by admin01 | Feb 12, 2019 | BLOG, Healthy Living, Weight Loss Tips
Everyone experiences a restless night now and again, due to a wide variety of reasons. In fact, the CDC has determined that one in three adults do not get enough sleep. What is considered enough? For adults between the age of 18 to 60, it’s an average of seven or more hours a day. For those one in three people, the associated risk of frequent lack of sleep includes chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and frequent mental distress. So how does the amount of sleep we achieve impact us in terms of weight loss? Keep reading to learn the potential long-term effects, as well as tips to achieve adequate rest.
How Poor Sleep Affects Your Mind and Body
Dieting requires more than healthy eating. You must have the right mindset and be physically healthy in order to maintain the necessary lifestyle to lose weight. When we lack sleep, these are two areas significantly affected. Commonly, the ability to function properly goes down the drain. Your memory can suffer, reaction time decreases and our ability to regulate emotions becomes difficult.
In addition, sleep helps regulate our body temperature, and releases essential hormones. The lack of sleep affects the production of these hormones, which can lead to premature wrinkling and sagging skin, as well as feeling colder than usual. Our immune system is also compromised, resulting in an increased risk of infection or disease. Finally, our appetite can go into overdrive. Our ability to determine if we are satiated is affected, causing us to eat more and gain weight.
How Poor Sleep Can Affect Your Diet
Unfortunately, all of these side effects take a toll on our ability to properly maintain a healthy diet or meet weight loss goals. When we are tired, we often mistake our discomfort for hunger, leading us to eat too much or unnecessarily. This makes portion control difficult and cravings hard to control. Impulse can become particularly hard to overcome.
It can also deal a harsh blow to our metabolism. Too little sleep can cause a spike in cortisol, a hormone that signals our body to conserve energy. Therefore, our body will reduce its normal use of whatever fat is available, and preserve it. Similarly, our body also becomes less sensitive to insulin, which turns sugars, starches, and other foods into energy. Unable to process fats effectively, or body will also store the incoming fats in excess.
How to Get a Good Night’s Rest
While at times it may not seem likely, getting a good night’s rest is not impossible. Specific conditions can make it difficult, but several lifestyle measures can help you get back on track.
To prevent the previously mentioned side effects, try to follow these steps on how to sleep better:
1- Follow your natural sleep-wake cycle – By following your body’s natural circadian rhythm, you will sleep a similar number of hours each night, so that you consistently wake up feeling refreshed and energized. To help, avoid sleeping in, even on the weekend. Similarly, do not go to bed too early, or you may wake up in the middle of the night. If you are struggling during the day and must nap, do not sleep for more than 20 minutes.
2- Be cautious of your exposure to light – A naturally occurring hormone, melatonin, is controlled by light exposure and regulates our sleep-wake cycle. When it is dark, your brain secretes more melatonin. To stay awake for adequate hours, expose yourself to direct sunlight, especially in the morning. At night, use soft lights and do not use devices within one to two hours of your bedtime.
3- Exercise regularly – Regular exercise for just 10 minutes a day can drastically improve your sleep. The more vigorous, the better the benefits. However, you should not exercise too late into the evening, or it may have a re-energizing effect.
4- Eat well – How you eat overall is important, but especially leading up to your bedtime. Do not consume caffeine, alcohol or sugary drinks that may interfere with your energy levels. Drinking too many liquids may also make you have to urinate frequently during the night. Spicy or heavy meals can cause heartburn or indigestion, and make staying asleep difficult.
5- Wind down before bed – Many people work themselves into a fit when they can not fall asleep. Instead of making sleep a goal, try to calm your mind down. Do this by limiting your activity levels before bed, and staying off of stimulating technology. For additional help, try learning to meditate, with the help of the app Headspace.
At Solutions Weight Loss, we understand that there is more to weight loss than a diet.
With our licensed and friendly medical staff, you will have the encouragement and guidance necessary to help you reach your goals.Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and get started on your path to a healthier lifestyle.
by admin01 | Jan 21, 2019 | BLOG, Healthy Living
You have heard it time and time again: drink more water.
Yet the message has never completely stuck. In 2013, it was estimated that nearly 75% of the population was functioning in a chronic state of dehydration. As water makes up about 60 percent of our body weight, it is a principal element for our health and survival. Learn why we need to drink water, the recommended daily amount, and the plethora of benefits this relatively simple habit delivers to our body.
