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Looking Fine in 2009: The Natural Way!
An
American study on New Years resolutions showed that
just over 45% of all people who make resolutions will
nominate weight loss as their top priority. Yet, more
interesting, is that by June only 6% of people who make
New Years' resolutions actually stick to them. Are you
determined to meet your weight loss goals this year?
If healthier habits and weight loss are among your new
year's resolutions, give yourself a pat on the back
for making health a top priority.
The hard part is actually sticking to it and making
real changes! Here are a few tips to help you keep on
track with your weight loss resolution.
Write your goals down
If you want to lose weight this year, you must write
it down! Write your goal onto a piece of paper and put
that piece of paper somewhere that will keep you reminded
of the promise you have made to yourself. The fridge
is a great place since this is the main area which will
make or break your resolution. Refer to your goal daily
to constantly remind yourself of what you are doing
- especially when you feel a moment of weakness with
your will-power.
Set a definite date
If
you just say you're going to meet your goal sometime
within the year, that will not work. In fact, you will
probably fall into the "I'll start next week" trap.
Instead, mark your calendar for a start date for when
you will commence and each little goal that you want
to achieve. For example, by March 1st, you may want
to lose your first 5kg. Setting a definite date is a
great way to make sure you stick with your plan!
Remove the temptations
Go
into your kitchen and remove all bad foods from your
refrigerator and pantry. This includes all snack foods
such as cakes, pies, cookies, chips, soft drinks, crackers
and any "empty calorie" foods that will impede on your
weight loss goals. This step is very crucial step since
the temptation to cheat will be increased 10-fold if
you have those 'naughty' foods lingering inside your
home. If you don't remove these tempting items, it will
only be a matter of time before you breakdown! Fill
your kitchen with healthy, nutrient dense foods instead.
Get Help
Everyone
needs a support person who can keep you motivated and
focussed on your goals when losing weight. The Natural
Way offers a personalized weight loss service that
has successfully helped Australians lose weight for
over 28 years. The professional service The Natural
Way offers their clients' means that our goal is
to make sure you are successful - and your consultant
will be with you every step of the way while you are
on your weight loss journey.
To find out more about The Natural Way's proven
weight loss program contact your nearest clinic on 1300
SLIMMER (754663). Remember, there is no time like
today to start so CALL NOW and you will be looking
fine in 2009.
www.thenaturalway.com.au
Turn
That Sabre- Tooth Tiger Into A Pussy Cat: By Cassi Cowlam
From The Medical Sanctuary!
STRESS! Can't live with it, can't live without it.
We all know what it's like to be stressed; it's an everyday
occurrence, and in fact we need a certain amount of
stress to survive. Even so, it can get out of hand.
When discussing stress with patients, I often use the
Sabre-Tooth Tiger analogy: our body is no different
biologically from what it was thousands of years ago
... when facing that tiger, we had two choices - attack
or run (known as the fight / flight response). This
is how we managed to survive day to day, and is why
stress is necessary.
When this "stress" button is hit, chemical messengers
are produced by the brain and adrenal glands called
adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol. These chemicals
increase blood flow to the essential organs to help
this fight/flight response, namely the heart, lungs,
brain and muscles. Cortisol also increases the amount
of sugar released into the blood to provide energy for
our muscles to attack or run. Once the danger is over,
these chemicals return back to normal quite quickly.
In ancient times our society was more confined: we were
not often exposed to unfamiliar faces, we never travelled
far from our groups, and our stress was surviving the
elements and wondering where our next meal was coming
from, as well as having the occasional savage beast
to contend with.
Well, it's no different for us in today's age, except
that the tiger is now in a different form, and we have
a much higher exposure to it. We are constantly being
bombarded with information via emails, television, internet,
we are exposed to hundreds of unfamiliar faces on a
daily basis, long work hours, financial worries, traffic
jams, family problems ... you get the picture? And all
the time these chemical messengers are being released
telling us to fight it or run! In some people, this
fight/flight button may never get turned off, and this
leads to chronic stress.
Chronic stress can be the underlying cause of many health
conditions today, as it weakens the delicate homeostasis
(balance) in our bodies. It can have a negative impact
on our cardiovascular system, lead to poor digestive
function, create sleep disturbances and nervous system
disorders such as anxiety and panic attacks. The constant
release of cortisol can also wreak havoc on our hormones,
affect our blood sugar levels, lead to an increase in
weight, and deplete our immune system.
Can you see how important it is to manage our stress?
If we are constantly looking over our shoulder at that
sabre-tooth tiger, can we really expect to successfully
improve our poor sleep patterns, or to lower our blood
pressure, or resolve whatever health issues may be the
problem?
There are many herbs available that work successfully
to help the body adapt and resolve inappropriate stress
responses. Before self-prescribing, I would recommend
you consult a qualified health practitioner, as some
may be contraindicated with certain conditions or medications.
Certain nutrients can also assist with stress, such
as Vitamin C, Magnesium and the B Group of vitamins.
Because we are all different, it is best to have a treatment
program especially tailored for you.
