Many struggle with excess weight and sluggish metabolism throughout their lives.
The struggle can be a continuous cycle of weight loss and weight gain which can be a challenge to both physical and mental health. There is a lot of confusing information out there but beginning with these five steps is a sensible place to start.
1. Look after your Liver
Without the liver, it’s impossible to have a properly working metabolism, healthy circulation, balanced hormones and strong digestion. Support your liver by eating whole, organic foods, including unrefined carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. When it comes to fats and proteins in your diet, focus on quality sources so the liver can properly break down fats and remove excess cholesterol and toxins.
2. Ditch the Fizzy Drinks
They are full of sugars and other nasties, offering little to nothing by way of nutrition. In fact, processed, sugar-laden foods rob the body of nutrients.
Our bodies need to work hard to minimise the damage they do to us and in so doing chromium, vitamin B3 and other nutrients are used up. Whole-food smoothies are a much better option if you want a boost of energy.
3. Dump the Junk Food
Crisps, chocolate bars and foods from the bakery aisle can be replaced with boiled eggs, crudités and salsa, brown rice cakes with a thin spread of tahini and honey or half an avocado. You will feel more satisfied the more nutrient and fibre-rich your foods are, so aim to put more of these types of foods in your diet so it’s easier to leave out the food you’re trying to avoid.
4. Balance your Nutrients
Good nutrition is not about counting calories, but about making sure that every calorie counts in terms of nutrient density. By rebalancing your body to achieve better health, your ideal weight becomes attainable.
5. Avoid ‘low-fat’ products
By choosing low fat and ‘healthy option’ foods you are likely to increase your sugar, salt and artificial flavouring intake. These can hinder nutrient absorption. High sugar foods can also be addictive and promote more weight gain. Get into the habit of checking ingredient labels and if sugar is in the first three ingredients, it’s not good for your waistline.
Make gradual, sustainable changes to your eating habits and choose a range of unprocessed, whole foods in their natural form to boost your overall health and wellbeing. With a healthy mind and body you are far more likely to reach your natural weight and maintain it, whilst also reducing your risk of chronic disease.
It’s also important to remember that there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ style of eating so the best option is to book an appointment with a qualified Nutritional Therapist who will be able to design a tailored nutrition plan for you.
If you want to learn how to guide yourself and others to a successful and maintained healthy weight why not consider a career as a nutritional therapist.
Come along to our next Open Evening to find out how you could start the first steps towards a career in natural health practices.
By Eva Killeen – Natural Chef Director.
