More Than 50% of North Americans Are Fat and Frustrated

A large percentage of those overweight have lost hundreds of pounds over a period of time, only to gain it all back. These people... too many people remain (at the risk of being rude) fat and frustrated.

Why, in this age of technology and information, is obesity still an issue? There are certainly plenty of appetite suppressants on the market, and there’s no shortage of diet books to tell us every possible method of cutting calories. There’s an exercise facility on almost every street corner. Are there THAT many people with no willpower?

Not at all! If you’re one of these people you will likely fit the following profile:

For most of your life you have been on a diet of some sort. You have modified your eating habits to accommodate almost every new diet hoping that “this will be the one? Even though you really don’t snack anymore you still feel guilty with even the slightest indulgence of food. Although you have successfully lost many pounds over the years, they have historically found their way back to your hips and brought along a few friends. You've spent a fortune on diet books, diet aids, and diet programs, and special diet foods that either haven't worked at all or you've lost weight only for a short period of time. By now you're feeling like you are doomed to a life of obesity, and you are likely experiencing some depression or low self esteem.

If you are one of the many people who fit this profile you should consider that there is a very real possibility that your weight may have nothing to do with excess eating. Among several possibilities, especially if you’ve been on several diets, is the fact that your digestive system may not be functioning properly.

The whole digestive process is very complex and involves numerous organs. One of the functions of the digestive system is to absorb unnecessary fats and eliminate them through regular bowel movements. Increasing your fibre intake can help keep your digestive system working smoothly. Nutritionists recommend 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day.

There are two different types of fibre; soluble and insoluble. Both are necessary for optimum health. You can find soluble fibre in: psyllium husks, flax meal, oat bran, guar gum, apple pectin, oranges, rice bran, legumes, and barley. Insoluble fibre is found in: wheat bran, corn bran, bananas, brown rice, nuts, strawberries, raspberries, cereals, asparagus, celery, root vegetables, and fruit peels.

Fibre supplements are readily available in health food stores and can be helpful in ensuring your daily intake. However, remember as you choose your fibre supplement to watch for both soluble and insoluble fibre for optimum health.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because of the way that fibre works, it is an absolute MUST that you also drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Fibre NEEDS water to complete it’s function. Increasing your fibre intake without drinking the water will simply be adding to your digestive problem.

A great tip is to drink water at room temperature or slightly cooler. You can consume higher volumes of room temperature water than you can of ice cold or refrigerated water. This is not to say that cold water is bad for you. There is nothing wrong with ice or cold water. Many people have difficulty drinking the required 8-10 glasses per day. This tip is to help you drink more, allowing you to achieve that goal.

A bonus of both adding the recommended amount of fibre and water to your diet is that it provides you with a “full?feeling. Thereby “acting? as an appetite suppressant.

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Sources:

American Heart Association Scientific/Medical Position on Obesity www.heartinfo.org/mosamfat197.htm Britannica.com http://www.britannica.com/bcom/magazine/article/0,5744,5111,00.html You’ve Got Nothing To Lose... But Pounds! http://www.diets-dont-work.com

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