a look at FitDay.com for one potential solution.
And of course there are gadgets that help you track your efforts. The FitBit tracks the steps you take each day. Combined with a membership site, that’s free, you can enter your daily foods and activities.
Let Your MP3 Player Get Your Heart Rate Up
Tracking information is motivating. However, you can take it several steps further. Use MP3 players designed for workouts to help you keep your heart rate up. Use a heart rate monitor to get your maximum workout. Take advantage of iPod applications that help you track your workout and provide occasional motivational messages.
Log In To Social Networking and Burn Fat
Social networking has also gotten in on the motivational scene. DailyMile is a membership site that enables you to post your fitness and weight loss activities to your Facebook account. The feedback and support you gain from your peers can be really inspiring.
Streaming Workouts
You can find a number of workout programs streaming on your computer or mobile device. That makes working out fun and easy. You can find everything from yoga to dance and strength training. If you’re pressed for time or on a tight budget, look for fat burning workouts online.
If you’re striving to lose weight or want to burn more fat take a look at how technology can help. Use it to motivate. Use it to track your success. Find great workouts online and burn more fat daily.
It detoxifies. It has an abundance of antioxidants. Antioxidants help your cells by getting rid of free radicals (they damage cells) in your body. These are two fantastic health benefits, but you might be surprised to know that Green Tea can help you burn fat too.
How Green Tea Burns Fat
Okay, you know that there are antioxidants in green tea. The antioxidants in green tea are called polyphenols. The catechins in polyphenols have thermogenic properties. Thermogenic properties means fat burning.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that this element in green tea boosts metabolismby four percent within twenty four hours. That means if you drink a few cups of green tea spread out throughout the day, you’re boosting your metabolism around the clock.
There’s also a couple of unique side effects of green tea. It’s an appetite suppressant, and it’s also a diuretic. Diuretic means it stimulates you to urinate and flush fluids out of your body, helping to flush your body of toxins. (Toxins motivate your body to store fat).
When you drink green tea you’re actually receiving three weight loss benefits. Your appetite is suppressed. You’re flushing your body of toxins, and you’re also boosting your metabolism and burning fat around the clock.
How Much Green Tea Should You Drink?
Experts seem to disagree on how much green tea a person should drink. Recommendations range from one cup to four cups a day.
Consider starting with one cup each day. Make it part of your daily routine. Drink it at lunch or as part of a mid morning snack.
As you learn to enjoy green tea you may drink a few more glasses each day.
Green tea can be bitter if it’s brewed too long or too hot. Follow the package instructions. And don’t hesitate to try various types of green tea. If you head to your local Asian market you’ll likely find more green tea options than you can possibly imagine. Choose a few, steep, and enjoy.
One precaution: Take care to not drink green tea in the afternoon or evening. It does contain caffeine. If you’re sensitive to caffeine it can interfere with sleep. Sleep is also an important part of fat burning and weight loss. You don’t want to trade one fat burning benefit for another.
Green tea has been consumed for centuries. It’s been prescribed by eastern medicine as a cure for many ailments and conditions. Scientists and western medicine are only now beginning to learn the powerful health benefits green tea offers. Take advantage of this ancient and delicious beverage. Improve your health and burn fat with green tea.
You have to eat, but if you’re on a diet or trying to lose weight you have to be especially careful about what you eat.
I’m sure you’ll be happy to know that there are delicious foods you can eat that will actually help you fight fat. Here are seven of the winning fat fighting foods.
Eggs An extra large egg has only 78 calories. And it’s packed with protein and nutrients. They’re very filling and will keep your blood sugar even and your hunger at bay for hours.An egg has extra lean protein that fills you up and keeps you satisfied for hours. Combine it with a piece of whole grain toast and you have a very satisfying, fat fighting breakfast. And don’t think eggs are only for breakfast. They make a great snack or mid-day meal too. Keep some boiled eggs in the fridge ready for your next snack.Eggs are excellent sources of protein, and when you mix eggs with a little fruit, a lot of greens, some beans and a little avocado, you are getting a lot of hunger fighting nutrients.
