Wellness Lies in the Balance
A woman discovers the health benefits
of eating in "balance."
Beth Rosario from Winston Salem, NC with Golda.
PS-Golda was a German Shepherd before going on the Beverly Hills program! |
Losing the Battle
Beth was not happy when she realized her waistline
was inching upward and outward. Her cholesterol and triglycerides
were also up. She was frustrated. For the past several years,
not only had she been "dieting," but she had also been restricting
her fat intake to the point where she was afraid to put even
a small amount of butter on her toast.
Wrong Advice?
For years, experts recommended eating a low-fat
diet to help Americans win the battle of the bulge. This
hasn't panned out. Over the past twenty-five years, the amount
of fat in our diets has decreased by 6 percent while the
amount of carbohydrates has increased, in some cases, nearly
300 percent! At the
same time, the incidence of obesity, heart disease and diabetes
has skyrocketed to epidemic numbers. As a nation, Americans
have become fat-phobic and the only thing we have lost while
trying to cut back on fat is our trim waistlines and our
health.
A New Approach
Beth was skeptical when a friend told her about
the results she experienced with the Beverly Hills Weight
Loss & Wellness
Program. "I never feel deprived," her friend told her.
Beth was curious. She joined Beverly Hills and found that,
unlike many other weight loss programs, she could easily live
with the recommendations. The Program advocates using a balance
of foods groups, as many as possible at each meal. "By eating a protein
with a carbohydrate and a fat," says BH clinic director Julie
Hughes, "blood sugar stays within a tight zone. This nearly
stops cravings in their tracks! Plus it allows the body to
use body fat for energy enabling our clients to lose weight."
What is the "Balanced Approach"?
A strategy that has been supported by research involves eating
a balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates and fats,
each in adequate amounts. This is the approach that Beverly
Hills Weight Loss & Wellness has recommended and has taught to
clients for the past six years. "We recommend this strategy not
only as a weight loss plan," says Julie, "but also as a manageable
wellness program because of its ability to stabilize blood
sugar and insulin levels."
Insulin - Friend or Foe?
We need insulin, it is an important hormone that
is responsible for many processes in the body. However, too
much insulin can have deleterious effects. "An elevated insulin
level not only blocks the body's ability to burn stored body
fat," says Donna Dodge, Registered Dietitian "but it creates
a rapid fall in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels
fall, the brain, which is fueled by glucose (sugar), sends
an urgent signal to turn up the appetite for immediate energy.
This scenario plays itself out over and over several times
a day creating a roller coaster effect on blood sugar levels.
The result is constant hunger, ravenous cravings, weight gain,
and elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels."
For a Healthy Heart.Limiting carbohydrates led to a greater reduction
in markers for heart disease than a low-fat diet.Evidence presented
at the American Health Association Scientific Session,11/04
Eat Your Way to A Healthy Heart
Within three months of following BH guidelines,
Beth experienced more than just weight loss. Her cholesterol
level went from 303 to 164, and her triglycerides came down
from a high of 283 to 62.
"We see these health benefits all the time," says Julie, "It
has to do with the portions and ratios of the foods we teach
our clients to eat." Julie explained that by reducing refined
carbohydrates and eating more protein together with the right
types of fats, a significant decrease in insulin is achieved.
This is the BH secret for success.
Please Pass the Butter!
"I feel great!" reports Beth. "My weight is down
and my physician told me that my blood work has improved
so significantly that I no longer pose a risk of cardiac
disease. I now eat foods, such as butter that I had previously
thought were off limits and I no longer feel deprived. Best
of all, I know my health is improving and I feel wonderful!"
Everyday Activities for Better Health
By walking briskly for 30
to 60 minutes every day, you can reduce the risk of heart
disease by 60% if you are a man and nearly 50% if you are
a woman. Many household chores, including mopping, mowing,
raking, and gardening all help burn calories and improve
cardiovascular health at the same time.
Strive for 30 minutes every
day!
CALORIES EXPENDED
for 10 Minutes of Activity |
| |
150
lbs. |
200
lbs. |
250
lbs. |
Exercise |
|
|
|
Walking – 2
mph |
35 |
46 |
58 |
Walking – 4
mph |
62 |
81 |
102 |
Walking
- upstairs |
175 |
229 |
288 |
Walking
- downstairs |
67 |
88 |
111 |
Running
-5.5 mph |
108 |
142 |
178 |
Biking – 5.5
mph |
50 |
67 |
83 |
Housework |
|
|
|
Making
beds |
39 |
52 |
65 |
Dusting |
27 |
35 |
44 |
Mowing
grass |
41 |
53 |
67 |
Light
gardening |
36 |
47 |
59 |
Washing
floors |
46 |
60 |
75 |
Washing
windows |
42 |
54 |
69 |
Sports |
|
|
|
Golfing |
40 |
55 |
68 |
Tennis |
67 |
92 |
115 |
Dancing
- moderate |
42 |
55 |
69 |
Bowling
- nonstop |
67 |
90 |
111 |
Canoeing – 4
mph |
109 |
146 |
182 |
|