Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Ninth Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

On this episode, Doctor Oz shared his ten commandments for everyone that wants to lose weight.  Weight loss is not a final goal, it is just one part of getting healthy.  Commandment number nine is:

"Thou shalt not carry small bills".

This seems like a weird one, huh?  Well, this is for all the vending machine junkies.  You probably wouldn't want to break a twenty to spend a couple of bucks at the vending machine.  In the same vein, I would say don't carry coins around.  Put them in a piggy bank every night and save up for a little gift for yourself.  Eating healthy is incredibly important.  People don't seem to understand how much what you put in your mouth affects you.  What we eat gives us energy and gives our body the strength to fight invaders.  THINK BEFORE YOU EAT!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Eighth Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

Doctor Oz counted down his ten commandments for those who want to lose weight.  The eighth is:

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's plate nor sneak bites".

Meals should be planned.  Snacks should also be planned.  Of course, you should never be starving or even really hungry.  If you plan your meals and snacks there is no reason to eat other people's food or pick at food all the time.  Doing that you will eat more calories than you should or need to.  I talked before about not eating mindlessly.  Just grabbing something as you walk by is eating mindlessly.  You won't feel like you ate anything but your body will feel those extra calories.

You hear about the Mediterranean diet being healthy.  People in Italy and Greece and other Mediterranean countries generally take their time preparing meals and sit down and enjoy them.  They are not in the habit of going to the drive thru.  Getting healthy and eating healthy can be time consuming at first if you are not used to cooking.  It doesn't have to be difficult though.  Prepare simple meals with fresh ingredients.  A healthy lifestyle is attainable if you put forth a little effort.  It is well worth it!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The Seventh Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

Doctor Oz counted down his ten commandments of weight loss.  Today I'm posting number seven, which is:

"Thou shalt not chew food less than twenty times".

Why?  Well, one reason is that digestion begins in the mouth.  Your body can't digest huge pieces of food so they will come out whole.  The reason Doctor Oz gave is that it takes time for the signals between the stomach and the brain to tell you that you are full.  If you scarf down your food, you may eat a ton of food before you get that message.  If you take your time, chew, put your fork down between bites, eat mindfully, you will feel satisfied with less food.  If you want to lose weight, this is a good way to cut some calories.

Part of getting healthy is having healthy digestion.  To achieve it, you have to chew your food thoroughly.  A healthy lifestyle is within everyone's grasp.  Make one small change each day and they will add up.  In just a few months you can feel a huge difference.  Make a commitment to eat healthy and exercise.  You don't have to do it all today, just get started.  Your body will thank you!

This is a great book by Doctor Oz and Doctor Roizen.  I highly recommend it if you want to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Sixth Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

We're counting down the Doctor Oz top ten commandments of weight loss!  So far, we've talked about clothes and food.  The sixth commandment is another food one.

"Thou shalt not pile food more than one inch high or less than two inches from the edge of the plate"

What's this about?  Portion control.  We tend to eat a whole lot more than we really need to.  Those extra calories show up in our bellies, thighs and other places.  You shouldn't be starving all the time but you shouldn't feel stuffed, like you couldn't eat another bite or have to unbutton your pants either.  It's best to eat less, more often.  Never wait until you're ravenous to eat because you will absolutely overeat.

For some people, it is possible to lose weight with this one suggestion.  There are 3,500 calories in a pound so if you can cut 100 calories each day, you will lose about a pound per month.  Doesn't sound like much but it's better than gaining.  Also, it is something that you can do without really even noticing it.  Chances are you won't miss that 100 calories. 

Eating healthy is more important than losing weight.  Always remember that.  Take care of yourself, and the rest will follow.  Not just weight loss, but increased energy and fewer illnesses.  Living a healthy lifestyle is not going on a diet.  It's a complete change and is not just about what you eat.  It also involves exercise and trying to protect yourself from toxic substances.  More on that another day.  Getting healthy is an investment in yourself.  What could be a better way to use your resources?  Start investing in yourself today!