Dark chocolate According to a study conducted by the University of Copenhagen, dark chocolate suppresses appetite. Scientists found that compounds in dark chocolate slows digestion. This means you feel full much longer. It also curbs cravings for other not-so-healthy sweets.An ounce of dark chocolate has about 130 calories and is very high in flavonoids, the substances that are shown to improve blood flow, suppress coughs, improve memory, and give you hydrated, smooth skin. A 1 oz. piece of chocolate per day is now recommended for good health. Just make sure it is at least 70% cacao, but some are recommending 87% cacao. You may find it dry and bitter, but even chocolate shavings in a coffee can curb cravings.
Whole grains Fiber is an essential part of any diet, but especially a fat burning diet and lifestyle. It fills you up. It burns slowly and provides you with an evenly distributed energy throughout the day. Opt for whole grain or rye bread and try whole grain pretzels, crackers and cereals too.
Bananas are a super food. They’re packed with nutrients and fiber. One banana for a snack can help tide you over until your next meal. Add a little natural peanut butter to the banana and you’ll be satisfied for hours.
Nuts are a perfect snack. They’re full of heart healthy fatty acids and they help you feel full. They’re also packed with protein and fiber. Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are all fabulous for weight loss because they are so filling. About 12 nuts a couple times a day is all you need to get nourishment and fat burning.
Oranges Interestingly the scent of citrus is an appetite suppressant, but this amazing fruit is also at the top of the list of the most filling foods. An orange is high in fiber and has zero fats.
Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes rock! They’re packed with more nutrients than most vegetables and have amazing amounts of fiber. They’ll keep you full and satisfied for hours. Sweet potatoes should replace the standard potato.
There are so many really nutritious and delicious foods that will help you lose weight and burn fat. Be experimental. Try adding a new fruit or vegetable to your diet every week and add these fat fighting foods to your grocery list.
Childhood obesity is an epidemic. Today more than ever before children are struggling with weight gain and the subsequent health effects. Why is obesity on the rise? The answers are both simple and complicated.
Take a look at the foods in your cupboard and refrigerator. Chances are that sugar is an ingredient in most of them. It’s hard to get around it because often sugars are disguised in our foods.
Added sugars in beverages is so unnecessary because there is a lot of sugar naturally occuring. Many children consume several glasses of juice and soda daily which can add up to thousands of calories from drinks alone. An extra thousand calories a day results in one extra pound in less than four days.
Sugars in pasta sauce and condiments like ketchup is are also unnecessary. We picked up a bottle of Hunts tomato ketchup the other day that states boldly on the label that it does not contain High Fructose Corn Syrup. this is a good sign because the food manufacturers are starting to see that we know what they are doing.
There are sugars in processed meats and this seems ridiculous if you think about it. Why would there be sugar in meat?
Not enough fruits, vegetables and lean protein.
The truth is that many children don’t eat at home any more. They’re eating breakfast at McDonalds and lunch at Del Taco. Meals are often coming from a box or bag if they are prepared at home. These foods are shockingly short on vegetables and nutrients. They’re also dangerously high in fat, sodium and sugar. A child eating three of these meals a day will definitely gain extra weight.
Everyone loves a good snack, but if the snacks on hand are full of fat like potato chips are or full of sugar like cookies are, then your child is consuming tons of calories but are not getting any nutrients. Lack of nutrients spells disaster because the child will be hungry again in a very short period of time and the cycle repeats. Children end up consuming way too many calories but never get the nutrients they need.
Computers, video games, and television access have kids sitting for hours doing nothing with their bodies. Consuming the amount of calories in chips and cookies and then sitting around means that the calories are not being burned. It also means that the child’s metabolism has slowed, making it next to impossible to burn them. It’s the perfect one-two punch for weight gain. A little physical activity each day does wonders for a child’s weight and attitude.
