Issue 155

Looking Fine in 2009: The Natural Way!

An American study on New Years resolutions showed that just over 45% of all people who make resolutions will nominate weight loss as their top priority. Yet, more interesting, is that by June only 6% of people who make New Years' resolutions actually stick to them. Are you determined to meet your weight loss goals this year? If healthier habits and weight loss are among your new year's resolutions, give yourself a pat on the back for making health a top priority.

The hard part is actually sticking to it and making real changes! Here are a few tips to help you keep on track with your weight loss resolution.

Write your goals down

If you want to lose weight this year, you must write it down! Write your goal onto a piece of paper and put that piece of paper somewhere that will keep you reminded of the promise you have made to yourself. The fridge is a great place since this is the main area which will make or break your resolution. Refer to your goal daily to constantly remind yourself of what you are doing - especially when you feel a moment of weakness with your will-power.

Set a definite date

If you just say you're going to meet your goal sometime within the year, that will not work. In fact, you will probably fall into the "I'll start next week" trap. Instead, mark your calendar for a start date for when you will commence and each little goal that you want to achieve. For example, by March 1st, you may want to lose your first 5kg. Setting a definite date is a great way to make sure you stick with your plan!

Remove the temptations

Go into your kitchen and remove all bad foods from your refrigerator and pantry. This includes all snack foods such as cakes, pies, cookies, chips, soft drinks, crackers and any "empty calorie" foods that will impede on your weight loss goals. This step is very crucial step since the temptation to cheat will be increased 10-fold if you have those 'naughty' foods lingering inside your home. If you don't remove these tempting items, it will only be a matter of time before you breakdown! Fill your kitchen with healthy, nutrient dense foods instead.

Get Help

Everyone needs a support person who can keep you motivated and focussed on your goals when losing weight. The Natural Way offers a personalized weight loss service that has successfully helped Australians lose weight for over 28 years. The professional service The Natural Way offers their clients' means that our goal is to make sure you are successful - and your consultant will be with you every step of the way while you are on your weight loss journey.

To find out more about The Natural Way's proven weight loss program contact your nearest clinic on 1300 SLIMMER (754663). Remember, there is no time like today to start so CALL NOW and you will be looking fine in 2009.

www.thenaturalway.com.au

Turn That Sabre- Tooth Tiger Into A Pussy Cat: By Cassi Cowlam From The Medical Sanctuary!



STRESS! Can't live with it, can't live without it.

We all know what it's like to be stressed; it's an everyday occurrence, and in fact we need a certain amount of stress to survive. Even so, it can get out of hand.

When discussing stress with patients, I often use the Sabre-Tooth Tiger analogy: our body is no different biologically from what it was thousands of years ago ... when facing that tiger, we had two choices - attack or run (known as the fight / flight response). This is how we managed to survive day to day, and is why stress is necessary.

When this "stress" button is hit, chemical messengers are produced by the brain and adrenal glands called adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol. These chemicals increase blood flow to the essential organs to help this fight/flight response, namely the heart, lungs, brain and muscles. Cortisol also increases the amount of sugar released into the blood to provide energy for our muscles to attack or run. Once the danger is over, these chemicals return back to normal quite quickly.

In ancient times our society was more confined: we were not often exposed to unfamiliar faces, we never travelled far from our groups, and our stress was surviving the elements and wondering where our next meal was coming from, as well as having the occasional savage beast to contend with.

Well, it's no different for us in today's age, except that the tiger is now in a different form, and we have a much higher exposure to it. We are constantly being bombarded with information via emails, television, internet, we are exposed to hundreds of unfamiliar faces on a daily basis, long work hours, financial worries, traffic jams, family problems ... you get the picture? And all the time these chemical messengers are being released telling us to fight it or run! In some people, this fight/flight button may never get turned off, and this leads to chronic stress.

Chronic stress can be the underlying cause of many health conditions today, as it weakens the delicate homeostasis (balance) in our bodies. It can have a negative impact on our cardiovascular system, lead to poor digestive function, create sleep disturbances and nervous system disorders such as anxiety and panic attacks. The constant release of cortisol can also wreak havoc on our hormones, affect our blood sugar levels, lead to an increase in weight, and deplete our immune system.

Can you see how important it is to manage our stress? If we are constantly looking over our shoulder at that sabre-tooth tiger, can we really expect to successfully improve our poor sleep patterns, or to lower our blood pressure, or resolve whatever health issues may be the problem?

There are many herbs available that work successfully to help the body adapt and resolve inappropriate stress responses. Before self-prescribing, I would recommend you consult a qualified health practitioner, as some may be contraindicated with certain conditions or medications. Certain nutrients can also assist with stress, such as Vitamin C, Magnesium and the B Group of vitamins. Because we are all different, it is best to have a treatment program especially tailored for you.

