Dr. Oz Scandal Brings Us Back to the Basics of Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, we want to see results, and we want to see them quickly. We can order food, book travel reservations, and stream movies all in an instant. But can we drop that unwanted weight the same way? With so much available at the push of a button, it’s no surprise our patience has begun to be tested. So why wait for something we do not have to wait for?
We are bombarded by articles, endorsements, and commercials claiming this supplement or that superfood will help us shed the pounds we want simply by consuming the product. But do these products work, or are they just giving us false hope?
In recent years, these weight loss quick fixes have received a lot of skepticism, and many people have become reluctant to try them. But what happens when a celebrity endorses one of these weight loss miracle products? What if that celebrity is a doctor whose advice is trusted by millions of viewers?
If you know of the Dr. Oz scandal and know where I am going with this, let me preface what I am about to say. First, I by no means have negative feelings towards Dr. Oz. After all, can you dislike a man who has brought so much awareness for our health into the public eye? There are thousands of people living better, healthier lives because of Dr. Oz, and for that, I am grateful.
I do not, however, believe in miracle weight loss products such as those endorsed by Dr. Oz, and it is evident that I am not alone. Not too long ago, many loyal viewers were disappointed when Dr. Oz was criticized and questioned by US senators for his endorsement of quick weight-loss fixes like raspberry ketones, green coffee beans, and Garcinia cambogia.
While it is essential to compliment your diet with supplements and vitamins, I do not believe that these products alone can help you lose weight. But do not be disappointed. Although miracle weight loss products do not exist, I will share with you advice to effectively achieve your weight loss goals and increase your metabolism.
1. Eat Whole Foods, Not Parts
When we consume food, our body breaks the food down and converts it into energy to fuel the body’s functions. When too much food is consumed, the excess energy is stored as fat to use later. Many people often mistake this concept for meaning that they can eat what they want, as long as they limit the amount consumed. This is not necessarily true.
Our body cannot break down all foods the same. When we eat something highly processed, full of preservatives, or chemically altered, our body’s natural digestion is strained. Different foods too hard to break down often become stored as fat. The toxins in these foods can also trigger extra fat storage. It is essential to avoid packaged foods or carefully read the label when choosing your foods. Sticking with foods from the earth rather than created by machines can make the difference between fat-burning and fat-storing.
PLUS, your supplement should be made, not synthetic. I wholeheartedly believe in taking supplements and herbs, but they need to be pesticide-free and not synthesized in a lab. Makes sense. By all means, I wouldn’t be promoting any product I wouldn’t give my own family. At Bennett Acupuncture and Functional Medicine, we use only the most effective and natural supplements. Let’s talk, and I can help.
2. Get Your Body Energy Level Measured
Acupuncture has a very effective way to make sure your body’s running effectively and efficiently by looking at your Qi (body energy) and meridians. When the body is running correctly via acupuncture, weight loss is much easier to obtain permanently. This is a significant precursor to jumpstarting your health and is recommended to get checked out by a professional acupuncturist. This truly gives you a jumpstart to better health as 2000 years of medicine cannot be wrong. We can measure your Qi in our office with our Zyto computerized system. This BioScan computer system is an adjunct tool we use as a wellness assessment technology. Let modern science enhance ancient acupuncture treatment benefits.
3. Good Sugars vs. Bad Sugars
When we think of sugar, we often think of the white granule sugar we put in our coffee or use for baking. But this isn’t the only sugar we consume. Foods like fruit are high in sugar. The difference, however, is how our body breaks this sugar down. Not only do fruits have a much higher nutritional value than sugary indulgences like candy and cookies, but your body quickly digests the sugars in fruits. The sugars found in junk food, on the other hand, are not readily broken down and can increase fat storage.
Many people believe an easy fix is buying “sugar-free” foods. Unfortunately, this in itself can lead to further issues. Foods such as high fructose corn syrup and synthetic sugar substitutes like sucralose and aspartame are known for increasing fat storage. Instead, when you crave sugary foods, it is recommended to stick to honey, agave, or fruit.
4. Eat Plenty of Protein
Insulin, a hormone in our body, plays a significant role in weight management. Too high or too low insulin levels in your body can trigger fat storage. To ensure you are maintaining a stable insulin level, it is essential never to skip a meal and avoid eating foods chock full of the harmful sugars we discussed above.
5. Don’t Stress It
Weight loss can be stressful enough. Add any additional stress, and our bodies are in danger of becoming fat-storing machines. When we undergo stress, our body produces the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol becomes elevated, it flips the body’s fat storage switch to on. Too much pressure over a long period can keep the body in fat storage mode. It is essential to manage your cortisol levels and keep them in check like insulin. An easy way to relieve stress and eliminate the risk of increased cortisol levels is by taking a few deep breaths. It is also recommended to take a 30 to 60-minute walk when you get home. Exercising is excellent for clearing the mind and reducing stress.
