Achieve Your Natural Weight

Being overweight can be uncomfortable and ultimately unhealthy. We all have a natural weight within us - a weight that suits us, not the 'stick thin' of the models. To begin to achieve this weight we need to see food as our friend - a friend that delivers to us nutrients that are very, very good for us.

Losing weight naturally can be achieved by changing our attitude to food and making an effort to become fit. Changing your attitude involves listening to your body, which means eating when we are hungry, rather than at a preordained time. It means eating foods that 'feel' right (as long as this is a 'real' need and not one that is created in our mind by advertising). When you are fit you are able to burn calories more efficiently.

Weight problems may be linked to nutritional deficiencies and food allergies or a body that is not working at an optimal level.

There are several supplements that can help.

What you can do to help

Eat at least five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables per day. Work other foods around them, concentrating on quality and not quantity and avoid eating more than about 30g of fat each day.
Eat a high fiber diet. This will assist by filling the stomach and by releasing the hormones that suppress the appetite. Fiber also transports the fats through the digestive system, lowering the amount absorbed and stored in the body.
Brewer's yeast may reduce the cravings for sweet foods.
Eat little and often. This gives your body a chance to digest and process the energy from your food more efficiently.
It is best to eat the largest meal in the middle of the day which gives the body time to digest and use the food before sleeping.
Listen to your body and eat when you are hungry.
Base the foods that you eat on whole fresh unrefined foods.
Avoid eating just before going to bed.
Eat for the purpose of being healthy and active and in order to get nutrients and energy from the food.
Enjoy your food. Eat a healthy diet with small quantities of treats when you want them. You will find that if you eat well your cravings for sweet and fatty foods will diminish and are more easily satisfied. You may need to 'push through' to this point and may initially feel the cravings. Try not to give into the cravings too often and allow your body time to adjust to eating in a healthy way.
Drink at least six glasses of pure filtered water each day. This will help to flush the toxins from the body and cleanse the digestive system. This will allow the digestive system to work more efficiently.
Get plenty of exercise. Walking for only 30 minutes per day at a brisk pace will burn more than 2,000 calories a week, with the added benefit of making you fit.
Work on improving your self-esteem. Hold yourself correctly. Wear clothes that fit and look good on you. Join a group that is working on self-esteem improvement and weight control.

Supplements can help you achieve you natural weight

Vitamin B complex is linked with the functioning of the thyroid gland and with fat metabolism. Take 25 to 50 mg twice daily.
Taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement will assist in stoping cravings that are based on deficiency for nutrients in the body.
Coenzyme Q10 helps the body cells use oxygen and generate energy. There is some evidence that people using coenzyme Q10 supplements are able to loose weight more quickly. Take 15 to 30 mg each day.

References

Airola, P. 1984, How to get well. Health plus publishers.

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.

Jacka, J. 1997, A-Z of Natural Therapies. Lothian.

Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.