With obesity and diabetes in the weekly news circuits, we are all perpetually being faced with another weight loss commercial that promises fantastic results. Frequently, or even most of the time, these diets take more weight off your bank account than they do your body. Every entrepreneur has a weight fix-it and a lot of people join the ranks of diet dropouts because they don't work. Why is this?
The main reason is we want things to be simple. The medical field, in particular, seems driven to find One-Size-Fits-All solutions for all seven billion human beings on the planet. But, seven billion people have seven billion sets of fingerprints - all of them unique. Seven billion people have thousands of biochemical reactions taking place in their bodies every second, most of those reactions having their own unique quirks for each individual person. Which leads me to say this about diets and weigh loss -- what works for you, works for you; you have to find what that is. To find out what works you have to be willing to experiment, and be prepared to be disappointed many times in the quest. Like the Hero's Journey, you have to overcome initial resistance and obstacles; descend into the dark mists of turmoil, hard work, and struggle; and gain a few allies and helpers before achieving success and finding a new relationship with food (your most long-lasting intimate friend.)
There are many options out there. Dr. Mercola highlighted one this morning in his daily email that I'm going to try. I actually make a hobby of, and enjoy trying out, new diet approaches! This one is the "Intermittent Fast." Calorie restriction diets have shown the most promise in longevity studies with animals, and some of the more obsessed-for-longevity folks have embarked on this difficult and trying path -- it's not for wimps!!! Some studious diet experts have found some impressive successes in following a regimented, regular fasting schedule. Of course, there is no agreement on what that exact schedule is among these experts. Some advocate for fasting every other day (fasting = 500-600 calories a day) and eating anything you want the other days. Some advocate fasting two days a week (the same 2 days split - e.g. every Tuesday and Thursday.) The results appear to be comparable: weight loss, better blood sugar numbers (and control), and lower triglycerides and cholesterol. Mercola, in his usual thorough way, covers all the health benefits and you can read about them by clicking here. If you haven't registered with Mercola.com you may be asked to in order to see the article, but it's free and his information is always at least interesting - though I will say I don't agree with a good amount of what he claims. Enjoy that!
Summer is a GREAT time for changing up your dietary and life style pace! There's lots of fresh produce at farmers' markets and lots of time to get an exercise routine in place. So make a fresh health pact with yourself and experiment with something new!
NatureWords for your Health!!
Mark
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