Your Baseline for Successful Lifelong Weight Loss – Part 2

In Part #1 of this series, I addressed how stress can cause chaos and make weight loss impossible. It may be best to look at what has happened and address those issues before you continue to swim up the creek of stubborn fat loss. Of course if you feel your current state is in need of a more aggressive form of treatment, it is best to visit with your doctor. Some of these suggestions are more alternative and some more mainstream. Don’t worry, they are all non-harmful. So here we go!

Invest in a dry cactus bristle brush and read more about dry brushing. This can have an effect you cannot even begin to imagine.

Start taking Vitamin D or increase your current dosage (women, especially those who have thyroid issues, take a Vitamin D supplement with sea iodine). 5,000 IU’s is pretty standard and a good dose. It is also a good idea to have your Vitamin D levels checked by your doctor.

SAUNA! My husband constructed a near infrared dry sauna, which is the best! But if you do not have access to a NIR sauna, a dry sauna can have some pretty impressive effects. Remember to drink plenty of water and start slow. It’s better to stay in for 5 minutes, come out and rinse off with some tepid or cold water, and then go in for another 5 minutes, repeating this 3-5 times. You can increase your time as your body becomes more comfortable with the high heat. Do not push it. Listen to your body. If you have any doubt about using a dry sauna for therapy, makes sure to speak with your doctor. Also, it may be a good idea to use the buddy system when you first start.

Massages! I love sports massages. Although these can be painful, I really enjoy them. You can also try Swedish but this type is not my favorite since it feels like my 9-year-old is rubbing me, and is not really lymphatic.

Invest in a rebounder, or mini trampoline. This is great for circulation, and eliminating waste through your lymphatic system. Understanding how this system works can be extremely beneficial.

Increase your water intake. This helps to flush your system and regulate your body temperature which can have extremely positive effects.

Make sure you take a good multivitamin, fish oil, and Coenzyme Q10. A few others that I love are:

• Alpha lipoic acid with biotin.
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) taken with 500 mg of vitamin C.
• Carnitine.
• Mega green tea with green coffee bean extract

All of the above supplements I get from Life Extension. I love this company. They are all science and no-nonsense. Their prices are economical and their supplements are potent. They also offer amazing information on their website (www.lef.org).

Also, most of these supplements I have written about because I love them, and they have helped increase my health and fitness level, and increased my quality of life.

Take up Yoga, and/or Pilates. Both are great for flexibility and Yoga is great for stress.

Sleep is such an important thing. Many overlook its importance. I have heard people say that the natural sleep alternatives do not work. I have spoken with my physician and he recommends maybe taking many of them together, in the case that one or the other does not work. They can be more effective and work synergistically when taken together.

Do not skip meals! I am sure you have heard this several times, it’s better to eat several smaller meals than three larger ones. Or even worse, one HUGE meal in the evening. I do not want to knock the three meals a day, because for some people that’s all they have time for, but when this is the case make sure that your breakfast is the largest – not the highest in calories – but the meal that has the highest amount of all the macronutrients, including fiber.

Acupuncture. I tried acupuncture for my migraines years ago. Though they did not knock out the migraines, they did relax me and I always took the best nap after my acupuncture treatment.

Do relaxing, fun and enjoyable things. We deal with so much stress and we don’t take time to enjoy life. Doing things that are fun, non-stressful and relaxing can have an effect on your stress, energy levels, overall mood, and even sleep.

I’m sure that some of the things I have listed you have already heard about. Some of the things you may have forgotten about and some may be new to you. You don’t have to start with all of them. But if you feel like life has beaten you down and you feel sluggish and out of whack, it would be in your best interest to give yourself some TLC. Once you are back on the road to overall wellness, look into a sound, healthy fat loss program that does not exclude major food groups or suggest extreme measures. Choose one that focuses on making permanent lifestyle changes. Addressing the source (systemic imbalance) rather than the symptoms (weight gain, slow weight loss, lack of energy) can lead to more success, not just with weight and fat loss, but probably in all areas of your life! Good luck!

1. Prev:Juice Diets – Tip for Juicing The Right Way To Lose Weight
2. Next:Your Baseline for Successful Lifelong Weight Loss – Part 1