Excess body fat
Many of us develop excess body fat as a result of our modern lifestyles. Diets high in harmful fats and refined carbohydrates, low in micronutrients, and a lack of exercise are all factors that pack on the pounds. Toxic foods that compromise our liver also play a role as they inhibit its ability to metabolize fat for energy.
Water retention
Our body stores water as one of its self-preservation methods to dilute things it doesn't like- toxins. Salt is a notable example but any unhealthy foods will have a similar effect. These toxins are moved to our periphery, away from vital body organs, and water is retained to dilute them and reduce their effects on our body. As water is very heavy, this can add weight. Bear in mind that dehydration can reduce weight dramatically. This is dangerous and diuretics should not be used as a weight reduction method.
Impacted fecal matter
Our diet plays a role on another level. Impacted fecal matter and mucoid plaques can add up to 10 kilos to our body weight. These develop through a diet high in animal products and refined foods and low in fresh fruit and vegetables. Our body is unable to eliminate them efficiently and lays down mucous to protect itself from their toxic effects.
Muscle is heavier than fat
Muscle is many times heavier than fat so two people of similar size may have very different weights depending on their body composition. This is ignored by the body mass index and may result in a muscular individual being labeled as obese.
Metabolic or hormonal conditions
Sometimes hormonal or other health conditions play a role. For example lowered activity of our thyroid gland, which controls metabolism, can increase weight. Often these issues tie in with our modern diets and lifestyles but should be checked by your health professional.
The solutions
Eat
- Plenty of fruit and vegetables - rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber to enhance metabolism and clean the digestive tract
- Grains, legumes, nuts and seeds provide high quality protein without the saturated fat and hormonal residues of animal products
- These foods are low in fat, high in nutrients and easy to digest
- They produce less wastes and enhance metabolism and cleansing
- Maximize raw foods to enhance even further
Drink
- Fresh clean water helps our body cleanse, flush and rebalance- drink at least 2 liters per day
- Reduce alcohol intake- it compromises liver function and its ability to metabolize fats
- Avoid soft drinks- their high sugar content destabilizes blood sugar levels and increases weight gain
- Minimize coffee - any affect this has on weight is through its stimulant properties which upsets our hormonal response to stress
- All the above are diuretics which also dehydrate and compromise health
Exercise
- In order to lose fat the equation is very simple. We must use more energy (calories) than we ingest as food. The body then liberates the extra fuel required from our body's stores- our fat tissue. Exercise is the best way of increasing our energy expenditure. The benefits are greater from more intense exercise because while our metabolism is returning to its resting state (indicated by our heart rate) we are burning an increased level of energy.
- Muscle-building resistance training also helps fat loss. Muscle has a higher resting metabolism than other tissue and burns energy at rest. By increasing muscle mass our body burns fat, even while relaxing. Many toxins are also fat-soluble and are stored in fat. Reducing body fat will also naturally assist in detoxification.
Detox
A detox program can provide an added boost. Helping your body flush stored wastes and clean out your digestive tract can lighten your load from compacted fecal matter and mucoid plaques. Bear in mind that little of the weight you lose during a detox will be body fat itself. But the cleansing effects will rejuvenate your body, helping it run more efficiently. This makes it easier to metabolize energy and assists its efforts in rebalancing a healthy weight.
A comprehensive long-term approach is the best way to take off weight for life. By adjusting how you eat, drink and move you will feel the benefits and see the difference without starving yourself. Enjoy your new-found energy, health and sleek physique!
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