Stand in line at a local store and take a look at the person in front of you, then at the person directly behind you. Statistically, one of you is obese. A growing epidemic in the US, obesity rates are rising not only in adults but also in children. Miracle pills, hormone therapy, special shakes and others have helped some people, but overall we are a larger unhealthier country than we were a generation ago. Investigating healthy detox diets, as well as brief lifestyle changes, can aid in weight loss for people classified as “obese.”
Obesity has different definitions, but a simple way to define it is when your body weight is 20% over your ideal weight. Between 1980 and 2000, the adult obesity rate doubled. About 60 million adults, or 30% of the adult population, are obese today. Since 1980, childhood obesity rates have doubled and teenage rates have tripled. This is largely due to poor diet and lack of exercise, which contribute significantly to joint problems, diabetes and the occurrence of various other health problems. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), poor diet and lack of exercise are responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year. That’s the equivalent of nearly three people-filled jumbo jets crashing every day!
More than 50% of American adults do not get the recommended amount of physical activity for health benefits. I hear it all the time: “Dr. Laurence, I don’t have time to exercise,” or “I don’t like exercising,” or “The weather is bad outside.” You can start by just walking. Walk every day; outside, inside, at the local department store or mall (just don’t bring your wallet!). Walking can gradually turn into jogging. If you have knee problems, try swimming or a water aerobics class. Weight loss occurs when fat cells shrink. During liposuction, fat cells are removed from one part of the body only to find that fat is deposited on another part of the body. Therefore, the only way to really lose weight is to exercise and change your eating habits.
A healthy diet is important to lose weight. That doesn’t mean you have to go hungry. Eating larger meals earlier in the day rather than later in the day will help shed the pounds. When you sleep, your metabolism slows down. A large meal late in the day will only result in weight gain. Try to eat smaller meals. Research shows that only 25% of US adults eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. More and more people are eating convenient, high-sugar, processed foods that are lacking in vitamins and minerals essential to health. Throughout life, this can contribute to other more serious health risks such as arthritis, joint replacement, asthma and other degenerative diseases.
Where to start Try to eliminate all sodas and sugary drinks from your diet. Replace them with organic juices and water. Start reading labels for hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, sucralose, and other deficient ingredients. Eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Below is a diet I recommend you try for three weeks, and as always, make sure you consult your doctor, nutritionist, or chiropractor first before starting to see if it’s right for you. It’s supposed to be temporary.
detox diet
Allowed Foods: Poultry, seafood, eggs, butter, whole nuts (except peanuts), all vegetables including asparagus, cucumber, celery, green peas, onions, broccoli, lettuce, okra, carrots, etc., all salads, beans, ginger root – and low-sugar fruits including all kinds of berries, pears, green apples, unripe bananas and grapefruit. Use only small amounts of high-quality oils, such as olive, sunflower, canola, fish, flaxseed, and borage, if needed. Spices are fine; Ginger and turmeric have strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Restricted foods: all grains, bread, pasta, cereal, rice, sweet fruits, juices, candy, candy, cakes, corn, potatoes, starches, chips and crackers, high fructose corn syrup and sugar. No alcohol. No carbs for three weeks.
Things to watch out for: Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and preparing your meals. This can be done in conjunction with a healthy exercise program. Once you’re through the three weeks, it’s still very important to cut back on your starches and processed sugars, as these foods are particularly conducive to weight gain.
Again, this is a guide and should be followed closely with your doctor. It can be quite challenging, but you will see results. By taking action now, you are insuring your most valuable asset: YOU! As the famous saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.”
From: Dr. Chad Laurence
Thanks to Dr. Chad Laurence
