At Vibrant Life Health Center we understand and that each person is uniquely different and requires specific services that focus on your health care needs individually. We are excited to share with you our official Blog to provide you with information on health tips, information, and steps you can take to transform your health and add years to life and life to years!
By
Tracy Thomas, Vice President of Vibrant Life Health Center
Doctor Thomas with Tracy Thomas
Courtesy of Vibrant Life Health Center
Happy
New Year! The beginning of a new year is a great time to start something new.
In 2017, I’ll be writing posts for Vibrant Life Health Center’s blog about once
per month. These posts will be from the perspective of the doctor’s wife. The
focus will sometimes be on issues affecting women, but it will also delve into
general purpose topics as well. Like my husband, I hope to impart information that
will be useful to readers.
By Dr. Jon Thomas D.C PSc.D, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician.
It’s
a New Year, but it’s not too late to get started on a weight loss program that
helps you to achieve your goals. For many people, entering a new year provides
them with a renewed focus on their health. If you made a New Year’s resolution
to lose weight and you’ve been sticking with your plan and succeeding at it,
congratulations.
If
you’ve had trouble sticking with a resolution to lose weight, you’re certainly
not alone. Most people find out that losing weight is more difficult than
coming up with a resolution to lose weight. The good news is that it’s never
too late to get started.
Most
people find out they need some help to lose their unwanted weight. That’s why
there are so many weight loss programs around. Unfortunately, most of them
don’t work very well, especially in the long run.
One
of the big differences between NutriMost and other weight loss programs is that
it resets the metabolism. This is critically important because without changing
the way a person’s body works, the likelihood is very high that he or she will
regain any weight lost. Before going into detail about the metabolism, here are
some important things to understand about fat.
What
is the purpose of fat?
Although
fat has a bad reputation, it plays some important roles in the human body. Fat
stores calories, so they will be available when you need them for energy. Fat
also releases hormones that control metabolism.
For
example, one of those hormones is called adiponectin. It makes people less
susceptible to heart disease and other health problems. However, when people
have too much fat, their production of adiponectin slows down.
Too
much fat also throws other hormones out of balance. When the hormones aren’t
balanced and working together the way they should be, it creates all kinds of
problems in the body. It can even can set the stage for disease.
What
is adipose fat?
Adipose
fat, which is sometimes referred to as subcutaneous fat, is the fat directly
under the skin. Adipose fat is measured in many ways; for example, with
skin-fold calipers to estimate total body fat, or using a special scale that
measures body composition. In addition to storing energy, adipose fat provides
insulation and cushioning for the body. However, many people have much more
cushioning and insulation than they actually need. Most people who are
overweight would like to have a lot less adipose fat.
What
is visceral fat?
When
NutriMost patients talk about the weight they’ve lost, one of the things they
frequently mention is the loss of “visceral fat.” It’s mistakenly known as
belly fat, abdominal fat, or, in men, beer belly. Visceral fat is actually the
fat wrapped around the organs in the abdominal cavity.
Visceral fat is known as the
“Dangerous Fat” having connection to Heart Disease, Cardiovascular Disease,
Stroke, and Diabetes. It is very important for individuals who are on a fat loss
plan to understand their specific level of visceral fat and how it is affected
through the process.
What
are the hazards of adipose & visceral fat?
In
addition to making people feel bad about their own appearance, there are
several health concerns closely associated with abnormally high fat in the
body. In a recent article in Healthy Day about The Dangers of Deep Belly Fat, Chris Woolston
asserts that fat around the midsection is a strong risk factor for heart
disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some types of cancers.
In
the article, Woolston writes, “People with large bellies and deep (visceral)
fat tend to lose sensitivity to insulin, a crucial hormone that helps the body
burn energy. When insulin loses its power, the body responds by pumping out
more of the hormone, which only throws the system further off balance. As a
result, people with extra belly fat are vulnerable to a whole cascade of
problems known as insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome.”