Growing up is tough. Contemporary children face many stressors. And stress can cause depression even in kids. Just like adults, depression can cause overeating when the child is trying to soothe themselves with food. Overeating causes poor sleep, which causes the hormone Leptin to be decreased so their brain cannot tell the child when they are full. It’s all connected in a scary sort of way and these children need help to retrain their brains and bodies.
So to summarize, the main causes of childhood obesity include:
Medical issues/hormone imbalance
Medications (antihistamines taken for allergies can cause weight gain)
Stress or anxiety
Peer pressure (teasing, bullying)
Family history of obesity
Family lifestyle
Childhood obesity is a growing problem. Parents and caregivers can make a huge difference. Children are adaptable. They lose weight and change their habits much more easily than adults. They’re strong and capable, and with support, can lose weight. If you know someone struggling with obesity or who are on the path toward obesity, help them make healthier choices. Help them live a healthier life.
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Childhood Obesity: What is it? Obesity
(this is the first post in a series of 8 posts on childhood obesity)
is the biggest health crises ever confronting our society.
If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to take advantage of any and all resources.
One of your best resources is your metabolism. Boost your metabolism and you boost your weight loss efforts.
1. Intervals
When you exercise at a moderate rate with intervals of intense effort, you’ll burn the most calories. You’ll also boost your metabolism.
2. Coffee and Tea
Both coffee and tea have caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that boosts your metabolism. Couple that with the thermogenic, fat burning, properties of green tea and you can really boost your metabolism and burn fat.
3. Hot Peppers
Capsaicin, found in hot peppers, can double your energy expenditure for up to three hours after a meal. That means you’re really boosting your metabolism. Additionally, capsaicin is known to suppress appetite. This means you won’t be hungry for hours.
4. Ginger
Ginger increases your body’s temperature. This boosts your metabolism and the number of calories you burn.
5. B Vitamins
Vitamin B is required for metabolism. It also helps you manage stress and aids in the synthesis of DNA. It’s important to get enough B. Not enough and you’ll feel lethargic and sluggish.
6. Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals your body needs. It facilitates metabolism and proper protein synthesis. If you want to give your metabolism a boost, make sure you’re getting your magnesium. Many supplements combine calcium and magnesium together for a powerful supplement.
7. Eat Breakfast
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It starts your body, your blood sugar and your metabolism off right. Eating a healthy breakfast every day is a surefire way to keep your metabolism humming. Skip breakfast and you’ll actually slow your metabolism down.
8. Eat Protein
Protein aids digestion and helps your body maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Studies have found that when you eat lean protein with every snack and meal your metabolism can jump twice as much as it would with a carbohydrate only snack.
9. Build Muscle
Muscle burns more calories than fat. The more muscle you have, the more calories you’ll burn. The more effective and efficient your metabolism will run. When you build muscle you’ll burn more calories when you’re resting, sleeping and/or sitting at your desk at work.
Simple things can help boost your metabolism. With just a little extra sleep, a little more protein in your diet and a little more muscle you can really see results. Embrace a few metabolism boosters. Start losing more weight today.
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8 Power Packed Foods The secret to a long and healthy life is in the food that we eat.
Anti-Cancer Foods Many practitioners of natural medicine, and more Western doctors, are recommending courses of supplements that boost immunity and fight the growth of cancerous cells.
You or someone you know may be struggling with obesity.
It affects one in three adults in the United States, and is increasing in every country.
Many consider the rise in obesity an epidemic.
Along with weight gain, obesity brings with it a whole host of health problems. These problems range from depression and poor sleep to heart problems and death. Obesity has even been linked to many forms of cancer.
Before a person can begin to manage obesity, they must understand it. Specifically, what is causing the obesity?
What Causes Obesity?
