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Think Before You Drink

23 February 2012 By

Think before you Drink: Alcohol and Weight loss

Was your New Years resolution to lose weight? Are you finding it hard to enjoy socializing while sticking to a strict diet? Are you asking yourself, “Can I enjoy the last few parties of the season and still have permanent weight loss while drinking alcohol?”

Although most people tend to be more active over summer, it’s easy to gain extra kilos from all those outdoor dinners, parties and barbeques. Being social can be very hard for someone who is trying to lose weight as certain foods and alcohol is often forbidden.

There are countless reasons why you shouldn’t drink alcohol while trying to lose weight. Although you may feel under pressure to drink alcohol, consider these few facts before taking your next sip –

  1. As well as being packed full calories, straight alcohol is a toxin that creates double the amount of body fat than carbohydrates and proteins. This doesn’t include mixers that are full of sugars.
  2. Your body doesn’t process alcohol like it processes food. It will process the alcohol first meaning anything else you consume, including party food, will be converted into fat.
  3. Drinking alcohol can lead to a disrupted and agitated nights sleep. If you are active whilst asleep, you will be extra hungry the next day and could possibly consume more calories.
  4. Alcohol will weaken your will power. That means you’ll be more likely to over eat unhealthy foods or binge.

Basically, the general consensus among experts is that alcohol will have a negative effect and to avoid it at all costs. However we all know that avoiding alcohol isn’t always an option.

Consider these 5 rules before reaching for the bottle:

- I will consider alcohol a treat and only indulge myself on very special occasions.

Remember that over indulging any alcohol can be very adverse. Drink responsible for your body and mind. Like everything, alcohol can be a part of a balanced diet.

- I will stick to a single glass of red wine.

A lot of research has gone into the health benefits of drinking a glass of red. The skin of a grape has cancer-fighting antioxidants and other health benefits, including the potential to lower blood pressure. So if you must drink, choose red wine.

- I will read labels and choose the light or low carb option.

Elaine Magee MPH, RD from MedicineNet.com suggestions the light and low carb beer option is better than the regular strength alternatives.

- I will be open-minded and try Non-Alcoholic Options.

There is now a large amount of healthy, non-alcoholic beverages including beer, champagne and “mocktails”.  Try them and you can still feel part of the party. They are generally always healthier then their alcoholic substitute.

-Always eat a big, healthy meal before you go out,

and drink plenty of water. That way you’ll be less likely tempted by alcoholic drinks and party food.

People wanting to lose weight seriously should continue to avoid alcohol at all costs. To find out more about a permanent weight loss solution, contact the medical team at Adventures in Weightloss today.

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Why Laxatives and Weight Loss don’t mix

23 February 2012 By

Laxatives can’t promise you guaranteed weight loss

 

It is commonly thought amongst dieters that the use of laxatives will help their weight loss efforts. The idea is that if you consume a laxative after a big meal, the food will go straight through your system so you get to continuing enjoying the food you love AND loose weight, right?

Wrong. There are many studies and research into the effects of laxatives on the human body and mind. The negative effects of laxative use greatly outweigh the positive ones and doctors agree –using laxative is not a weight loss cure.

What’s worse, this myth is wildly popular worldwide but especially in the younger age brackets. High school and university students see using laxatives for weight loss as a cheaper alternative to looking great. However, the use of laxatives can’t promise you guaranteed weight loss and can also be potentially very dangerous.

When using laxatives the body doesn’t absorb all the nutrients it needs from food. You will also become dehydrated. When this occurs a lot of important vitamins and minerals you need to function daily are washed from your system. Basically, laxative use can lead to countless health problems – nausea, head aches, stomach aches, heart problems, organ damage – the list is endless

Most importantly, the psychological issues resulting from laxative abuse can be extensive and extremely difficult to shake. Treatment for this can also be very expensive and there is no guarantee you’ll ever fully mentally recovery.

The biggest danger is getting addicted to laxative pills, which can lead to major health problems, hospitalization and in extreme cases, death. The psychological issues resulting from laxative abuse can be extensive and extremely difficult to shake. Treatment for this can also be very expensive and there is no guarantee you will ever fully mentally recovery.

So laxatives don’t work. What can you include in your diet to improve your digestive system? -

  1. Add more fiber to your diet. Staying “regular” is very important.

  2. Start your day with heath bran-based cereals and some fruit (apples, pears, kiwis, plums, apricots etc) – these foods kick start your digestive system.

  3. Swap white carbs for brown carbs. Brown rice, pasta and bread have twice as much fiber then than the white alternative.

