Are you looking to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle? With so much information out there, it can be tough to know where to start. In this article, we'll explore the basics of weight loss and healthy living to help you on your journey.
First, it's important to understand that weight loss is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The process of losing weight can vary greatly from person to person depending on factors such as age, gender, genetics, and lifestyle. However, there are some basic principles that can guide you on your journey.
Eating for Weight Loss
One of the most important things to keep in mind when trying to lose weight is that it's not just about cutting calories. While creating a calorie deficit is necessary for weight loss, it's also important to focus on the quality of the foods you're eating. Eating a diet that's rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help you feel fuller for longer and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Even when you choose healthier and heartier food options, it may not be enough nowadays. This is because approximately 90% of Americans suffer from some form of vitamin deficiency.
According to a study by the Kushi Institute, vitamin deficiencies are becoming more common in the US due to overfarming, modern agricultural practices, and environmental toxins. These factors have caused whole, fresh foods to have fewer nutrients. The study analyzed nutrient data from 12 different vegetables over two years and found that calcium levels decreased by 27%, iron levels declined by 37%, vitamin A levels were reduced by 21%, and vitamin C levels dropped by 30%.
Intravenous vitamin therapy from Holtorf Medical Group can provide your body with high-quality vitamins, nutrients, and amino acids directly into your bloodstream to address deficiencies that may cause fatigue, exhaustion, and burnout. Unlike oral supplementation, where only about 30% of the nutrients reach your cells and are often destroyed in the digestive process, IV therapy ensures that your body absorbs 100% of the nutrients. This therapy can be especially beneficial for people with chronic illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia (FM), autoimmune diseases, and chronic infections (such as Lyme disease) who may have functional nutritional deficiencies that compromise cellular function. Whether you want to support your weight loss journey, improve your longevity, or address a chronic health issue, IV therapy may be a great way to begin your health journey.
Test Your Thyroid Levels
The thyroid gland is an important regulator of numerous bodily functions including weight regulation. This is primarily because the thyroid has significant influence over metabolic and hormone activity. Unfortunately, thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid activity) are frequently overlooked or undertreated because standard lab tests only assess one specific component of thyroid function. For an accurate diagnosis, thyroid testing must at minimum include TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and Reverse T3. If any of these hormones are out of balance, it is likely that you are suffering from some degree of thyroid dysfunction.
Thyroid dysfunction can contribute to weight gain by slowing metabolism and hormone activity. When the thyroid is not producing enough hormones (hypothyroidism), the body's basal metabolic rate decreases. This means the body burns fewer calories and stores more energy as fat. By reducing calorie burning and metabolism, hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain over time as the body accumulates excess fat. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of thyroid conditions is critical to regulating hormones, metabolism, and maintaining a healthy weight.
However, many standard practitioners only test Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). TSH is a pituitary hormone, which stimulates thyroid hormone production by the thyroid gland. However, a wealth of studies have confirmed that TSH is a poor measure for estimating the metabolic severity of primary thyroid failure and/or a proper thyroid dose. The poor diagnostic sensitivity and high false-positive rates associated with such measurements render them virtually useless in clinical practice. This is why it is estimated that approximately 750 million people globally suffer from thyroid dysfunction, with up to 60% being undiagnosed.
To accurately identify hypothyroidism, testing of T3, T4, and other markers are needed.
Test Your Leptin Levels
Leptin is a hormone crucial for regulating weight and metabolism. When functioning properly, leptin informs the body whether to store or burn fat.
If the body becomes less responsive to leptin, known as leptin resistance, the signals triggering fat burning and use become suppressed.
Leptin resistance can also induce hypothyroidism at a cellular level, undetectable through standard thyroid testing.
Studies show most obese individuals suffer at least some leptin resistance. Fortunately, leptin resistance may be diagnosed through a simple blood test.
Cold Therapy for Weight Loss
Cold therapy has been associated with weight loss and metabolic health. According to the laws of thermodynamics, when heat leaves your body, calories leave your body. Studies show that three minutes of cold exposure each day can help you lose weight and improve your metabolic health. Cold therapy has other benefits as well, such as reducing inflammation, enhancing circulation, and improving brain function.
How Long Does It Take to See Weight Loss Results?
How long it takes to see weight loss results can vary greatly depending on factors such as age, gender, and starting weight. However, some people may start to see results within a few weeks of making lifestyle changes like improving their diet and exercising regularly. It's also important to keep in mind that sustainable weight loss is a slow process and may take several months or even years to achieve.
It's also important to remember that weight loss is just one aspect of healthy living. To truly live a healthy lifestyle, you should also focus on other factors like getting enough sleep, managing stress, and staying hydrated. By taking a holistic approach to your health and wellness, you'll be better equipped to achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall quality of life.
Join Stop the Weight with Dr. Nancy Evans, ND
HMG’s Dr. Nancy Evans, ND Has Developed A Professionally-Guided Weight Loss Program:
- 8-Week Program
- No Visits Required: The entire program can be done from the comfort of your home. Of course, additional support with in-person visits is always encouraged
- Weekly Videos: That break down easy at-home weight loss tips
- Daily Email Reminders, Recipes, Information, and Motivation: To keep you going and give you ongoing support during the program
- Supplement Recommendations Tailored to Your Goals: Dr. Nancy Evans, ND will go over a wide variety of supplement options to stimulate your metabolism, support digestion, and promote sustained, healthy weight loss (plus, you get a free bottle of BPC-157 when you join)
- Affordable & Healthy Recipes: Fuel your weight loss goals with Dr. Nancy Evans, ND's guide to eating for optimal metabolic health
Please note, we have different programs for your different needs, so you can choose what works for you and your lifestyle.
View our weight loss program page here and start your journey to stop the weight!