At times, it is only one factor that causes weight gain. Other times there is a combination of factors that cause weight gain. Here are some of the more common causes for obesity.
Genetics: Scientists and medical professionals have identified a group of genes that control hunger. More specifically, they control the hormone Leptin. When you have healthy Leptin levels you feel hungry only when your body needs food. When levels are imbalanced you might feel hungry all of the time.
Environment: The environment you live in, your friends, and the habits you grew up with make a difference. People with obese parents are more likely to be obese themselves. People with obese friends are also more likely to be obese. People who live in the Southern United States or the Midwest are also more likely to be obese.
Diet: Diet is the primary cause of obesity. Overeating and poor eating habits are the single biggest contributor to obesity. Processed foods, fast foods and restaurant foods are all high in fat, salt and sugar. One take out burger can have more calories and fat than the average person should consume in a day.Sugary drinks such as juice and soda are also major contributors to the obesity epidemic. Many people consume their full day’s calories in drinks alone. Diet is so important to preventing and controlling obesity and doctors and scientists believe that a good diet can overcome genetics.
Activity: When inactivity is combined with poor eating habits, obesity is a result–the math is simple. A person must burn more calories than they consume. Simple things like walking and taking the stairs at every opportunity can make a huge difference.
Lifestyle: You might be surprised that some basic lifestyle habits can cause obesity. For example, poor sleep or a high stress life are both contributing factors in obesity. Low Leptin levels stop the brain from knowing when we are full. High stress causes high cortisol levels which contribute to bellyfat.
If you are struggling with obesity, try to pinpoint the factors that could be contributing to it. Then and only then can you take proper steps to regain your health. Consult your physician and assess your lifestyle and habits. What can you do to lose weight and get healthy?
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CDC: Defining Overweight and Obesity Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight
that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height.
Obesity and its associated problems are discussed in every major newspaper. You can’t turn on the news or the television without hearing about it. However, many people don’t truly understand what obesity is. They may think they’re obese when they’re really not.
Likewise, they may believe they’re just a bit overweight when they’re clinically obese. The difference is significant.
The Basics of Obesity.
Let’s start with a working definition of obesity. Doctors and medical professionals define obesity as a person who is 20% or more over their normal body weight.
Most physicians use BMI or body mass index to evaluate obesity. It’s a slightly more accurate assessment than simply looking at normal weight. This is because normal weight can range for a person by ten or more pounds. Normal weight varies depending on muscle mass, bone mass and water retention.
BMI is calculated based on a person’s weight and height. It’s a basic ratio of your weight multiplied by 703 over your height multiplied by itself. So if you weigh 150 and you’re five feet four inches your ratio would be 150×703/64×64 (inches). Or 105450/4096. Or 25.74.
The result is then evaluated based on the following scale:
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
Overweight = 25–29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
Morbidly obese = BMI is greater than 40
A person is considered morbidly obese when they weigh 50-100% more than their normal weight.
What Causes Obesity?
Slow and steady weight gain over a lifetime.
Many people gradually gain weight over time. By the time they reach their 30’s, 40’s, or 50’s they’ve inched up into the obese category. A pound a month or ten pounds a year can really add on over time.
Inactivity and a poor diet are also paths to obesity.
Some medications and health conditions also lend themselves to weight gain.
Genetics and environmental factors can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Treatments for Obesity
The treatments for obesity are varied. They depend on the person, the causes for the obesity, and the seriousness of the person’s health.
Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes – diet and exercise to surgery.
It is very important for an obese person to lose weight because it brings with it a whole host of health risks. Many of which are life threatening like diabetes and heart disease.
To treat and manage obesity meet with your doctor to create a treatment plan.
Obesity isn’t a life sentence. You CAN lose weight and regain your health and vitality. The first step is understanding what obesity is. The second step is getting a diagnosis. Finally, create a treatment plan with your health care practitioner and start down the path to your healthier future.