Benefits of Drinking Water
On average, the Mayo Clinic recommends that men drink about 15.5 cups daily. Women should consume 11.5 cups daily. Since we often ingest some water through other foods and drinks, becoming seriously dehydrated is difficult. However, without regularly taking in the entire suggested amount, you may experience a number of mild side effects. These can include dizziness, fatigue, confusion and dark-colored or frequent urination. Likely to subside if you consume the adequate amount of water, if these symptoms persist or you can not keep fluids down, you should see your primary physician.
When you do consume the appropriate amount of fluids, you are likely to be surprised by just how good you feel. Water is essential for organ, muscle and tissue function, as well as the lubrication of joints. It regulates your temperature, and helps rid your body of waste and toxins – through urination, perspiration and bowel movements. Even more impressive, water can have anti-aging effects. By keeping our body properly hydrated, our skin improves, reducing the appearance of fine lines and decreasing the occurrence of blemishes.
It is important to note that it is possible for one to become overhydrated. This rare but dangerous condition, called hyponatremia, is due to low blood sodium concentration caused by consuming too much water. Be sure to adjust your intake based on your lifestyle, current health and activities. If you are breastfeeding or exercising, the body requires additional fluids. When you are sick or in a hot environment, you will need more water than usual, due to the extra amount being displaced,
Types of Water
Although the Mayo Clinic has found that regular water is good enough for most people, several variations are available.
Here are two commonly available types of water, as well as the pros and cons of consuming them.
Alkaline water – Alkaline water refers to the pH level, which is higher than that of normal water, typically of 8 or 9. This is believed to help neutralize the acid in your body, which some claim can assist with anti-aging, colon-cleansing, immune system health, weight loss and more. None of these have been backed by scientific research, although too much alkalinity does have known side effects, and can lead to metabolic alkalosis.
Distilled water – When all of the natural minerals in water have been removed, a pure from of water remains. Achieved through a process called reverse osmosis, this is a demineralized water. In some locations, distilled water can be healthier than tap, depending on the level of impurities in the municipal water supply. However distilled water can absorb materials from anything it touches, sometimes including plastic containers.
How to Make Drinking Water a Habit
While forming any new habit can be difficult, there are several steps you can take to assist your newfound motivation. Installing a home water filter will provide high-quality water. Several varieties are available – such as faucet-installed, countertop and pitcher models. Or consider home delivery of spring water or distilled water.
Also, take the time to find out how you enjoy drinking water. Some people prefer using a water bottle, or a straw, for a variety of reasons. No matter how you get the water down, what works for you is what is right. If you need a little extra help, you can set a reminder on your phone. The free Daily Water – Drink Reminder app is available on the App Store, while similar apps for Android devices are available for free on Google Play. After a few weeks of strict reminders, reaching for the water bottle should become second nature.
Keeping well-hydrated is part of a healthy lifestyle that includes reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. Solutions Weight Loss offers a program to fit the unique needs of each patient. Our team of licensed and friendly medical staff gives you the encouragement and guidance to help you stay on track or get back on track until you reach your goals. Contact us today to get started on your weight loss journey!
by admin01 | Dec 17, 2018 | BLOG, Healthy Living
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report, The Flexitarian Diet placed third in the ‘Best Diet Overall’ and the ‘Best Diets for Diabetes’ category in the 2018 Best Diet Rankings. It also placed second in the ‘Plant-Based Diets’ and ‘Easiest Diets to Follow.’ With all of these high accolades in mind, consider whether you might benefit from the Flexitarian Diet. Learn how it works, and how it can help you achieve your health goals.
What is the Flexitarian Diet?
The term flexitarian came from the combination of two words, flexible and vegetarian. The diet encompasses both of these concepts, wherein followers consume a large quantity of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while still enjoying the occasional animal product. Overall, a follower’s goals should be to actively decrease their consumption of meat.
Founder Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, suggests that beginner participants should initially eat meat no more than five days a week. In total, you should have no more than 26 ounces combined during these days. Remember, as mentioned in our blog post about the Zone Diet, use the hand-eye method. A serving close to the size and thickness of your palm is around 4 ounces.
As you continue, this weekly allowance will decrease to three or four days of meals featuring meat. Do not exceed more than 18 ounces of meat a week during this advanced stage. Finally, as an expert, you will consume meat only two days a week, with a maximum of 9 ounces total. It is recommended that you proceed at your own pace, so that you may adjust to less quantities of meat, and new eating habits.