Still, even without taking supplements or herbs, there
are things you can start to do today to help turn that
tiger into a pussy cat:
o Exercise - a great stress buster that releases feel-good
endorphins. Yoga is also recommended as it teaches breathing
exercises that can come in handy when feeling stressed.
o Make time "just for you" - have that pedicure, go
see that movie, sit quietly and start that book you've
been meaning to read.
o Regular massages not only feel good, but are excellent
for the nervous system.
o Avoid stimulants such as tea, coffee and alcohol.
o Stop smoking.
o Watch your diet - avoid high sugar intake, junk and
processed foods. Eat wholesome foods high in fruit and
vegetables.
o Spend time with nature - get that sand between your
toes, walk barefoot on the grass, have a picnic in the
park.
STRESS! Can live with it, can't live without it.
Cassi
Cowlam, Naturopath, BHSc (Nat), D.Th.D, D.Iridol,
D.N.Med, The Medical Sanctuary
The
Medical Sanctuary Office C2 Ashmore City Shopping Centre,
206 Currumburra Road, Ashmore, Qld 4214 Phone: 07 5564
5013
http://themedicalsanctuary.com.au/
Metabolic Syndrome:by Narelle Stegehuis From Mass
Attack!
Metabolic Syndrome Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when
a number of metabolic abnormalities (including insulin
resistance and obesity) occur at the same time. Metabolic
syndrome is characterised by: " Central obesity " Increased
triglycerides " Increased HDL " High blood pressure
" High fasting plasma glucose
Metabolic syndrome is common occurring in some 20-25%
of the world's population. In Australia, it is estimated
that one in three people over the age of 25 years have
the metabolic syndrome.
Women who have a higher risk of developing metabolic
syndrome include:
" Obese women
" Individuals consuming large amount of saturated fats;
" Individuals who consume more than one standard alcoholic
drink per day
" Insulin resistant individuals;
Individuals with a family history of insulin resistance
and/or type 2 diabetes.
Unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity
are the key lifestyle factors leading to metabolic syndrome.
Extended periods of unhealthy eating and limited physical
activity result in obesity and insulin resistance, which
in turn affect the body's metabolism and increase the
risk of metabolic syndrome. Once metabolic syndrome
is diagnosed, other metabolic abnormalities tend to
worsen.
How is Metabolic Syndrome treated?
The treatment of metabolic syndrome generally focuses
on diet and exercise therapy. To reverse the metabolic
abnormalities of metabolic syndrome, regular physical
activity and a diet with a restricted calorie intake,
that is high in whole grains, monounsaturated fats and
plant foods are recommended. Losing weight by eating
less high fat foods is very important for individuals
who have metabolic syndrome. It can reduce the risk
of developing type 2 diabetes and may also reduce the
risk of coronary heart disease. For individuals with
metabolic syndrome, eating the correct combination of
foods is also very important.
Increased physical activity increases weight loss and
decreases the risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease.
Exercise is therefore a very important component of
any treatment for metabolic syndrome treatment.
Narelle
Stegehuis, CEO of MassAttack, is a practicing Naturopath
specializing in the research and development of natural
treatment programs for women with hormonal imbalances,
which have contributed to such symptoms as weight gain,
cravings, anxiety and mood swings. Uniquely for patient
convenience her programs are also offered via the Internet.
She is both an accomplished wrier and recent recipient
of the Australian Naturopathic Excellence Award 2006.
Visit her website at www.MassAttack.com.au
or download your Free E-Book by Narelle Stegehuis "7
Secrets to Weightloss Revealed" Click Here
T:
1300 133 536
The Easy Way To Stop Smoking: By Melissa Henry!
It is estimated that smoking costs Australian businesses
at least $1.5 billion per year, or $4.3 million a day.
On an individual level, every smoker can cost up a business
up to $5,000 every year. Furthermore, the average smoker
spends up to 30 minutes a day, or 14 working days a
year, on cigarette breaks, and takes five days more
sick leave a year on average than non-smokers.
I had been smoking for five years, up until recently,
when I was presented with an opportunity to attend Allen
Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking course - a one-day workshop
based on simple cognitive therapy techniques that help
smokers to realise that there are no genuine benefits
to smoking.
Prior to attending the course, I felt scared and nervous;
I had it in my head that I really enjoyed smoking. The
first thing we saw when arriving at the clinic was a
huge pile of cigarettes being poured out of a bag and
onto the floor. At first, I was disgusted at the sight
of all these cigarettes, but then I thought to myself
that I have probably smoked more cigarettes than this
over the past couple of years.
We were told to help ourselves to coffee and biscuits
and to go and have a cigarette outside, while filling
out some general paperwork, before starting the course.
Upon going back into our room to start our session,
we were told there will be plenty of smoke breaks. You
could hear the sigh of relief from fellow soon-to-be-non-smokers.
The therapist said that throughout the day, she would
be giving us instructions to follow. Two of the instructions
that have stuck with me are to keep an open mind, and
that anyone can be a non-smoker, no matter how long
you have been smoking for. Throughout the day we were
informed that we are actually addicts, similar to people
who do heroin, as we are always needing that fix and
constantly thinking about when we can get that next
fix.