CDC: Defining Overweight and Obesity Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight
that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height.
where a person’s body fat percentage is higher than normal. Men are considered obese if their body is more than thirty percent fat. Women are considered obese if their body is more than twenty-five percent fat.
Most often, a doctor uses BMI or Body Mass Index to determine if a person is obese. Body mass is calculated by comparing the height and weight of a person. It’s a simple calculation. You can do the math yourself.
Multiply your weight by 703. Divide that number by your height in inches multiplied by itself.
At 200 pounds and are six feet tall, the equation would be 200 x 703/72 x 72. Or 140600/5184 or 27.12. Remember that the obesity ratio for men is defined as someone with a BMI over thirty. This means the person in this example is not considered obese.
While the math is easy to do, losing the weight isn’t always as easy. It takes a lot of hard work and support to get to a healthy weight. People are stressed and tired and eat what they can, when they can. Often it’s not the best quality food, usually high in saturated fats and sugars. This fact has lead to an obesity epidemic among both children and adults and has become very commonplace.
How Common is Obesity?
You might be surprised at the following rate of obesity in the United States, but one in three adults is obese. That’s more than thirty percent of the adult population!
What’s even more alarming is that obesity is skyrocketing in children. Approximately one in four or twenty-five percent of children are obese. These numbers have doubled in the past ten years!
The Surgeon General reported that about 300,000 people in the United States die annually from conditions directly related to obesity.
The Center for Disease Control reports that obesity numbers are much higher amongst minorities groups than in caucasions. It’s also reported to be more common in the southern United States and the Midwest than other areas of the country.
However, obesity is not limited to the United States. It is growing at an alarming rate across the globe.
What Causes Obesity?
Obesity is caused by the following:
Genetics
Overeating
Poor eating and dietary habits
Not enough physical activity
Medications
Psychological factors like depression
Diseases
Environment – poor role models
Hormones and metabolism
Dieting
But studies have shown that no single element affects weight more than diet and activity levels. Burning more calories than you eat trumps genetics, medication, and any other factors.
This is good news. It means that even if the cards are stacked against you, you can control your weight. If you’re overweight and want to avoid obesity and all the resulting health complications, you can take control of your health.
Because obesity is so prevalent, there’s a lot of help available. Consult your physician. Change your habits to support a healthy lifestyle. Join a weight loss group or support group.
Obesity is common but it doesn’t have to be your life.
Technology makes our lives easier. It makes it possible to have a face to face conversation with someone thousands of miles away. It helps doctors diagnose. It entertains us too. All of this amazing technology can also help fight obesity. Here are a few fun and interesting technologies to help fight obesity.
Body fat scales.
Body fat scales have been around for quite some time. However, they’re more accurate now. You can literally stand on your bathroom scale and know your body fat percentage. This is important. As a person adds activity to their life they may not lose weight. They may gain muscle instead. On a regular scale this can be disheartening. However, with a body fat scale you can tell if you’re making progress. If your body fat percentage is decreasing, you’re getting healthier.
Fitness gadgets.
There are now more fitness gadgets on the market than ever before. These gadgets can tell you your heart rate. They can track your steps throughout the day. They can even tell you if you’re getting quality sleep. Many of these fitness tools also integrate with software. You can use this software to track your progress over time. For example, there is a fitness gadget called the FitBit (see video below) that tracks your steps for the day. When you log onto the website you can then enter what you’ve eaten that day. The FitBit then reports how many calories you’ve consumed. It also tells you how many calories you’ve burned. The goal? To burn more than you consume. The iPod/iPad also offers a number of calorie and activity tracking tools. You can sit down at a restaurant. Open your application. Make menu choices based on nutrition information provided by the application.
Games.
Another new technology is fitness video games. You can exercise while you play with your friends and family. The Wii Fit has made quite an impact.
The internet.
