Eliminating the Barriers to Weight Loss
Inflammation and Toxicity are the Two Deterrents to Weight Loss
Have you been struggling to lose weight and not succeeding? Perhaps you've tried eating less and exercising more, but the weight still persists. Inflammation and toxicity are now believed as important reasons why we simply can't lose those extra pounds.
Inflammation is a natural healing process of your body to injury and the attacks imposed by the environment. Unfortunately, much of the inflammatory response has to do with the foods we eat. A diet of burgers, fries and soda has the effect of creating inflammation. We are constantly bombarded by toxins found in the environment and in the habits of smoking and drinking. Gaining weight is a product of our lifestyle, a self-protective measure our bodies create to combat our constant state of high stress. It is now believed that chronic inflammation lies at the root of obesity, heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's.
The biggest hurdle to a healthier life is by making a commitment to change the lifestyle that is leading to obesity and disease. So what should you be doing to get on the road to a slimmer you?
Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
That means natural, whole foods, fruits and vegetables. Generally anything made from white flour, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, preservatives, additives, alcohol and caffeine should be eliminated. Substitute coffee with green tea which is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Drink pure or sparkling water instead of cola. Eat organic meat instead of meat that comes from animals that have been treated with growth hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and should be on the menu at least once a week. If you don't like fish, use flax seeds instead. They have high levels of omega-3 fatty oils. Chia seed is another source of essential oils.
Detoxify
You can make a vegetable broth by combining 6 cups of chopped mixed vegetables like carrots , onions, celery, shiitake mushrooms, sweet potato and root vegetables such as turnips and parsnip with 10 cups of filtered water. Add some ginger, oregano, fennel and bay leaf and bring the pot to a boil. Simmer on low boil for 60 minutes. Then strain and drink at least 3 to 4 cups a day. Since water acts as a good detoxifier, you should drink at least 8 glasses of pure water. Smoke whether first hand or second-hand has a plethora of chemicals that produce an inflammatory response. Quiting the smoking habit is the best offence against the bulge.
Stress
You can't get rid of it completely, but you can reduce it considerably. The environment isn't the only area where you find toxins. Much has to do with the way you think. Stress and worry interfere with the normal mental chemistry of the mind. Headaches, depression, anxiety are all symptoms of a mind that isn't functioning. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and a host of mental illnesses are increasing in our world. In order to detoxify your mind, you need to learn how to use it properly. That means knowing how to relax. Meditation and prayer both help to alleviate stress. Buddhists practice mindfulness. Simply it means putting yourself in the moment which is all that really matters. The past is history and you don't know what tomorrow will bring. You can only live minute by minute.
No weight loss program or fat-loss pill will help you lose weight. You need to eliminate the sources leading to weight gain. And that involves addressing you as a whole person and changing the lifestyle that leads to inflammation and ultimately to obesity, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's. Your diet, your lack of exercise, you toxicity levels all need to be addressed if you hope to live a healthy and happy life.
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