We also learned that it is fear that keeps smokers smoking.
This is why those scare tactic advertisements do not
work. I know myself that when I saw those ads, all I
wanted to do was light-up.
By the time lunchtime came round, I was looking forward
to this happier, healthier life that I was going to
lead. Following lunch we had a session on withdrawals,
where we were told that only 5 per cent of the withdrawals
were from nicotine while the rest are in fact mental.
Another smoke break followed this session. We were told
to go outside and have our last cigarette, and when
we came back in we were to throw our cigarette packets
and lighters into the huge pile of cigarette packets.
By this stage, I was ecstatic that I was finally going
to kick this dirty habit. Once we were back inside,
the final session was hypnotherapy, which ran for about
15 minutes. This brought us to the end of the day, with
a final debriefing before going our separate ways to
start our new non-smoking lives.
I am proud to say I am going into my fifth week of being
a non-smoker and I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend
this course to anyone who wants to stop smoking, and
to companies that want to make a difference to the lives
of their employees and the bottom line. Thank you once
again Allen Carr's Easway for helping me change my life
for the better.
Melissa
Henry
Contact
Jonathan Wills for details on the next event.
www.allencarr.com.au/states/sqld/
07
3892 4229
My Health Specials: Gym and
Weight Loss Directory!
Click
Here To Find Your LOCAL Fitness Centre
Click
Here To Find Your LOCAL Weight Loss Centre
Nourishedmagazine.com.au:Insulin
Resistance: The Real Culprit!
by Ron Rosedale
The article the Food Giants and Big Pharma
don't want you to read... Filled with shocking science
that flies in the face of common nutritional recommendations
and exposes medical lies, Rosedale focuses on what truly
creates chronic disease.
...More
Brought
to you by
www.nourishedmagazine.com.au
Short
and Sweet:Lamb Salad With Feta!
Serves
4
2
tsp olive oil 1 garlic clove finely chopped 1 lamb loin
180g mixed salad leaves 1 punnet cherry tomatoes ¼ cup
chopped mint 1/3 cup crumbled feta
Dressing
2 tbs fish sauce 1 tbs red current jelly 2 tbs rice
vinegar 1 tbs soy sauce 1 spring onion finely chopped
Heat oil in fry-pan over a medium heat. Cook for 5 min
on one side, then turn and cook for another 21/2 minutes
on the other side. Wrap the meat in foil and let it
rest for 5 min Whisk dressing ingredients in a bowl
& empty meat juices into dressing. Toss remaining ingredients
together. Cut lamb into fine slices, toss through
salad and sprinkle with feta
.
Brought
to you by www.massattack.com.au
Download
our new FREE e-book 7 Secrets of Weight Loss Revealed
http://www.massattack.com.au/sevensecretssubscribe.html
Laughter
is the best medicine!
Wht
Are You Not Married?
Here
are some comebacks: You haven't asked yet.
I was hoping to do something meaningful with my life.
Because I just love hearing this question.
Just lucky, I guess.
It gives my mother something to live for.
My fiancée is awaiting his/her parole.
I'm still hoping for a shot at Miss/Mr. America.
Do you know how hard it is to get two tickets to Miss
Saigon?
I'm waiting until I get to be your age.
It didn't seem worth a blood test.
I already have enough laundry to do, thank you.
Because I think it would take all the spontaneity out
of dating.
My co-op board doesn't allow spouses.
I'd have to forfeit my billion dollar trust fund.
They just opened a great singles bar on my block.
I wouldn't want my parents to drop dead from sheer happiness.
I guess it just goes to prove that you can't trust those
voodoo doll rituals.
What? And lose all the money I've invested in running
personal ads?
I don't want to have to support another person on my
paycheck.
Why aren't you thin?
I'm married to my career, although recently we have
been considering a trial separation. Bonus reply for
Single Mothers: Because having a husband and a child
would be redundant.
Quote
of the week!
"We must all suffer from one of
two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.
The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret
weighs tons." -- Jim Rohn, Motivational
Coach
For
a Good Cause: Why Support AEIOU For Children With Autism?
View the AEIOU Video 'AEIOU - for children with autism'
is a not for profit organisation, dedicated to providing
a professional full-time early educational program of
the highest quality for children with Autism Spectrum
Disorders (ASDs). We operate this program within a nurturing
environment that respects individual family beliefs
and values.
http://www.aeiou.org.au/
BACK
ISSUES OF NATURALLY HAPPY
In
the next issue of "Naturally Happy"
- Alkalife
Alkaline Water!
- Bodizone!
- Mass
Attack!
- The
Medical Sanctuary!
- nourished.com.au!
- Short
and sweet!
If
this link doesn't work please email info@myhealthspecials.com.au
My
Health Specials provides this information for your personal
education and enrichment. Information provided should
not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem
or disease. Nor should the information replace the advice
of your health care practitioner. Always seek professional
advice if suffering an illness. My
Health Specials Pty Ltd and all parties involved in
the conception, production, ongoing maintenance and
operation of Naturally Happy accept no liability and
no responsibility for any damage whatsoever arising
from or in connection to your use or operation of the
website or information contained in this e-magazine.
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