Approved Flexitarian Diet Items
What can you look forward to on this diet? Use the following list of approved foods to create your own Flexitarian Diet meal plan. If you have difficulty compiling your own, you can find Flexitarian Diet recipes online.
Whole grains: Quinoa, teff, farro, buckwheat
Healthy fats: Almonds, chia seeds, walnuts, cashews, peanut butter, avocados, olives, coconut, flaxseeds, pistachios
Fruits: Berries, grapes, cherries, oranges and apples
Vegetables: Bell peppers, peas, corn, sweet potato, green beans, carrots, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, greens
Proteins: Soybeans, tofu, tempeh, legumes, lentils
Plant-based alternatives: Unsweetened almond, coconut, hemp and soy milk
Herbs, spices and seasonings: Basil, oregano, mint, thyme, cumin, turmeric, ginger
Condiments: Reduced-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salsa, mustard, nutritional yeast, ketchup without added sugar
Beverages: Water, some tea and coffee
Benefits of the Flexitarian Diet
For participants, following the comparatively simple Flexitarian food pyramid, is well worth the benefits. Largely plant-based diets have shown to improve heart health significantly, reducing a person’s risk of heart disease by 32%. This is likely to the increased intake of fiber and healthy fats, which reduce blood pressure and increase good cholesterol. For these same reasons, it may also help prevent or manage diabetes and decrease your risk of cancer.
Outside of your health, the Flexitarian Diet presents benefits for the environment as well. Studies have shown that the reduction of meat consumption will help sustain natural resources, as well as decrease greenhouse gas emissions. In turn, this will allow land to be used to feed humans, rather than the animals that feed us. So, not only can you feel better physically, but you will know you are contributing to something larger.
At Solutions Weight Loss, our team puts the “woo-hoo” back into weight loss. With the proper encouragement and support, you will discover that weight loss does not have to be a struggle. Contact us today to learn more about our program, and the success of our patients.
by admin01 | Nov 12, 2018 | BLOG, Diet Tips
When Thanksgiving rolls around, the excitement for a dinner comprised of all of our favorite dishes reaches its peak. However, so does the dread of potential weight gain. Considering most people’s love for buttered rolls, turkey and stuffing, it is easy to see why. As Thanksgiving approaches, we would never tell you not to enjoy such a fun, family-filled day. Instead, we recommend you utilize these healthy eating tips to help you get through the upcoming holiday season ‒ without stressing over your waistline.
Tips for Making Your Plate
Although you can forgo heavier Thanksgiving dishes by preparing more health-conscious alternatives, it is not always possible if you are not hosting the meal. In the event that you are attending someone else’s dinner, keep the following tips in mind. They will help you cut out calories that can be easily avoided.
- Choose white meat – As turkey is often on the Thanksgiving menu, this tip is easy to abide by. Turkey meat is lean, and rich in iron, zinc, potassium, and B vitamins. Make sure to avoid any meats that are deep-fried, and choose those that are roasted or baked.
- Utilize whole grains – The stuffing may be hard to pass on, but its contents can be easily replaced with an equally delicious whole-grain mixture. Try a recipe that uses quinoa, rice, berries or nuts.
- Pass on the mash – Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving favorite, but they are one of the higher calorie dishes. If mashed potatoes are a must, find recipes that contain healthier additions, like light sour cream and fat-free milk. If possible, a baked potato without toppings is the better option.
- Don’t forget your greens – We grow up being told to eat our greens, but they are not recommend when baked into a casserole. Casseroles are loaded with butter, salt and carbs. Stick to greens that are baked and lightly seasoned.
- Fresh, not canned – This rule applies to a variety of Thanksgiving sides and dressings. Most canned items contain large amounts of sugar and preservatives. –A homemade gravy can contain as little fat as you choose, and berries will taste better fresh.
- Liquids contain calories – Although it is in the name, people overlook the fact that sweet tea is extremely high in sugar. Have a glass of water with lemon, instead.
- Cut out what you can – While enjoying your favorite dishes, there are a few simple things you can cut out, or off, to lower the amount of calories you consume – such as pie crust. High in sugar and butter, removing a flaky crust can trim more than 100 calories and 7 grams of fat per slice.
- Don’t overeat – The most difficult part of Thanksgiving dinner is knowing when to cut yourself off. Research has found that it takes 20 minutes for your stomach to “tell” your brain it’s full. Most Thanksgiving menus are bad enough, but overeating can easily double your caloric intake.
Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving
When putting your plate together, it’s easy to be conscious about your choices. Once the meal is over, we tend to let our guard down. It is common for people to flock to the couch for football, or remain seated at the dining table. Both can be your downfall ‒ especially if food is within reach. Instead, try to stay active following dinner.
One way to do so is by enjoying the company of your friends and family. If you walk around and speak to people, you are less likely to keep eating. You can also avoid leftovers by assisting with the cleanup, or washing dishes. And if staying in the house is too tempting, consider going for a walk. This will not only burn a few extra calories, but you will feel better than if you let the heavy food settle. For added moral support, ask other guests to join you. Chances are you’ll have a few takers in similar situations.
In the days following, make sure to visit the gym and drink at least six eight-ounce glasses of water. This will help relieve bloat from excess salt. You can also enjoy nutrient-packed foods, such as yogurt and vegetables.
At Solutions Weight Loss, we understand the stress of keeping your weight in check during the holidays. If you slip back a little, do not give up. With a tailored plan, encouragement and medical supervision, we can help you undo any weight gain. Contact us today to speak to our team and get started!
by admin01 | Oct 12, 2018 | BLOG, Healthy Living, Popular Diets
The Atkins diet is one of the most well-known and popular diets ‒ to the point that the Atkins name is an established brand that includes product lines of frozen food and meals, meal kits, treats, bars and those famous shakes. So how does it work, and what makes it different? We’ll look at how this groundbreaking diet got its staying power by producing sustainable results through healthy lifestyle changes.
What is the Atkins diet?
Now called the Atkins 20®, the original Atkins diet was introduced in 1972 by cardiologist Robert Atkins. The goal of Atkins is to learn your specific carbohydrate intake, and replace the amount of carbs that would cause you to gain weight with protein and healthy fats. With the increase of these ‘good’ foods, you will naturally feel fuller, leading to a reduction in appetite. Although highly recommended for weight loss, participants can also expect improved blood sugar, triglycerides, and (good) HDL cholesterol. Unlike most diets, it does not limit the amount of food you can eat ‒ only which types.
The four phases
The Atkins diet has four phases, created to jumpstart weight loss and introduce food restrictions.
- Induction – Limit the intake of carbohydrates to under 20 grams a day. Consume foods high in protein, high in (healthy) fats, and vegetables that are low-carb.
Balancing – Begin adding more nuts and low-carb vegetables into your diet. Small amounts of fruit may also be reintroduced.
- Fine-tuning – Once your goal weight is reached, begin adding more carbs until weight loss slows.
- Maintenance – You can enjoy as many carbs as you can, without gaining weight. This will vary per individual.
These phases are optional, and some people choose to skip or remain in certain phases. For example, many people remain in the induction phase, which is considered a ketogenic diet. Others will skip the induction phase, and start by introducing healthier nuts, fruits and low-carb vegetables. As long as the dietary guidelines are followed, the phases can be ignored all together, if one chooses.
Foods to avoid
Finding approved Atkins recipes online is easy, with thousands on the Atkins website alone. To help you stay on track, plan your week out in advance, or try meal prepping. Remember to avoid the following foods, and research replacements if you find yourself stuck:
- Grains – This includes wheat, rye, rice, barley and spelt.
- Sugar – Some natural sugars are fine, but any added sugars are a no-no. For example, soft drinks, cake, candy, fruit juices and more.
- Vegetable oils – Soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil and canola oil. Instead, try olive oil, grapeseed oil or coconut oil.
The following foods should only be avoided during the induction phase of the diet, and can be enjoyed in limited quantities thereafter:
- Starches – Potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Legumes – Chickpeas, beets, beans, lentils and more.
- High-carb fruits and vegetables – Bananas, apples, pears and grapes are just a few high-carb fruits to avoid. Vegetables include starchy vegetables, such as carrots, corn, turnips and more.
How it is different
Upon learning about the Atkins diet, many people notice that it has a number of similarities to the ketogenic diet. In fact, the induction phase of Atkins is ketosis. The primary difference between the two is that during the Keto diet, you remain in ketosis throughout the entirety of the diet. This includes not only restricting carbs, but hitting protein and fat intake goals. On Atkins, you will gradually re-introduce a healthy amount of carbs. For many followers, this makes it more practical and sustainable in the long run. With the ketogenic diet, you have to restart the entire diet over with one mishap ‒ a very discouraging setback. While both of these are effective and healthy diets, one or the other is often preferred based on a person’s eating habits.