There are some truly amazing websites available. Some provide online support around weight loss. Others are information based sites to help guide your diet and lifestyle decisions. There are also membership and social networking sites to help motivate you while you are losing weight. Some of these sites integrate with mainstream social networking. The result? Powerful motivation because you are making your progress public and this can be incredibly motivating. There’s nothing better than being cheered on by hundreds of your online friends and family.
We haven’t even discussed some of the recent advances in the medical field. A decade ago gastric bypass and the Lap Band didn’t exist. These two surgeries have changed people’s lives and technology will continue to evolve. As the obesity epidemic continues to grow, we can expect even more technology devoted to help combat it.
If you’re struggling with obesity,embrace the technology that is so readily available and get the support you deserve while you are trying to lose weight.
CDC: Defining Overweight and Obesity Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight
that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height.
CDC: Defining Overweight and Obesity Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight
that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height.
for diabetics diets (diabetics can safely use this product)
for those with high blood pressure
for the prevention of cavities because it is not a sugar
as a weight loss aid
Caution: natural green leaf ground into a powder is not the
same as the white powder extract commonly found in stores.
And if you’ve been reading this blog, you’ll know that fat does not cause weight gain and bellyfat — sugars do!
The best stevia has no binders, fillers or additives. Quality stevia plants are grown in
non-irradiated, non-fumigated environments that do not use pesticides.
One of the 3 known enzymes that have significant anti-oxidant activity, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), is present in Stevia. Cancerous cells have a deficiency or a complete lack of this enzyme. If you supplement your diet with stevia you will be helping your body to avoid or manage cancer because anti-oxidants take care of free radicals, helping to stop or reduce cell mutation into the first stages of cancer.
When you use Stevia leaf in place of sugars in cooking and baking, the equivalent is:
2 tablespoons of Stevia leaf powder is equivalent to 1 cup of sugar
(in sweetening power)
Most people know that obesity is the leading cause of type 11 diabetes.They may also know that it causes many types of cancer. It causes heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and death. All in all, obesity causes a lot of health problems. However, you might be surprised to know that obesity causes some other day to day effects.
1. Depression
Depression and obesity have a very tight connection. It’s theorized that many times obesity is caused by depression. However, it’s also known that obesity causes depression in many individuals. The reasons are complicated.
Often when people are obese, their self esteem and confidence falls dramatically. This usually leads to depression, especially in teenagers and young children who may be facing teasing and bullying at school.
However, obesity also affects a person’s ability to get good sleep. It can actually cause many sleep disorders. Sleep apnea, for example, is often caused by obesity. When a person isn’t able to get quality sleep, their brain chemistry can change. Poor sleep often leads to depression.
Obesity often goes hand in hand with inactivity. Being active and getting exercise releases the “feel good” hormone, serotonin. Inactivity prevents serotonin from being released into the body. The result can be a depression or a chronic bad or low mood.
2. Poor sleep and sleep disorders
Obesity also causes a number of sleep disorders. Sleep is crucial for normal physical and mental functioning. Poor sleep causes irritability and depression. It causes poor functioning. It also causes a weakened immune system. And poor sleep causes a person to gain weight. The good news is that simply getting seven hours of sleep each night can make a world of difference.
3. Poor complexion.
Obesity affects metabolism. It also affects hormone levels and organ functioning. Specifically, it can cause poor liver function, or fatty liver disease. When your liver isn’t functioning well, your complexion can pay the price. It can become yellowed and acne can set in. You may even suffer skin infections due to your weakened immune system.
4. Hair and nails.
An obese body is struggling to function optimally. Several bodily functions are ignored to take care of more important body organs like your heart and lungs. Fairly early on, you may notice that your hair changes and it may even start to fall out. It may change in texture and become course and brittle. Your nails may also become brittle and yellow as well, due to your weakened immune system and poor liver function.
