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Are you looking for a way to get in shape and stay there? If so, the latest fad diet might be tempting! However, before you take the plunge, heed these important precautions for success to investigate your new diet. It could make the difference between one more failed attempt and sweet success.

Regardless of the diet, you choose the only proven way to lose weight and keep it off is by burning more calories than you consume in a single day. It really is that simple. Keep this in mind when evaluating your diet.

Diving into a diet that drastically alters your food intake will cause your weight to roller coaster up and down. This is extremely unhealthy! It can cause stress on your internal organs and upset important processes such as your metabolism and control of insulin.

Sharp changes in diet shock the system, both physically and mentally, and pose a significant challenge in maintaining your weight loss regimen.

 

Diet in Moderation

Prominent experts in health and wellness, including most physicians, would agree that the safest and most effective way to lose excess weight is to maintain a balanced diet, exercise on a regular basis, and cut calories at a modest pace.

To enable your body to perform at its peak while losing weight, reduce your daily calorie intake by no more than 500 to 1000 calories. This will prevent you from entering a starvation mode that forces your weight to plateau.

The best strategy is to adjust your food in moderation, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep so that you feel well-rested. This way, you’ll shed 1 to 2 pounds per week, which is considered a healthy loss of weight.

If you wish to become involved in a diet or weight loss program, it’s important to ensure that the program is the right one for you based on your current health needs. When you find one that’s right for you, more likely to enjoy the success you desire!

 

Here are some critical considerations for any diet:

PERSONAL SUPPORT

1. Personal Support.

Changing your eating habits when you’re alone makes it extremely easy to backslide and walk away. Find out if the program offers online tracking, support counselors, group accountability, food journals, activity logs, and more to track your progress. With the right tools, you can be your best advocate.

  • What kind of support system would you like to have?
  • Who can help hold you accountable for your goals?
  • Is there any kind of group meeting or individual assistance?

 

2. Personal Goals.

Know in advance what your goals are so you can assess the new diet in terms of what you want to accomplish.

  • What is the calorie requirement of the diet?
  • Is the calorie requirement in line with your physical limits?
  • Diets with an intake under 1700 calories should be scrutinized and discussed with a nutritionist at your local healthcare clinic.

 

3. Supplemental Medications.

Educate yourself about any required medications before you take them. Have your family physician look over medications, dietary supplements, and weight loss pills before taking them as they could very well cause unfavorable side effects alone or when paired with your existing prescription medications.

  • Is there a supplement or medication involved?
  • What are their common side effects?
  • Have you discussed these medications with your physician?

 

4. Consider the risk factors.

This runs parallel to the concern over calorie intake. Any diet that drastically alters or restricts how often or what kind of food you eat should be reviewed by your family physician.

 

5. Are there any testimonies?

Find out if you can contact existing members. Avoid depending on online or paper reviews. Companies sometimes pay ghostwriters and affiliates to generate positive reviews of products they’ve never purchased or used.

 

6. What’s the overall cost of the service?

There are often fees for tests, specialty foods, supplements, personal trainers, membership service, shipping costs, online access, and more.

 

7. Are the staff and management team qualified?

There should never be an issue with obtaining information on the experience and certifications of the individuals who will be working directly with you. These people will be partially responsible for your health and wellness, so know all you can about them.

 

A new diet can be just the thing you’re looking for to shed those extra pounds. Take these precautions to heart and follow these strategies to find the perfect diet for you!

 

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For some, it could mean that a cold or the flu is on its way.
Normally not too much of a problem if you are reasonably healthy because they really don’t last that long. However, if you are stressed, doing a lot, don’t have the time to eat regular healthy meals or have an immune system that struggles, extra precautions should be taken throughout winter.

Certainly, if you really have a busy week or some “not to be missed social engagement” and you want to be on the safe side and do all you can to stop it taking hold, I advise that you pop in as much Vitamin C as you can and then top it up with Zinc. Further, if you have the time to talk to one of our naturopaths, we could dispense a good herbal preparation to give your immune system that extra boost.
By the way, Vitamin C has taken to ‘saturation point’ is advisable here. You’ll know this when your stools become a bit loose. At this stage, you simply go back to the previous dose. Research shows that you can take up to 12g Vitamin C per day in divided doses.

We’ve added an article on Coughs and colds for you below:

ARE YOU SICK OF CATCHING COLDS AND ‘FLUS?

Colds and Flu - Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy

Colds and ‘flu can strike at anytime, not just the dreaded winter season. The good news is you do not have to put up with runny noses, sinus pain, fevers, sore throats, coughs and generally feeling unwell.
Now is the time to look at which natural supplements may help support your immune system.

Simply contact Your Wellness Centre on 9879 9596 for help with fighting colds and ‘flus.

Why Do We Get Colds and ‘Flus?

If you regularly catch colds and ‘flus you may have an imbalance in your immune system which may make you more susceptible to infections. A poor diet, nutritional deficiencies and/or a lack of exercise can all lead to these imbalances in your immune system. A strong immune system can help to protect you from potentially harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, by recognising and responding to them as soon as they become a threat.

Viruses Can Cause Colds and ‘Flus

Contrary to popular belief, viruses cause colds and ‘flus – not bacteria. Viruses are minute infectious agents which invade and hijack your cells. The immune system recognises viruses as invaders and attempts to destroy them before they can invade your cells. If the immune system is out of balance, however, it may not have the ability to destroy viruses and viral infections can occur. Common symptoms of viral infections include a sore throat, fever, and fatigue.

Herbs and Nutrients

If your immune system is struggling to defend you, don’t despair – Natural Medicines may help! Particular herbs and nutrients may help you to manage your cold and ‘flu symptoms naturally, as well as improve underlying immune imbalances.

Speak to us about which herbs and nutrients may be of benefit for you.

Diet and Lifestyle Suggestions

We have listed dietary and lifestyle changes that you can make to strengthen your immune system to prevent colds and ‘flus here:Fresh veggies and nuts - Your Wellness Centre

  • Eat a well-balanced diet including fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, legumes and lean red meat
  • Reduce your intake of mucus-forming foods such as dairy.
  • Avoid foods low in nutrients that suppress the immune system, such as sugar, white flour products, and alcohol.
  • Drink at least 2 litres of filtered water every day.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Ensure you are getting enough sleep.

By making some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle and by taking the appropriate supplements, you can reduce your risk of catching colds and ‘flus. Speak to us about the best way to manage or prevent your colds and ‘flus naturally.

Useful Herbs and Nutrients

  • Fever and sore throat we recommend Andrographis
  • Productive cough can be eased using Aster, Pinellia, Magnolia
  • Dry irritating cough may be reduced with Licorice, Marshmallow among others
  • Sinus congestion  may be relieved using anti-microbial essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender, and Thyme used in a sinus spray
  • Frequent colds and ‘flus require regular doses of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc and Probiotics

Simply contact Your Wellness Centre on 9879 9596 for help with fighting colds and ‘flus.

Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy Melbourne