At Solutions Weight Loss, we have a dietary solution to fit the unique needs of each one of our patients. Our team of licensed and friendly medical staff gives you the encouragement and guidance to help you stay on track or get back on track until you reach your goals. Contact us today, to get started on your weight loss journey!
by admin01 | Sep 24, 2018 | BLOG, Diet Tips, Healthy Food Options, Healthy Living
Diets get a bad reputation, particularly those that include calorie counting. But the Zone Diet is teaching people that calorie counting is merely a way to better control portions. A standard for healthy eating habits, portions are often overlooked ‒ yet remain one of the most effective methods for weight loss. Learn how this popular diet works, as well as the benefits and potential results, with our Zone Diet 101.
What is the Zone Diet?
First published in 1995, the Zone Diet was created 30 years ago by biochemist Dr. Barry Sears. Originally developed to prevent early death from heart attacks, it is said to balance hormones and reduce inflammation – which Sears proposes are a factor in weight gain, illness and aging. By keeping your hormones balanced, or “in the zone,” your metabolism will work more efficiently. Dieters are said to lose between 1 to 1.5 pounds of fat a week. To achieve these results, followers eat a ratio of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fat.
Zone Diet Blocks
The Zone Diet can be followed using one of two methods, both of which are equally effective. Beginner – or first-time dieters – may prefer to start with the hand-eye method before progressing to the Zone food blocks. Each is based around a “zone-friendly” plate, with portions from the three major nutrient groups: fat, protein and carbs. First, divide your plate into thirds and fill it as follows:
- One-third of your plate should consist of lean protein, close to the size and thickness of your palm.
- Two-thirds of your plate will be carbs, preferably with a low glycemic index ‒ to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- A small portion of monounsaturated fats.
The hand-eye method is a simplified version that does not require calorie-counting. By using your palm size and eyes, you can estimate a correct portion size. Your five fingers are a reminder to eat five times a day, and to never go without eating for more than five hours. For example, each meal may consist of the recommended carbs and protein, with a snack of healthy fats in between.
Once you have mastered the hand-eye method, or if you prefer calorie counting, the Zone block method will help you precisely balance every meal. Adult males are recommended around 1,500 calories daily, and adult women 1,200. A Zone block is made up of one of each nutrient block:
- Protein block: 7 grams
- Carb block: 9 grams
- Fat block: 1.5 grams (or 3 grams for a fat-free protein)
The number of zone blocks you consume in a day varies by your weight, height, waist and hip measurements. On average, an adult male will consume 14 Zone blocks a day, while a woman will consume 11. As an example, a typical meal will likely consist of three to five Zone blocks, but a snack will only be one.
Approved Zone Diet Food List:
Lean Protein – Skinless chicken or turkey, fish or shellfish, beef, pork, lamb, egg whites, tofu or soy, cheese, milk or yogurt.
Carbohydrates – Mainly vegetables, some grains and a little fruit – such as peppers, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, squash, oatmeal, quinoa, couscous, cranberries, guavas, citrus and more.
Fat – Nuts, chia seeds, or natural peanut butter, avocados, oils and tahini.
Foods You Should Avoid:
Unlike most other diets, there are no foods that are banned in the Zone diet. However, the following should be avoided, as they increase inflammation:
High-sugar fruits and vegetables – This group can include bananas, pineapple, raisins, cranberries, peas, potatoes and corn.
Processed foods – From soda, to cereal and bread – this group includes items that are processed, refined or contain added sugars. Other items include pasta, bagels, muffins, cookies, cakes and candy.
Coffee and tea – Acceptable from time-to-time; however, a minimum of eight eight-ounce glasses of water should be consumed daily.
Pros and Cons of The Zone Diet
The Zone Diet is lax, with its own share of pros and cons. It is a long-term diet meant to improve your overall health, rather than stop once a goal is met. For this reason, it is important that you choose a method you are able to maintain. While calories do count, you are not required to count them, unless you choose to do so. When dining out, Zone-friendly plates are easily found. However, you will likely have to plan to take some home. If you prefer eating in, an abundance of recipes and meal plans are available online. And most importantly, you will never go hungry or find yourself bored. Despite being portioned, these meals will keep you full and allow for delicious dining.
At Solutions Weight Loss, we encourage all of our patients to seek a lifestyle change, rather than a temporary diet. Not only will you see long-lasting results, but you will feel them! Dr. Newsome, and our team, can help you achieve your weight loss goals and maintain a healthier life. Everyone is different and deserves personalized recommendations and individualized attention. Contact us today!