5. Decreased sexual interest and function.
Libido and sexual function can be drastically impaired in obese people. In fact, many obese people find it difficult to get pregnant. When hormone levels are imbalanced, infertility can be the result. If you’re trying to have children you may also struggle with fertility problems. Fat cells produce hormones. They also inhibit balanced hormone production and your desire for sex will decrease. Finally, many obese women suffer from gynecological problems like ovarian cysts and endometriosis.
Obesity causes a number of health problems. They range from acne and low libido to depression and death. If you’re struggling with obesity, there’s help. You can regain your health and vitality.
Leave a comment below if you’d like to chime in on the conversation. I’d love to hear what you have to say.
Childhood Obesity: What is it? Obesity
(this is the first post in a series of 8 posts on childhood obesity)
is the biggest health crises ever confronting our society.
Childhood obesity is an epidemic. Today more than ever before in history, children are struggling with weight gain and the subsequent health effects.
1. Too much sugar.
Take a look at the foods in your cupboard and refrigerator. Chances are sugar is an ingredient in most of them. And it’s just not necessary.Sugar doesn’t need to be in beverages. It doesn’t need to be in sauces and condiments. It doesn’t need to be in processed meats. Many children consume several glasses of juice and/or soda daily. That can add up to thousands of calories from just drinking. An extra thousand calories a day results in one pound of weight gain in less than four days.
2. Not enough fruits, vegetables and lean protein.
The truth is that many children just don’t eat at home any more. They’re usually eating fast food meals, and when meals are prepared at home, they are from a box or a bag. These foods are shockingly short on vegetables and nutrients. They’re also super high in fat, sodium and sugar. A child can eat three meals a day and gain weight if they’re not eating healthy, homemade meals.
3. Overeating.
Most adults and children enjoy snacking. If the snacks you have on hand at home are fatty like potato chips, or sugary, like cookies, then your child is not being nourished with vitamins and minerals. They are being filled with saturated fats and empty calories. Chances are they’ll be hungry again in short time and the cycle repeats. Your children will just end up consuming way too many calories, yet never getting the nutrients they need.
4. Couch potato syndrome.
Computers, video games, television, and a complete lack of exercise mean calories just don’t get burned. It also means metabolism slows down. It’s the perfect one/two punch for weight gain. A little physical activity each day goes a long way toward keeping your child’s weight down.
5. Depression.
Childhood is tough. Many children struggle with stress and depression. Depression is a common cause of overeating, causing poor sleep. Good sleep produces a hormone called Leptin, and Leptin tells the brain to stop eating once our body has had enough. Depression and lack of good sleep stops the production of Leptin and this has been shown to directly cause weight gain.
Other causes for childhood obesity include:
Medical issues/hormone imbalance
Medications (antihistamines taken for allergies can cause weight gain)
Stress or anxiety
Peer pressure
Family history of obesity
Childhood obesity is a growing problem. Parents and caregivers can make a huge difference. Children are adaptable. They lose weight and change their habits much more easily than adults. They’re strong and capable, and with support they can lose weight. If you know someone struggling with obesity or on the path toward obesity, help them make healthier choices. Help them live a healthier life.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment or sound off about the epidemic.
Why Stevia shows promise in fighting hypertension, obesity, and diabetes epidemics.
For centuries, the Guaraní tribes of Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil used stevia, which they called ka’a he’ê (“sweet herb”), as a sweetener in yerba mate and medicinal teas for treating heartburn and other ailments
Stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose, even enhancing glucose tolerance; therefore, it is attractive as a natural sweetener to diabetics and others on carbohydrate-controlled diets
Possible treatment of osteoporosis has been suggested by the patent application claim that eggshell breakage can be reduced by 75% by adding a small percentage of stevia leaf powder to chicken feed
Medical research has found that Stevia shows promise in treating obesity and hypertension, even having an enhancing glucose tolerance.
1970s, Japan began cultivating Stevia as an alternative to artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, which were suspected carcinogens.
It has also been suggested that pigs fed stevia extract had twice as much calcium content in their meat, but these claims have been unverified.
