Food as Medicine

Using Bariatric Centers to Safely Lose Weight Posted By : Mark Sierra

amit — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Health experts recommend us to maintain a healthy weight we should eat reasonable portions of healthy foods and by adopting regular exercise routine. But with the abundance of fast food restaurants, snack machines, television commercials enticing us to try their delicious products, and even an entire television network devoted to the art of preparing food, it is no wonder why Americans turn to bariatric centers for help with managing their weight. When those efforts fail, as they often do, we suffer from overweight issues that sometimes escalates to the level of obesity. When this occurs, it is quite possible that surgery is our only option.

One type of bariatric procedure is called gastric bypass surgery. This alters the construction of the digestive system to physically limit the amount of food your stomach can hold and digest. Specifically, it achieves this by reshaping the stomach so that it can hold less food. This causes the patient to fill full quicker. The formula is simple: the less food you consume means fewer calories. Fewer calories mean fewer pounds and a longer, healthier life.

To determine if bariatric centers are the best solution for you, your doctor will have to assess your situation. You might be an ideal candidate for this surgery if your body mass index (BMI) is 35 to 39.9 and you have weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Other candidates for this surgery include the morbidly obese who have a BMI of 40 or higher. A person of this weight would be at higher risk for any surgery and the doctor will determine if the risks are greater than the benefits.

A patient's motivation is a critical part of the weight loss process. A medical team will define significant changes in the life ahead of surgery to determine if the patient is willing to do their part. They will suggest restrictions on eating and drinking habits, they will ask to stop smoking or chewing tobacco. And they will develop an exercise schedule. The professionals who work in bariatric centers will get the qualified patient started on the road to a healthy, more wonderful life due to an improved outlook and lifestyle.

Postpartum Weight Loss- Yoga for a Lean Long Body

amit — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:28:42 +0000

To Sara of Fit by Sara: “I want a “lean, long, yoga body”, but I don’t understand how I can lose weight doing it if it doesn’t get your heart rate up. Do I need to do additional cardio?”

From Sara of Fit by Sara: “There are several different types of yoga, a few of which will get your heart rate up. For example, “Power Yoga” (Ashtanga) and “Flowing Yoga” (Vinyasa) can be great workouts where you will sweat, feel a heart rate boost, lose weight, lengthen your muscles and feel relaxed and balanced after. If you are doing these styles of yoga 4 x per week you probably don’t need to do additional cardio. However, if you are doing vinyasa or ashtanga 2 x per week, I recommend adding a cardio workout, such as a power walk 2-3 x per week. Also be sure to eat healthy since much of the way we look is related to how and what we eat.” -Sara Holliday

**Have a question for me? I’d love to answer it! Email me at info@fitbysara.com and/or leave a comment here.

Postpartum Weight Loss- Canât Get Motivated To Workout?

amit — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:31:45 +0000

To Sara of Fit by Sara: “I know I SHOULD exercise but I really don’t enjoy it. I find treadmills boring, and I’m not coordinated enough to take an aerobic class. Any ideas to help me get motivated to workout?”

From Sara of Fit by Sara: “Many people start exercise knowing they should, and quickly stop exercising because they don’t enjoy it. The key to staying motivated is finding exercise that you actually enjoy. For example, do you like the outdoors? If so, start going for walks or hikes. Better yet, invite a friend and the time will quickly pass! Do you enjoy dancing? If so try a dance class! Also, stop using the excuse that you’re not coordinated. It can take a little time to get in the swing of any exercise, but once you find a good instructor, class will soon be enjoyable. Try something new…I have a good feeling there’s some form of exercise you’ll love just waiting for you!” -Sara Holliday

*Got a question for me? Email me at info@fitbysara.com and or leave me a comment here.

How to Lose Arm Fat And Get Quick Fat Loss Naturally at Home Posted By : William Onedge

amit — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000

There is no need to go out there and spend $400.00 this year on a gym membership when everything that you need is right at home for weight loss. All of these pills and diet fads aren't going to take you anywhere when it comes to trying to lose arm fat. Arm fat is all but attractive, and the only way to really get rid of it for good is to focus on losing your overall amount of body fat. You must also set your sights on sticking with your new found weight loss regimen if you want to lose arm fat. Spot reduction also isn't going to work when getting rid of arm fat, so forget about it.

Simple changes to your everyday lifestyle are all that it is going to take in order to lose arm fat. We will just assume you are one who eats whatever they want, and whenever they deem necessary. Included in your diet is most likely fast food, deep fried foods, bad carbohydrates, sugary sweets, canned sodas, alcohol, and a lot of bread. While you do not need to eliminate these items completely, you should begin to focus on replacing them with something else. Every food has a substitute. For example, instead of a greased up hamburger, eat a turkey burger on wheat bread with mustard only.

Instead of a soda, drink water. Another example would be to eat boneless skinless chicken breast instead of country fried chicken that has been deep fried. You will also feel a lot better. As you can see, these are very simplistic changes and they reap enormous results when it comes to getting rid of arm fat along with overall body fat. Another helpful way to lose arm fat is to start a daily exercise routine. It doesn't really matter what it is, just as long as it is done consistently.

Your exercise routine doesn't have to be anything difficult at all. A good workout can be something as small as walking 30 minutes per day. Of course, you will want to make sure that you increase your time after a few weeks. But start small, and then build from there. Always do what you are comfortable with in the beginning so that you do not become discouraged. Never expect to be able to do more than what you know that you can do in one workout session. What you do not finish today will be there for you to complete tomorrow. Strength training is also a wonderful form of physical activity, especially if you have some toning up to do after all of the fat is gone. What a lot of people do not know is that strength training can also burn fat. All you need is a couple of weights at home in order to work your entire body. Home DVDs can be purchased if you are confused as to where to start.

Losing arm fat will be easy if you take action. Remember that there is no need to go out and purchase a huge gym membership. Stay away from diet pills as well, anything that is not natural is ultimately harmful. All you need in order to lose arm fat is right at home. Always keep it simple and stick with it.

Postpartum Weight Loss- Want Flat Abs?

amit — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:20:25 +0000

After surveying over 600 moms I found the number one area of concern was the belly, also known as “muffin top”, “belly flab”, or “pooch”. I’ve received hundreds of questions about how to firm up and get rid of the flab. Here are a couple of answers to your questions. More to come….*”Sara, is it true that if I cut out all carbs I’ll lose weight and have a flat stomach?” “Yes, you’ll lose weight by “cutting out” carbs, BUT you’re also likely to feel deprived which means you’ll gain the weight back and more. Instead of completely cutting out carbs, I recommend simple modifications. For example, if you’re having pasta chose whole grain pasta vs. white flour pasta. Whole grains have fiber and minerals which benefit the body. Also, be aware of your portions. Have a larger helping of veggies or greens and a smaller amount of pasta.”

*”Sara, Do you eat pasta?”

“Absolutely! One of my personal favorite meals is a small to medium helping of whole grain pasta with marinara sauce and turkey or veggie meatballs along with a large mixed green salad topped with carrots, avocado, walnuts and Four Seasons Italian DressingMix Packet mixed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.”