  4. Hydration is very important for weightloss. Drink plenty of water to aid your digestive tracks.

  5. Realise you can’t lose weight overnight. There is no “quick fix” to your weightloss problems. Contact your doctor today for some concrete advice.

Incorporating these tips along with health advice from your doctor CAN guarantee weight loss. Take action today and lose weight the smart way.

 

Filed Under: Bodily Functions, Health and Nutrition Tagged With: , , , ,

Kiwi Fruit and Weight loss

14 February 2012 By

We all know there are copious amounts of effective weight loss strategies available at our fingertips, outlining what we can and can’t eat. Here is another one to add to your little book; if you are looking for a tasty, guilt free snack, then discover the wonderful benefits of the Kiwi Fruit!

So what does the furry little Kiwi Fruit and weight loss have to do with each other?

Kiwi Fruits are packed full of vitamins, antioxidants and other disease fighting components.

To lose weight, it is important to stay healthy and on top of you game. Kiwis have more vitamin C than oranges and as much potassium as bananas – which are very important for your aiding your immune systems.

 They are also low in calories. 100 grams of Kiwi = 53 Calories. Another bonus goes to Kiwi Fruit and weight loss!

But the most important aspect of Kiwi Fruit and weight loss is the high amounts of fibre that are in the fruit. Fibre helps suppress your appetite – which will keep you fuller for longer! Fibre also aids digestion.

Add Kiwi to your diet today! Here are some easy tips to add Kiwi Fruit into your weight loss regime.

  • Keep it simple. Kiwis taste great on their own and are easy to scoop straight out of their skin
  • Add sliced Kiwi fruit to steamed or poached chicken breast. As strange as it sounds – the flavors are great together.
  • Mix some diced Kiwi with your other favourite fruits into a salad as a healthy treat after dinner.
  •  Be creative – Kiwi can be made into pies, salsas, jams and even muffins!

As a rule of thumb, stick to one Kiwi fruit a day. All that fibre is great your digestion however in copious amounts, it can have a laxative effect.

Be sure to include Kiwi Fruit in your daily weight loss meal plan; it will only aid to your guaranteed weight loss!

Filed Under: Health and Nutrition, Weightloss Strategies Tagged With: , , ,

Weight loss to prevent Diabetes

6 February 2012 By

Over the last week, new statistics have been released regarding Australia’s growing Diabetes rate. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Diabetes has DOUBLED in Australia since 1990. 

Diabetes is a long-term condition where glucose (sugar) is not converted into energy, this leads to a range of complications causing disability, reduces a persons quality of life and even life expectancy.

Many Australians over the age of 40 have increased chances of developing Diabetes, this is not only due to lifestyle factors, but can also run in the family.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing, over half of Australian adults are over weight, with up to 60% of Diabetic cases being prevented or at least delayed by people maintaining their weight.

All of these increasing statistics are scary, but you can take simple measures to avoid being included in these numbers!

The smallest changes in your lifestyle can have the biggest health impacts on you in years to come; it can also impact the ones around you. Wouldn’t you enforce all health precautions on your children to ensure their risks of developing Diabetes are minimized in their adult years?

What can you do to delay or prevent Diabetes?

  • Monitor your blood levels: Having a high or low blood pressure will damage your blood vessels, combining this with a low or high blood glucose level will increase your chances of developing Diabetes. To ensure your blood levels are maintained, follow the simple steps below.
  • Exercise: Regular exercise will improve the circulation and absorption of glucose. Even a half an hour walk each day will increase your daily glucose absorption.
  • Weight: If you are overweight, you have an increased chance of developing Diabetes by seven times. Try eating the right sugars and fats to maintain a healthy weight!
  • Eating the right sugars: Eating refined carbohydrates, such as soft drinks, white bread, white rice and fruit juice will cause an increased blood sugar level and will increase your chances of developing Diabetes. Try brown rice over white, or low and light soft drinks options.
  • Eating the right fats: Knowing what fats are good and bad is important! Trans Fats such as biscuits, deep-fried food, pies and cakes will increase your chances of developing Diabetes. Try replacing these bad fats with good fats, such as tuna, almonds and avocado.
  • Quit smoking: Smokers are 50% more likely to develop Diabetes, along with a wide range of other health implications.

Although these steps may seem simple, implementing them into your busy life can be a challenge. Try developing a simple food plan? Pre-planning your meals will help eliminate those quick McDonald runs. An activity schedule will also help ensure you and your children gain the required exercise. Why not kick a soccer ball around on Saturday? Or walk to the corner store, as apposed to driving?

Filed Under: Bodily Functions, Health and Nutrition Tagged With: , , , ,