Still, even without taking supplements or herbs, there are things you can start to do today to help turn that tiger into a pussy cat:

o Exercise - a great stress buster that releases feel-good endorphins. Yoga is also recommended as it teaches breathing exercises that can come in handy when feeling stressed.

o Make time "just for you" - have that pedicure, go see that movie, sit quietly and start that book you've been meaning to read.

o Regular massages not only feel good, but are excellent for the nervous system.

o Avoid stimulants such as tea, coffee and alcohol.

o Stop smoking.

o Watch your diet - avoid high sugar intake, junk and processed foods. Eat wholesome foods high in fruit and vegetables.

o Spend time with nature - get that sand between your toes, walk barefoot on the grass, have a picnic in the park.

STRESS! Can live with it, can't live without it.

Cassi Cowlam, Naturopath, BHSc (Nat), D.Th.D, D.Iridol, D.N.Med, The Medical Sanctuary

The Medical Sanctuary Office C2 Ashmore City Shopping Centre, 206 Currumburra Road, Ashmore, Qld 4214 Phone: 07 5564 5013

 

http://themedicalsanctuary.com.au/

Metabolic Syndrome:by Narelle Stegehuis From Mass Attack!

 

Metabolic Syndrome Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a number of metabolic abnormalities (including insulin resistance and obesity) occur at the same time. Metabolic syndrome is characterised by: " Central obesity " Increased triglycerides " Increased HDL " High blood pressure " High fasting plasma glucose

Metabolic syndrome is common occurring in some 20-25% of the world's population. In Australia, it is estimated that one in three people over the age of 25 years have the metabolic syndrome.

Women who have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome include:

" Obese women
" Individuals consuming large amount of saturated fats;
" Individuals who consume more than one standard alcoholic drink per day
" Insulin resistant individuals;

Individuals with a family history of insulin resistance and/or type 2 diabetes.

Unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity are the key lifestyle factors leading to metabolic syndrome. Extended periods of unhealthy eating and limited physical activity result in obesity and insulin resistance, which in turn affect the body's metabolism and increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. Once metabolic syndrome is diagnosed, other metabolic abnormalities tend to worsen.

How is Metabolic Syndrome treated?


The treatment of metabolic syndrome generally focuses on diet and exercise therapy. To reverse the metabolic abnormalities of metabolic syndrome, regular physical activity and a diet with a restricted calorie intake, that is high in whole grains, monounsaturated fats and plant foods are recommended. Losing weight by eating less high fat foods is very important for individuals who have metabolic syndrome. It can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and may also reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. For individuals with metabolic syndrome, eating the correct combination of foods is also very important.

Increased physical activity increases weight loss and decreases the risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease. Exercise is therefore a very important component of any treatment for metabolic syndrome treatment.

Narelle Stegehuis, CEO of MassAttack, is a practicing Naturopath specializing in the research and development of natural treatment programs for women with hormonal imbalances, which have contributed to such symptoms as weight gain, cravings, anxiety and mood swings. Uniquely for patient convenience her programs are also offered via the Internet. She is both an accomplished wrier and recent recipient of the Australian Naturopathic Excellence Award 2006. Visit her website at www.MassAttack.com.au or download your Free E-Book by Narelle Stegehuis "7 Secrets to Weightloss Revealed" Click Here

T: 1300 133 536

The Easy Way To Stop Smoking: By Melissa Henry!


It is estimated that smoking costs Australian businesses at least $1.5 billion per year, or $4.3 million a day. On an individual level, every smoker can cost up a business up to $5,000 every year. Furthermore, the average smoker spends up to 30 minutes a day, or 14 working days a year, on cigarette breaks, and takes five days more sick leave a year on average than non-smokers.

I had been smoking for five years, up until recently, when I was presented with an opportunity to attend Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking course - a one-day workshop based on simple cognitive therapy techniques that help smokers to realise that there are no genuine benefits to smoking.

Prior to attending the course, I felt scared and nervous; I had it in my head that I really enjoyed smoking. The first thing we saw when arriving at the clinic was a huge pile of cigarettes being poured out of a bag and onto the floor. At first, I was disgusted at the sight of all these cigarettes, but then I thought to myself that I have probably smoked more cigarettes than this over the past couple of years.

We were told to help ourselves to coffee and biscuits and to go and have a cigarette outside, while filling out some general paperwork, before starting the course. Upon going back into our room to start our session, we were told there will be plenty of smoke breaks. You could hear the sigh of relief from fellow soon-to-be-non-smokers.

The therapist said that throughout the day, she would be giving us instructions to follow. Two of the instructions that have stuck with me are to keep an open mind, and that anyone can be a non-smoker, no matter how long you have been smoking for. Throughout the day we were informed that we are actually addicts, similar to people who do heroin, as we are always needing that fix and constantly thinking about when we can get that next fix.

