Weight loss can seem a complicated issue and, with so many promises of a quick fix, using meal replacements or pre-packaged foods being advertised these days, it’s no wonder most of us are overwhelmed with choices and questions about what to do.

Too tired or embarrassed to get out and exercise? Feeling too stressed and think there’s no time to fuss about with diet plans? Or do you ask, “Which foods do I eat? Is it nutritionally balanced?” and it all gets just too hard.

Losing weight encompasses addressing a number of issues, physical, emotional and mental. The hard part is knowing where to begin to break the cycle of old patterns. The most important factors for successful and long-term weight loss are education
and support.

Most people are frustrated by their efforts to lose weight because they are eating foods which slow down their metabolism by upsetting the delicate hormone balance of their body. This can result in symptoms such as a predominance of midriff fat, low energy, sugar cravings, mood swings, sleeping difficulties, poor concentration
and bloating.
It isn’t widely known that being overweight is a disorder in the hormonal and enzymatic regulation of fat tissue. Since the amount of fat we accumulate is fundamentally regulated by the hormone insulin, the obvious culprits for why we get fat are the carbohydrates in our diet, because, it’s mainly carbs that regulate our insulin levels.

Stressed? This also increases insulin levels which stops fat breaking down. Hot flushes? Estrogen and insulin have a synergistic relationship, so when insulin is controlled, other hormones often become balanced on their own – hot flushes and PMS symptoms reduce dramatically. Craving the wrong foods? This is due to metabolic hormones out of balance.

Once we learn correct portion sizes and how to incorporate the correct ratio of protein, carbohydrate, and fat into meals, balance is restored; cravings disappear, energy lifts and fat is burned rather than stored.

So whilst we need to establish a compelling reason to begin to lose weight and create the time and motivation to become more active, we must remember that food is a very powerful drug; the key to successful and permanent weight loss is to eat in a way that corrects the metabolic processes.

If you have the confidence of knowing that you are eating a balanced diet and are feeling more energetic every day, then finding time to relax and exercise isn’t such a chore. Add support from family or friends and/or professional help with continuing education and monitoring your progress, the cycle of old patterns can be easily overcome.


www.circlewellness.com.au