The Fifth Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

On this episode Doctor Oz listed his ten commandments of weight loss.  Number five is:

"Thou shalt not eat after 7:30 pm".

You don't want to eat too late in the evening.  You especially don't want to eat a big, heavy meal, or any meal for that matter, too late.  If you do that, you will go to bed before you finish digesting.  That is not going to help you sleep. 

I've read that it is best to eat your biggest meals early in the day.  That way, you can burn off the calories throughout the day.  If you eat a big meal at night, those calories don't go anywhere if you're not exercising.  Also, when we wake up we need a good meal to get going because it should be ten or more hours since we last ate.

To lose weight, you definitely want to close the kitchen.  A lot of times we eat mindlessly in front of the TV without even being really hungry.  Those extra calories don't do us any favors.  A healthy lifestyle is possible for each and every one of us.  Not only is it possible, we deserve it!  Eating healthy and exercise will improve your quality of life.  Take it one day at a time and you'll get there before you know it!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The Fourth Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

I'm posting the ten commandments of weight loss according to Doctor Oz.  The fourth was:

"Thou shalt not graze or browse in search of prey".

What you eat should be planned.  If you just walk around foraging, you will eat things you shouldn't.  I find it best to have a menu.  When meals are planned out, you know what you're going to eat and you're less likely to binge on whatever you find in the refrigerator or on the counter.

Getting healthy is not a race.  Neither is losing weight.  Do your best to plan healthy meals and have the ingredients on hand.  What you eat is a key factor in your health.  Eating healthy can be difficult at first but keep at it and it will become second nature.  Don't forget to exercise!  Stick with it and the weight loss will come!

Monday, March 15, 2010

The Third Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

Doctor Oz shared his ten commandments of weight loss.  The third was:

"Thou shalt not eat meat that walks on four legs more than once a week".

Meat that walks on four legs would include beef, lamb, goat and pig.  If you must, stick to chicken and fish and turkey.  Personally, I get my protein from beans, lentils and the protein powder I put in my smoothies.  I am not strictly vegetarian.  Now and then I'll eat a little meat or fish.  It's just not a daily, weekly or even monthly thing for me.  This works for me.  We are all different but I definitely recommend doing a month long detox with no animal protein whatsoever, no added sugars and no white flours.  Then, you can see how you feel about animal protein.  You may find that you don't miss it as much as you thought you would.  There are definite benefits to not eating too much animal protein.  Eating healthy can include some animal protein. 

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR HEALTH!  TAKE CONTROL TODAY!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

The Second Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 03/12/2010

Doctor Oz gave his 10 commandments of weight loss.  The second one was:

"Thou shalt not keep fat clothes".

Have you achieved weight loss?  Are you getting exercise and eating healthy?  Have you made the switch to a healthy lifestyle?  If so, you want to burn bridges.  Don't leave any bread crumbs to find your way back.  You don't ever want to go back where you came from.  So, as you lose weight and cannot wear certain articles of clothing anymore, get rid of them.  If they are in good condition you can donate them.  Otherwise, just throw them in the garbage.  You'll feel great and have more room in your closet!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

The First Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 03/12/2010

Today on The Dr Oz Show, Doctor Oz shared his ten commandments of weight loss.  The first one was "Thou shalt not wear pants that stretch".  Why?  Well, some people are in the habit of wearing stretch pants all the time.  These pants will not alert you to the fact that you have gained weight.  You definitely don't want to put on weight and pants that are one specific size will make it obvious that you're gaining.  Even if you're not losing, you don't want to keep gaining.  So, throw out those stretch pants!  Getting healthy is as much mental as it is physical.  Feeling your pants getting tighter will give you extra motivation to live a healthy lifestyle.  Eating healthy and exercise will help you lose weight and get you into a smaller size.  Today is the day to start!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Number One Mistake Dieter's Make

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/10/2010

What is the number one mistake dieter's make?  They deprive themselves.  They eat too few calories.  Why is this a mistake?  Although they will lose a lot of weight at the beginning, their metabolism will slow down because the body thinks it's starving.  If they have lost all the weight they wanted to lose or just give up, when they start eating normally they will gain back the weight they lost and then some.  That is how people end up yo yo dieting and losing the same 40 pounds over and over.  Sustainable weight loss is about making a lifestyle change.  Eating healthy means eating a lot of food that is good for you.  A healthy lifestyle also involves exercise and exercise will help you lose weight, keep it off and in many other ways.  Getting healthy is a journey that begins with one step.  Take one step in the direction of health today!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Are You Living In A Cancer Cluster?

