What I've Learned From My Patients, #1

When It's Time, It's Time. And not a moment sooner. When is it time to make a more healthful lifestyle choice (exercise, lose weight, make better dietary choices)? When it comes from within. When the pain of change is less than the pain of current circumstances. When the illusion that the current state of health is "normal" somehow dissipates. When the vision of what the current rate of decline will look like in 30 years hits home. When the reasons for health take front and center (play with your grandchild, continue to be able to support your family, play golf, hike in the mountains, etc., etc., etc.). When you realize that in order to take care of others, you must take care of yourself (you're worth it!).

How to lose weight while sitting in front of the TV!

Or just by setting your home's thermostat to 60 degrees. Maybe, like us, you're already doing that and will be happy to know that a side benefit is burning 'brown fat.' Based on animal models, researchers estimate that just 50g of brown fat (which is less than what most study volunteers have been found to have) could burn about 20 percent of your daily caloric intake—and more if 'encouraged.' Here are several ways to encourage brown fat energy burning:

1. Set your thermostat at 60 degrees;
2. Put an ice pack on your neck and shoulders for 30 minutes a day; for example, while watching TV;
3. Drink 50 ml. of ice water each morning;
4. Take cold showers;
5. Immerse yourself up to your waist in an ice bath for 10 minutes, three times per week;
6. Exercise (duh!).

Interestingly, brown fat cells derive from the same root as muscle cells. For more fun facts, read the full article.

Thanks for attending

Thanks to all who attended our "5 Secrets to Weight Loss" workshop yesterday. Next workshop--Saturday, February 4. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lot easier when you know about some common pitfalls, misconceptions, and most importantly, what works.

About two years ago I lost 35#, but was stuck on the remaining 10 and was constantly struggling with gaining back the lost weight. But when I learned about how important cleansing was to weight management--because fat accumulates around stored toxins--I started looking around for a good cleansing program (there are lots of options!). I try to avoid obvious sources of toxins (such as in food, water, air, and personal care and cleaning products), but since we're exposed to 82,500 different toxins in a week, it's safe to assume at least some are getting through!

There are lots of options for cleansing. The one I chose comes with a complete program for cleansing, fat burning, and muscle building, along with meal and exercise planning. I'm happy to report that during the 25-day cleanse:

• I lost 2 inches from my waist, bringing my waist-to-hip ratio to 0.75
• I went from 33.5% body fat to 28.5
• My weight dropped from 152.2 to 148.4

All while not feeling hungry, not starving myself, and having plenty of energy. Best of all, my legs feel super light and springy when I'm running! Wish me luck as I continue on toward my goal of a healthy 22-25% body fat!

5 Secrets to Weight Loss Workshop

Resolved to make 2012 the year of living more healthfully? Join us this Saturday, January 7, 12:00-1:00 p.m., for our free, monthly Cleansing/Weight Loss Workshop.

You will learn five secrets to weight loss, and learn about a revolutionary, effective, and sane new program for resetting your lifestyle habits.

Light refreshments will be served, so contact us to register yourself and a friend* today!

*Best results occur if you bring an accountability partner.

What's your "current location"?

Several years ago I read that Ted Turner's response to the question, "How do you stay so healthy?" was, "I just try to do 1% better each year."

Unless you're in the middle of a health crisis (in which case you need to take drastic action), you can take advantage of the wisdom of incremental change. A transformational question for the second day of 2012 might be, "How can I be 1% healthier this year?" What modest change can I make that will move me closer to optimal health?

Whether you're refining your already exemplary health habits or taking drastic action, it's useful to know your "current location." Whenever I use my phone to get driving directions to an unfamiliar place, it asks me whether I want to use my "current location." Here's a simple test you can do today to determine your current location. It's extremely low-tech, easy, and quick. All you need is a tape measure and a calculator. With two simple measurements and one calculation, you will know your odds of developing a life-threatening condition (cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease).

Ready? First, measure your waist (around your belly button), then measure your hips (widest part). Now get a calculator and divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. The ideal ratio for women is 0.70 and for men it's 0.90. Greater than 0.75 or 9.95 indicates a significantly higher likelihood of developing one of the above problems.

Now that you know your current location, you can decide whether you're going to make an incremental change or take massive action.

P.S.: Research shows, for best results, make sure you choose something you enjoy.

P.P.S: If you want help with rest of the road map, let us know. We'll make sure you're having fun while you're on your journey.

Free toxic chemical test, and more...

This week only we are offering a complimentary screening to help you reach your 2012 health and fitness goals.

The screening includes the following:

• Stress/Cleansing/Weight Loss Survey
• Urine test for toxic chemicals
• Fitness test
• Blood pressure check
• Weight
• Waist to hip ratio

Make your dreams for a healthier you in 2012 a reality by contacting us today!