We also learned that it is fear that keeps smokers smoking. This is why those scare tactic advertisements do not work. I know myself that when I saw those ads, all I wanted to do was light-up.

By the time lunchtime came round, I was looking forward to this happier, healthier life that I was going to lead. Following lunch we had a session on withdrawals, where we were told that only 5 per cent of the withdrawals were from nicotine while the rest are in fact mental. Another smoke break followed this session. We were told to go outside and have our last cigarette, and when we came back in we were to throw our cigarette packets and lighters into the huge pile of cigarette packets.

By this stage, I was ecstatic that I was finally going to kick this dirty habit. Once we were back inside, the final session was hypnotherapy, which ran for about 15 minutes. This brought us to the end of the day, with a final debriefing before going our separate ways to start our new non-smoking lives.

I am proud to say I am going into my fifth week of being a non-smoker and I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to stop smoking, and to companies that want to make a difference to the lives of their employees and the bottom line. Thank you once again Allen Carr's Easway for helping me change my life for the better.

Melissa Henry

 

Contact Jonathan Wills for details on the next event.

www.allencarr.com.au/states/sqld/

07 3892 4229

 

 

 

My Health Specials: Gym and Weight Loss Directory!

Click Here To Find Your LOCAL Fitness Centre

Click Here To Find Your LOCAL Weight Loss Centre

Nourishedmagazine.com.au:Insulin Resistance: The Real Culprit!

by Ron Rosedale

The article the Food Giants and Big Pharma don't want you to read... Filled with shocking science that flies in the face of common nutritional recommendations and exposes medical lies, Rosedale focuses on what truly creates chronic disease. ...More

 

Brought to you by www.nourishedmagazine.com.au

Short and Sweet:Lamb Salad With Feta!

 

Serves 4

2 tsp olive oil 1 garlic clove finely chopped 1 lamb loin 180g mixed salad leaves 1 punnet cherry tomatoes ¼ cup chopped mint 1/3 cup crumbled feta

Dressing

2 tbs fish sauce 1 tbs red current jelly 2 tbs rice vinegar 1 tbs soy sauce 1 spring onion finely chopped

Heat oil in fry-pan over a medium heat. Cook for 5 min on one side, then turn and cook for another 21/2 minutes on the other side. Wrap the meat in foil and let it rest for 5 min Whisk dressing ingredients in a bowl & empty meat juices into dressing. Toss remaining ingredients together. Cut lamb into fine slices, toss through
salad and sprinkle with feta

 

.

Brought to you by www.massattack.com.au

Download our new FREE e-book 7 Secrets of Weight Loss Revealed

http://www.massattack.com.au/sevensecretssubscribe.html

Laughter is the best medicine!

Wht Are You Not Married?

Here are some comebacks: You haven't asked yet.

I was hoping to do something meaningful with my life.

Because I just love hearing this question.

Just lucky, I guess.

It gives my mother something to live for.

My fiancée is awaiting his/her parole.

I'm still hoping for a shot at Miss/Mr. America.

Do you know how hard it is to get two tickets to Miss Saigon?

I'm waiting until I get to be your age.

It didn't seem worth a blood test.

I already have enough laundry to do, thank you.

Because I think it would take all the spontaneity out of dating.

My co-op board doesn't allow spouses.

I'd have to forfeit my billion dollar trust fund.

They just opened a great singles bar on my block.

I wouldn't want my parents to drop dead from sheer happiness.

I guess it just goes to prove that you can't trust those voodoo doll rituals.

What? And lose all the money I've invested in running personal ads?

I don't want to have to support another person on my paycheck.

Why aren't you thin?

I'm married to my career, although recently we have been considering a trial separation. Bonus reply for Single Mothers: Because having a husband and a child would be redundant.

Quote of the week!

"We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons." -- Jim Rohn, Motivational Coach

For a Good Cause: Why Support AEIOU For Children With Autism?

View the AEIOU Video 'AEIOU - for children with autism' is a not for profit organisation, dedicated to providing a professional full-time early educational program of the highest quality for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). We operate this program within a nurturing environment that respects individual family beliefs and values.

 

http://www.aeiou.org.au/

 

BACK ISSUES OF NATURALLY HAPPY

In the next issue of "Naturally Happy"

  • Alkalife Alkaline Water!
  • Bodizone!
  • Mass Attack!
  • The Medical Sanctuary!
  • nourished.com.au!
  • Short and sweet!
Subscribe Unsubscribe

If this link doesn't work please email [email protected]

My Health Specials provides this information for your personal education and enrichment. Information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Nor should the information replace the advice of your health care practitioner. Always seek professional advice if suffering an illness. My Health Specials Pty Ltd and all parties involved in the conception, production, ongoing maintenance and operation of Naturally Happy accept no liability and no responsibility for any damage whatsoever arising from or in connection to your use or operation of the website or information contained in this e-magazine.