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/9/2010

What is a cancer cluster?  It's an area where there are more cancer cases than "normal".  In an area in Florida, there were 8 children diagnosed between 2005 and 2008.  In that area, the cancer was brain cancer.  For the Centers For Disease Control to consider an area a cancer cluster, there has to be a specific type of cancer affecting a specific group of people in a specific geographic location.  If you suspect you live in a cancer cluster, start locally.  Speak to the local news and local public officials.  From there move up to state level and then federal.  Be aware that there will be people that will not appreciate your efforts.  They will be more concerned with property values and reputation than people's health.  Having an area declared a cancer cluster is not a solution.  The only solution is to find the source and get rid of it. 

If you are seeing a lot of cancer in your area, take steps to help yourself.  Check out my blog post about how to lower cancer risk.  Your diet and lifestyle play a big part in your cancer risk.  If you are worried about cancer, you have a good reason to start eating healthy and get regular exercise.  Living a healthy lifestyle is an important way to protect yourself from getting cancer in the first place and for helping you fight it if you get it.  It seems to me that cancer is all too common.  By getting healthy, we can lower our cancer risk and set an example for our kids, our friends, our community.  Make one change today and you'll benefit for years to come!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Healthy Lifestyle

Today I'm just going to talk about what's on my mind.  Eating healthy is not a diet, it is a lifestyle change.  If you want to live a healthy lifestyle you have to make a commitment and make a real change.  Eating healthy food is not about giving up stuff you like.  The more you eat healthy food, the less you will want junk.  When you start to feel better and look better you will want to keep taking care of your health.  Exercise is not punishment.  It is good for our bodies.  People who want to go on a diet or exercise just to lose weight should change their mindset.  That is not what you need.  If you do it for a limited time, you will gain the weight back.  Getting healthy should be the goal.  What we all need is to find an appreciation for real food and for physical activity.  Once you are exercising regularly, you will see that you feel achy and stiff when you don't work out.  So, make the decision to be healthy and stick to it!

A man on The Dr Oz Show today said what you have to do is make up your mind and be consistent.  He is absolutely right.  Any physical change starts with a mental decision.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Do Diet Pills Work?

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/5/2010

Do diet pills work?  They can but you have to use them with caution and be aware of the risks. 

Herbs that are sold as diet pills often rev up the metabolism .  As a result you may not be able to sleep, you may be jittery and your blood pressure can even get so high that you can have a stroke.  Just because something is an herb doesn't mean it's safe.  The amount in a capsule is probably way more than you could ever eat so you have to be careful not to take too much. 

Prescription medication should only be used if the Body Mass Index is greater than 30.  These must be taken according to the directions.  They can raise blood pressure, cause insomnia, make you jittery and increase your risk for a heart attack.

Over-the-counter there is only one pill that is FDA approved.  It works by stopping the absorption of fat.  If you eat too much fat, you may experience oily stool and the need to go often.

What's possibly the biggest problem with diet pills?  When you stop taking them, you gain the weight back.  Diet pills are ok (according to Dr Oz) if you use them as a crutch.  They can help you lose weight but at the same time you should be developing good habits so you'll be able to keep the weight off.  Nothing can replace eating healthy and exercising.  If you change to a healthy lifestyle, the weight will automatically come off.  It will not come off overnight but you will get a greater reward than you get with diet pills - good health. 

