5 Effective Weight Loss Strategies
An article by Chavvah Laudon
America is obsessed with weight. From famous models to private girl chats and aging men, Americans talk about weight. We make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, read health articles on waist size, and get freaked out by studies discussing the impact obesity has on our health. America isn’t just obsessed with weight. Obesity has become a health epidemic.
There is now a trend that is trying to normalize larger sizes. Some of this is good. The perfectly sculpted Barbi Doll images that our society conjures up to define beauty is insulting. On the other hand, is this push to normalize extra-large sizes good for one’s health?
The Bible teaches us that God makes each person unique and in His image. That means people’s sizes and shapes vary from person to person. Similar strains of DNA run in families and result in similar characteristics. Some people are naturally skinny. Some fight weight issues their whole lives — some gain in their hips and thighs, others in their waste and upper body.
As Christians, our identity can, and should, come from who we are in Christ, not in our outward appearance. The Scriptures teach that true beauty comes from the inside.
The Bible also teaches that moderation is a good thing. The studies of weight affecting our health are too numerous to ignore. Maintaining a healthy weight is an essential part of good health. Losing weight is especially important if a poor diet or other health problems are causing your weight gain.
If you want to lose weight, consider these 5 strategies, which many people have found helpful.
Eat better.
Usually, at the top of the list, many people find that improving their diet is all it takes to start shedding those pounds. Cut the sugar, carbohydrates, fast food, and processed foods. Eat primarily fruits and vegetables and organic or natural protein.
What works for you may depend on your body type. Keto is a popular diet—which is heavy on protein and avoids carbohydrates. On the flip side, some people find a vegetarian or vegan diet helpful. Still, others find the key is portion control—stop overeating.
If you are looking for a way to make eating healthier easier and tastier, try Simple Foods products. The Simple Foods Cookbook is full of delicious, healthy recipes designed with children’s delicate pallet in mind. Simple Foods also makes Simple Sweet—a sweetener that utilizes a combination of natural sweeteners that weigh in lower on the glycemic index. Since glycemic index is one of the big problems with sweeteners, using this mix can reduce or eliminate problems associated with sweets. Simple Sweet is comparable to Trim Healthy Mama’s Gentle Sweet.
Simple Foods also has a line of healthy mixes making cooking healthy quick and simple. Look for their Brownie Mix, Pancake Mix, Cornbread Mix, Spice Cake Mix, and Chocolate Cake Mix. Although Simple Foods does not market their products for weight loss, they prioritize healthy ingredients and delicious flavors which make eating healthy easier for your whole family—which may translate to weight loss.
Exercise.
We hear it all the time—exercise is good for our health! Regular movement can be harder than it seems. But the results can be massive! My doctor told me of someone who decided to quit driving and walk everywhere instead. The pounds dropped right off.
Many professionals recommend a combination of cardio and strength—for men and women. It is essential to know what your body can handle and adjust accordingly.
Cardio increases your heart rate to above 120 beats per minute. Running, skating, swimming, treadmills, and ellipticals are all options to get in your cardio.
Strength exercises like weightlifting, stretching, and pilates are a different form of exercise which converts fat into muscle.
Again, finding what is right for you is crucial. Health care professionals or a personal trainer can help you tailor your exercise routine and advise on what your body can handle.
Drink Enough Pure Water
Some people say they have lost weight simply by drinking more water. Water is so vital to your body’s overall health. Without sufficient water, your cells and organs can’t operate as they should. For some people, getting enough water balances their system enough to allow them to drop the pounds.
Experts vary on how much water a person should drink. A common rule is one ounce per half your body weight in pounds. For example, if you weigh 100 pounds, your optimal quantity would be 50 oz of water.
For those who drink soft drinks, an additional advantage benefit of drinking water is it may help you avoid pop. Some people have lost significant weight just by cutting it out!
Look for an underlying health issue.
Sometimes people have underlying health issues that cause them to gain and hold on to weight. Hormone issues—and all their nasty spin-offs and relatives can cause weight problems (cushing’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, endometriosis, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), etc.) Gut problems like leaky gut, SIBO, IBS—practically anything related to gut health can cause weight issues. Even anxiety and some heart problems may cause weight gain. This is not a complete list—many illnesses can contribute to weight problems; these are some of the most common.
If you have an underlying health condition contributing to your weight struggle, addressing the health issue is a smart move. Not only can you improve your health problem, but you could also have the added benefit of losing weight! Even if resolving the health issue does not shed those pounds, it may clear the way for weight loss efforts to succeed.
Consider supplements that may help.
Sometimes a weight loss supplement can help you cut some corners or provide the missing link when you are trying to lose weight. Choosing the supplement will depend on what you think is the cause of your weight gain and/or what you are looking to achieve.
For example, if you think your weight gain is caused by a female hormone imbalance, then something like Women’s Hormonal Help may be helpful since it is addressing the underlying health issue. Addressing gut issues appropriately—perhaps by enzymes, probiotics, Real Digestion Multi, Neprinol AFD, or Colon Rescue may be the boost you need. We also recommend natural health supplements over drugs whenever possible. If you know you have a serious health condition, please don’t hesitate to get the help you need from an appropriate health care provider.
Finally, quality products made for weight loss can help you target those pounds and give them the boot. Ten-Day DownSize, Nightly Nightburn, Weight Control Formula, Green Tea Fat Metabolizer, 15-Day Weight Loss Support Cleanse & Flush®, Metabolism Weight Control are all excellent, quality products for weight loss.
I recommend you read the descriptions of these products carefully and choose which ones you think will help you most. By their names alone, you can tell that each one has its unique niche. I particularly like the idea of burning fat weight while you sleep 😴. It just seems the most efficient and pain-free!
Weight loss can be a complicated and personal struggle. It affects a lot of us. Hopefully, the ideas presented here will help you think through your situation and choose the right protocol for you.
© 2020. Used by permission
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