6. Check the Functioning of Your Adrenal and Thyroid
If you follow a strict diet and exercise vigorously but still aren’t seeing results, your thyroid may be to blame. The thyroid gland, often ignored, can be the sole reason that stubborn weight hangs around. Your thyroid may be the reason for the weight gain in the first place.
You see, your thyroid is responsible for keeping your body warm, burning energy, and maintaining the proper functioning of your vital organs and muscles. When the thyroid is working correctly, it produces hormones absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout your body. This hormone is responsible for fat burning. However, when your thyroid becomes sluggish, also known as hypothyroidism, it does not produce enough of these hormones to maintain your metabolism. In other words, if your thyroid’s hormone production decreases, your body’s ability to burn fat also decreases.
If you suspect your thyroid may be a critical factor in your inability to lose weight, it is a good idea to have it properly checked out. You may also want to have your adrenal function checked out, as well. In many cases, abnormal adrenal function leads to a decreased thyroid. Having an adrenal panel run by a functional medicine practitioner is a great start to delve deeper into what is going on.
7. Have Your Estrogen Levels Checked, Too
Elevated estrogen, known as Estrogen Dominance, may be another factor is leading to your weight loss difficulties. This syndrome is also believed to lead to high blood pressure, cysts, tumors, and certain types of cancers. Suppose you are experiencing symptoms of estrogen overload such as endometriosis, adult acne, PMS, PCOS, extra weight around the hips, or heavy and painful periods. In that case, it is essential to consult your doctor about a saliva hormone analysis.
8. Our Secret Weight Loss Weapon – Dr. Bennett’s 21-Day Purification Program
Although the body rids itself of toxins naturally, eventually, it can become overburdened. Purification, also known as detoxification, can help remove toxins. Dr. Bennett’s 21-Day Purification Program is designed to lighten the toxic load, improve digestion and help maintain a healthy weight. Click to watch some recent results. Then, give us a call; we can walk you through it.
9. Detox Daily
Toxins enter our bodies through the foods and liquids we consume, through the air we breathe, and the substances we come into contact with. Even if you follow a raw diet and use only natural products, you are still exposed to toxins just by stepping outside. Not only can these toxins wreak havoc in your body, but they also are preventing you from losing the weight you are working so hard to shed.
Not only can toxins interrupt your thyroid’s hormone production and subsequently decrease your metabolism, but toxins also trigger your body to increase fat cell production. Unlike foods, the body cannot break down toxins and eliminate them through excretion. Instead, our bodies react to threatening toxins in our bloodstream by producing fat cells and stuffing them full of toxins. Later, when the body needs fat cells to burn, these toxin-storing fat cells are usually the least likely to be chosen.
There are some steps you can take to aid the body in cleansing toxins and preventing accumulation. To get started, speak to your doctor about an annual detoxification program. Then, once you have cleansed your system, drink green juices and ingestible citrus essential oils daily.
10. Don’t Forget To Take Care of Yourself
When battling weight loss, we often focus on our bodies. But don’t forget about your mind. Repeating affirmations and beginning a meditation routine is essential to maintaining a positive attitude and working towards your goals even in the toughest of times. Look up some inspiring quotes and hang them on the wall next to your mirror, in your cubicle, or someplace where you will see them daily. Take time out of your day to pamper yourself with a bubble bath or leisurely reading. Focus on creating calm and peace within, and the external results follow.
11. Get Physical
When people make the active decision to lose weight, the first step they often take is beginning an exercise routine or signing up for a gym membership. However, it is essential to note here that exercising, in general, won’t help you transform your body. To see the results you are after, you must perform the appropriate exercises for your target areas, ability, and comfort level. While you may enjoy one activity over another, assessing how you feel after working out is crucial. Are you exhausted? Are you energized? Are you in so much pain you can’t get off the sofa? The proper workout may leave you sore, but it should never impair or leave you feeling exhausted. Pair this with the appropriate diet and stable levels of hormones, and you are well on your way to the weight loss goals you’ve set for yourself.
Dr. Stefanie Bennett and her entire staff are focused on helping every patient enjoy optimum health. Our practice uses holistic solutions, including Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, and Functional Medicine, to determine and treat the root cause of your medical issues. We want to help you start feeling better today. So take advantage of our consultation offer above and find out just how much you can enjoy life with newfound health and wellness.