Eat, Drink and Be Healthy by Clarisa Vargas
A big problem currently in this country, shared by men, women, and now children, is excess weight. Advertisements bombard us with information on ways to conquer obesity. Most weight loss programs, however, work only temporarily. To obtain a permanent result requires both changes in lifestyle and approaches to eating. These changes incorporate correct eating habits, food choices, and exercise.
Let’s look at how the body works. Our bodies are comprised of billions of microscopic cells that require food as fuel. To function optimally, the cells must receive healthy food to build healthy tissues, organs, glands, and systems. Bad food harms the body. Instead of regenerating, cells slowly degenerate. Nutrient-deficient food particles form a toxic load, compromising the immune system, and slowing the metabolic process. The end result is weight gain and a host of potential illnesses.
Toxins occur in the environment, from the food we eat to the water we drink. Toxins are the silent invaders that negatively affect our physiology and create stagnation in our four channels of elimination: bowels, kidneys, lungs, and skin. These channels can usually effectively drain toxic residue out of the body, if the channels are working optimally.
Some common toxins are aluminum, lead, mercury, tin, titanium, chlorine, pesticides, food coloring, food preservatives, hydrocarbons, electronic waves, undigested particles of food, bacteria, virus and fungal infections, and parasites.
A program of weight loss commences by freeing our bodies from toxic invaders. How? Begin with an assessment and a program designed for your individual situation. Natural weight loss and control reflect lifestyle changes and choices, not necessarily diets. Here are some general guidelines. Focus on eating organic fruits and vegetables, relieving your body of harmful pesticides. This applies to your meats. Eat organic and wild, not farm raised, poultry, beef, chicken, turkey, or fish.
Take the challenge of eating 60% raw foods and 40% cooked. It might take some adjustment but in the long run your energy level will improve and you will feel better. Try to eat a mix of 80% fruits and vegetables and 20% carbohydrates and protein. Instead of bovine products try goat products: milk, cheese, and yogurt. Use fresh herbs as condiments.
When you lightly sauté your foods, try either grape seed or coconut oil.
Don’t drinks liquids with your meals (liquids dilute digestive juices in the mouth and stomach). Drink one-half your body weight in ounces of water between meals. For healthy beverage alternatives drink fresh vegetable juices. Drink herbal teas after meals and 2 ounces of pure aloe vera juice before you go to bed at night.
I am sure you know what to avoid. Alcohol, refined sugar, and flour. Also avoid foods, which have preservatives, as well as processed meats, which have been linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer. Steam or bake your food and avoid anything fried. Cut down on your salt and don’t use a microwave.
Remember your food is only as good as how you masticate it. Which means to chew each bite 32 times to facilitate digestion and absorption of nutrients.
If you can, eat each meal in a calm and pleasing place so that your food is better absorbed. Practice mindful eating; focus on the food not the TV. Try eating five small meals a day to keep blood glucose levels stable.
Shop your grocery store mostly on the periphery, where fresh foods are often found. Processed foods tend to be in the center aisles of the store. Visit local farmers markets as well as grow your own. Even a small space can yield big results.
And remember, if you don’t use it you can lose it. Move your body and your mind. Exercise offers a natural high. Take a walk in the park, opt for the stairs, find outdoor activities to do with your kids. Some forms of exercise release endorphins, which helps maintain a positive attitude. If you can work out and sweat, do it, as it will detoxify your system through your largest organ—your skin!
Our bodies are very resilient but you have to give your body the fuel it needs both physically and mentally. Make time for you and your health and see what areas of your life you can improve. It is as easy as the thought that what goes into your body can either nourish you and make you stronger or create a climate for breakdown in your physiological system.
By following these recommendations your body will improve its efficiency to obtain optimal weight along with increased overall health and well-being.
Clarisa Vargas is a nationally-certified holistic health practitioner and colon hydrotherapist, a certified natural health professional, a nutritional microscopist, counselor, and iridologist. She has over 30 years experience in the fields of health, beauty, and wellness. If you are seeking guidance in obtaining optimal health and/or an ideal body weight call Clarisa at Radiance Day Spa to make an appointment for a total health assessment. A personalized program will be designed for you. Ask for the special discount offered to all Vision Magazine readers. www.radiancedayspasd.com or 858.272.6337.