Downsizing – the good kind

We have a live (and hopefully lively) show Saturday on Healthy by Nature. Pharmaceutical industry whistle blower, Kay Carlson makes a return visit to finishing discussing how the drug companies exert control over your doctor and take Medicare and Medicaid for an expensive ride. We also talk with the grandson of chemist, Dr. John Willard, the founder of Willard Water, inventor of interesting products, one of which was featured on 60 minutes. The phone lines will be open—(800) 281-8255.

WEIGHT LOSS STEPS

Most people want to lose some weight—either the few pounds picked up over the holidays or the many pounds that have quietly accumulated over the years. Virtually all the steps to improve health that we discussed in last week’s newsletter also help with weight loss. But here are 6 more. (Watch for another 6 next week.) Let’s start with paying attention to where and how we eat.

It is best to not eat in the car, at the computer or in front of the TV where you will be distracted from the psychological satisfaction of enjoying the meal. (In other words, don’t do what I sometimes do.) Because you aren’t focused on the food, that is savoring its aroma, appearance, texture, temperature, and subtle flavors, you will likely eat more. You may also have the vague feeling that you missed something and start looking for the next meal sooner.

Be in a peaceful mood (perhaps by saying Grace?). Avoid eating with people who stress you. Even if the stress doesn’t drive you to eat compulsively, it will interfere with digestion and is one of those distractions we discussed in #1 above.

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. To do so greatly helps digestion, which in turn provides more nutrition for healthy metabolism. Eating slowly also accommodates the time delay that occurs between the stomach becoming full and your brain receiving the message.

Stop eating after dinner. Besides avoiding those extra evening snack calories (I’m guessing that late night grazers are not eating celery), there are benefits to digestion and metabolism. Eating late invites acid indigestion because digestion requires a lot of energy that is not available if your system is shutting down for the night and diverting its energy to repair the body. Also, if you recline before your stomach is empty, you tempt gravity to pull stomach juice into the delicate esophagus. Furthermore, late food intake also short-circuits Leptin, one of the signaling mechanism that tells your body whether to burn or store fat.

Don’t skip meals. For example, it has been shown that those who skip breakfast have more trouble with weight loss. (Just make sure it isn’t a sugary toaster pastry or all bets are off!) Eat often enough that you don’t get excessively hungry. When you are really hungry, your survival instincts take over and good judgment goes out the window thereby allowing a Super Size meal to come your car window.

Snack preventively. For example, keeping a few almonds or macadamia nuts with you may be just what you need to take the edge off hunger and carry you until dinner. Nuts also help calm down the munchies before you go to a party or other event where you think you might over eat.

This information is educational only and is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. The statements have not been evaluated by the FDA . Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a health profession who knows nutrition regarding any illness.

My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book : Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

Copyright 2011 Martie Whittekin, CCN