I’d Help Them Lose Weight for Keeps.
Over 10 percent of American adults have diabetes—a figure that doubled in the last few decades. Since obesity is the major reason for Type 2 diabetes, this epidemic is clearly growing and over 84.1 million Americans are considered “prediabetic” (according to the CDC).
Jaw-dropping new statistics find that over 36% off American adults are obese (30 or more pounds overweight)! In addition to diabetes, extra weight ups the risk for cancer, heart disease, and numerous other health problems. “There is a tsunami of chronic preventable diseases about to be unleashed into our medical-care system which is increasingly unaffordable,” says Reed Tuckson, MD, of the United Health Foundation.
Even before these latest figures, 48 million Americans were projected to have Type 2 diabetes by mid-century. Besides greatly increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness, lower-limb amputation, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Because diabetes runs in my family, I’ve waged my own personal battle against this disease for years. That’s one reason that so many of my books—from Beyond Pritikin and The Fat Flush Plan to my soon-to-be released Radical Metabolism—have focused on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
As millions of Fat Flushers the world over have learned, sugar and refined carbs (bagels, corn, instant oatmeal, white bread, white potatoes, rice cakes, and sugary cereals) quickly raise blood sugar levels, flooding the bloodstream and causing a sugar high.
Too much sugar and high-glycemic carbs also trigger a rapid insulin response. Excess insulin causes your blood sugar levels to drop as sharply as they spiked up, causing fatigue and making you crave even more carbs and sugar.
This sets off a vicious cycle in which insulin remains high and you start to gain weight. The cells in the body no longer respond to insulin, increasing the risk for insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
Cut Out the Junk
While the latest obesity figures are truly shocking, there are numerous reasons, starting with the quality—or rather its lack of—in the American food supply. Just read the ingredients list on most processed foods and you’ll find high levels of sugar (in its various guises), along with unhealthy fats.
A study at Boston University School of Medicine called for industry-supported changes in the food supply. But with all the sugary cereals, soft drinks, and an ever-increasing number of high-carb, bad-fat “convenience” foods, I’m not holding my breath.
In general, the more a food is processed, the worse its effect on blood sugar and insulin! Because high insulin levels equal weight gain, it’s easy to understand why Americans get heavier year after year.
Eat, Drink, and Lose Weight
Fat Flush is a safe, effective way to lose weight—as well as inches around your waist—and abdominal fat that’s clearly linked to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Even during summer vacation, you can enjoy delicious foods—without packing on added pounds.
At parties and get-togethers, cruise the buffet table for lean protein and high-fiber, low-glycemic fruits and veggies (artichokes, berries, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, citrus wedges, cucumbers, grapes, leafy greens, pears, water chestnuts). Eat an apple before you leave home to prevent overeating—all that fiber will help fill you up.
And stay hydrated. Ask your host for seltzer water with a splash of cranberry juice. Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. If you do imbibe, choose clear liquids like vodka with lemon or lime—and then add water. Limit alcohol, coffee, chocolate, and tea—all are insulin promoters.
Exercise and Safe Supplements
Get added support in balancing blood sugar levels. Research at the University of Ottawa finds that the essential mineral chromium improves blood sugar control. But diet beverages and sugar substitutes like aspartame only rob the body of this valuable mineral, increasing insulin resistance.
The more lean (muscle) tissue you have, the more fat your body will burn. Pound for pound, muscle burns five times as many calories as other tissue. You can jump start weight loss by working out more. Try 2- to 5-pound dumbbells to build lean muscle mass.
L-carnitine also helps you burn excess fat and lose weight. A cousin to amino acids and similar to B vitamins, carnitine also protects the liver from toxins, which contribute to weight gain in the first place.
You’ll find both chromium and L-carnitine in UNI KEY’s Weight Loss Formula. This stimulant-free supplement stabilizes blood sugar, supports healthy metabolism, and boosts energy, making it an ideal tool to help you lose weight.
Sources:
www.abcnews.go.com/print?id=9106890
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19914095
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19509199