PS Have you also heard that Stevia is dangerous and toxic? Here’s a report from the WHO.
In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) performed a thorough evaluation of recent experimental studies of stevioside and steviols conducted on animals and humans, and concluded “stevioside and rebaudioside A are not genotoxic in vitro or in vivo and that the genotoxicity of steviol and some of its oxidative derivatives in vitro is not expressed in vivo.”
The report also found no evidence ofcarcinogenic activity. Furthermore, the report noted “stevioside has shown some evidence of pharmacological effects in patients with hypertension or with type-2 diabetes”,but concluded further study was required to determine proper dosage.
The WHO’s Joint Experts Committee on Food Additives has approved, based on long-term studies, an acceptable daily intake of steviol glycoside of up to 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
You have to eat, but if you’re on a diet or trying to lose weight
you have to be especially careful about what you eat. I’m sure you’ll be happy to know that there are delicious foods you can eat that will actually help you fight fat. Here are seven of the winning fat fighting foods.
1 Eggs.
An extra large egg has only 78 calories. And it’s packed with protein and nutrients. They’re very filling and will keep your blood sugar even and your hunger at bay for hours. Consider scrambling one whole egg and two or three egg whites.
An egg has extra lean protein that will fill you up and keep you satisfied for hours. Combine it with a piece of whole grain toast and you have a very satisfying, fat fighting breakfast. And don’t think eggs are only for breakfast. They make a great snack or mid-day meal too. Keep some boiled eggs in the fridge ready for your next snack.
2 Dark chocolate.
According to a study conducted by the University of Copenhagen, dark chocolate suppresses appetite. Scientists found that compounds in dark chocolate slow down your digestion. This means you feel full longer. It also curbs cravings for other not so healthy sweets.
An ounce of dark chocolate has about 170 calories, is high in flavonoids, substances that have been shown to improve blood flow, suppress coughs, improve memory, and give you hydrated, smooth skin.
A 1 oz. dose of chocolate a day is now officially the doctor’s order but, make sure it is dark chocolate that is at least 70% cacao. Some will find it dry and bitter especially if you are used to milk chocolate, but even chocolate shavings in a coffee can curb cravings.
3 Whole grains.
Fiber is an essential part of any fat burning diet and lifestyle. It fills you up. It burns slowly and provides you with even energy. Opt for whole grain bread, or rye if you dislike whole wheat. Try whole grain pretzels, crackers and cereals.
4 Bananas.
Bananas are a super food. They’re packed with nutrients and fiber. One banana for a snack can help tide you over until your next meal. Add a little natural peanut butter to the banana and you’ll be satisfied for hours.
5 Nuts.
Nuts are a perfect snack. They’re full of heart healthy fatty acids and they help you feel full. They’re also packed with protein and fiber. If you don’t like almonds or pistachios consider trying pine nuts. About 12 nuts a couple times a day is all you need to get nourishment and fat burning.
6 Oranges.
Interestingly, citrus scent is an appetite suppressant, but this amazing fruit is at the top of the list of the most filling foods. An orange is high in fiber and has zero fat.
7 Sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes rock! They’re packed with more nutrients than most vegetables and have way more fiber than a standard potato. They’ll keep you full and satisfied for hours.
There are so many really nutritious and delicious foods that will help you lose weight and burn fat. Be experimental. Try adding a new fruit or vegetable to your diet every week and add these fat fighting foods to your grocery list. Here’s to your success!
Just in time for your New Year’s healthy lifestyle resolutions, let me send you these fat burning tips, one per week for the next 15 weeks.
Your email address is safe with me. I’ll never sell, rent, or otherwise disrespect the privilege of having your email address.
CDC: Defining Overweight and Obesity Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight
that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height.
When consulting with multiple health professionals, it’s essential to discuss these supplements—to determine which ones are right for you and to ensure none are contraindicated with other treatments.
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