Health is the key to life.  Without health you can't do things you enjoy.  Without good health, you will not be able to work.  If you do not take care of yourself, you will die younger than necessary.  If you don't live a healthy lifestyle now, your quality of life will diminish and diminish until it is gone.  Make one small change today and benefit for the rest of your life!  Getting healthy is something you can do!

Sleep Eating

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/4/2010

Sleep eaters get up and eat while they're still asleep.  They'll even cook something.  These meals are generally high calorie junk meals.  Some sleep eaters will eat anything they come across, even the kitchen sponge.  They may be on a diet during the day and not understand why they can't lose weight.  It affects women more than men and can be caused by some prescription sleep medications.  The two women Dr Oz talked to on the show said that when they told their doctors, their doctors laughed.  Can you imagine?  Too bad not all doctors are like Dr Oz.  Sleep eating is treatable.  First, your doctor should check for underlying disorders like sleep apnea.  Stress can be a really big factor so try to reduce it as much as possible.  There are medications that are effective.  Think you might be a sleep eater?  Set up a camera and see if you get up to eat. 

I'm always advocating a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy, regular exercise, etc.  That will help with stress levels which can help if you're a sleep eater.  However, this is one case where prescription medications may be necessary.  You must take charge of your health.  You certainly can't rely on your doctor.  Remember, if you aren't satisfied with your diagnosis or your doctor laughs at you, get a second opinion.  Then, get a third and fourth and fifth if you have to.  We are each responsible for our own bodies and our own health.  Take care of yours!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The Importance Of Getting A Good Night's Sleep

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/3/2010

Dr Oz talked to a sleep deprived couple.  They have two young children and their sleep is interrupted several times each night.  It's not just bad for the parents.  Roughly 25% of children with ADHD could actually have an underlying sleep disorder. 

We do need 7 hours of sleep but more than that we need quality sleep.  20% of sleep should be deep sleep.  What can happen if you don't get enough quality sleep?  It increases the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease.  1 in 5 motor vehicle injuries are due to lack of sleep so it also increases your risk of a crash if you drive.  This isn't a big health concern, but it can also make you look older.

Now for my two cents!  You need to sleep well to be healthy and you need to be healthy to sleep well.  It's difficult to do all the things you need to do for your health when you're tired.  You should know that eating healthy and regular exercise will help you get the rest you need.  Kids are full of energy and need a good amount of exercise to sleep through the night.  So try and get moving a little every day.  Make better choices when it comes to meals and snacks.  Get on the path to a healthy lifestyle.  You can start reaping the rewards, like better sleep and more energy, even before you're doing it all right.  You don't have to completely overhaul your life, you just have to get started!  There's no time like the present!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Have You Had Angina?

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/2/2010

Dr. Oz says that chest pain is often a warning sign.  Have you had angina?  How can you tell?  Typically the pain is described as vice like.  You may also experience nausea, vomiting and sweating.  The pain could also be felt in the shoulder, arm, neck, jaw and chin. 

There are two different types of angina.  One is called stable angina and occurs when you exert yourself physically.  This type can usually be treated with medication.  The other type is unstable angina.  This happens when you are at rest and medication doesn't work as well. 

What should you do?  If you get these symptoms, call 911.  Then chew an aspirin.

Now for my two cents.  A healthy lifestyle is the best way to keep your heart healthy.  Eating healthy and regular exercise will benefit you even if you already have heart disease.  Getting healthy doesn't happen overnight but you can do it.  Start today!  Skip the doughnut and have an apple instead.  Take a walk around the office or walk around the building or climb a flight of stairs.  Small changes add up.

Monday, March 1, 2010

What a storm!

Well, I missed the Dr. Oz Show on Thursday and Friday.  Thursday I saw parts but the lovely network kept interrupting to tell me it was snowing.  Yeah, I couldn't tell by looking out the window.  Thursday night the electricity went out and didn't come back until Friday night.  The cable didn't come back until Sunday night.  It was crazy!  We got a good two feet of snow.  I hadn't seen that much snow since I was a kid.  I'll start posting about the Dr. Oz Show again tomorrow.  Remember, you are what you eat!