How
big is too big in the waist?
If
you have a large waist or belly, you have visceral fat. How big of a belly is
too big? Generally, women with a waist measurement over 35 inches and men with
a waist measurement over 40 inches are at increased risk for a variety of
health issues. The tape will tell the tale.
NutriMost
resets the metabolism
In
addition to helping patients lose their excess weight, NutriMost resets the
metabolism so that they keep the weight off for good. After you finish your six
phases on NutriMost, you will return to the foods you enjoy. At that point, you
will know what foods can be disrupting for your body and you will have an
understanding of how to deal with them. You’ll have the tools you need for true
ongoing weight management.
Have
you tried “everything” and found nothing that actually works? Summer weather is
just a few months away. Has the time come for you to begin your transformation?
Have you had trouble losing weight or finding a weight loss program that helps
you to achieve your health goals permanently? If so, it’s time to try something
different, something that has worked for lots of other people.
Body
Composition Analysis
The
starting point for NutriMost is getting a Body Composition Analysis (BCA). The
BCA shows hormonal deficiencies and other nutritional deficiencies that inhibit
a body’s ability to lose weight. With that information, I can develop the
recipes that will turn a patient’s metabolism into a fat-burning machine.
Getting
a BCA is completely painless and the cost is a very affordable $27.00. Are you
ready to lose twenty pounds or more in 40 days? Call the Vibrant Life Health
Center to schedule your appointment.
Make
2016 your best year ever! Get started with NutriMost today!
Call
us to set up an appointment and to get started on a new way of life where
you’ll be healthier and happier. I will meet with you, explain the NutriMost
program, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll discuss your goals and
how NutriMost can help you to achieve them.
Remember,
true transformation comes from doing things you’ve never tried before.
---
In
this article, I have discussed adipose fat, visceral fat, and some of the
health risks associated with fat. I’ve also written about the NutriMost weight
loss program which addresses both permanent weight loss and ongoing weight
management.
If
you have a comment about this article, please leave it in the comments section
below. If you know of someone who might benefit from the information in this
blog, please share it with your friends, colleagues, and on social media.
The
Google Plus button and other social media sharing buttons are below.
At
Vibrant Life, we address all of the key elements to add vibrance and vitality
to your life. This includes nutrition, chiropractic care, and fitness. If you
need to consult with a chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health
concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.
Dr. Jon Thomas is a
Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health
Center, is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in
health and fitness started early, and his athletic pursuits have included
BMX racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weight Lifting,
and Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health
experts throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people
of all ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to
initiate the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that
functions optimally. Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV on First Coast Living,
where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at
events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the
health of residents throughout Jacksonville.
By Dr. Jon Thomas D.C PSc.D, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician.
Processed foods are bad.
Period. But processed foods dominate the American diet. Approximately 70% of
the U.S. diet to be exact. What exactly is processed food? This sometimes
causes confusion, but it’s actually pretty simple. Processed foods have been
chemically altered and usually consist of a long list of ingredients that you
cannot pronounce nor be able to purchase in a grocery store. You definitely
wouldn’t have those ingredients in your kitchen.
Courtesy of flickr.com
Do you have a box of
macaroni and cheese in your pantry? Does cheese usually come in powdered form?
Do you have low-fat cheese or yogurt in your refrigerator? These products go
through an extensive process that removes the fat while chemicals are added to simulate
the texture and flavor of the natural fat.
Processed foods are usually
loaded with added sugar, or even worse, high fructose corn syrup. It’s pretty
well known by now that sugar, taken in excess, wreaks havoc on your body. Sugar
consumption is linked to some of the most deadly diseases, including diabetes,
heart disease and obesity, to name a few.
The problem is, processed
foods often taste good and can lead to addiction. Eating highly processed food
can artificially simulate dopamine (the pleasure chemical), which entices you
to come back for more. You are in essence, eating foods with little nutritive
value, this gives you a happy feeling which in turn, makes you crave more.
Processed foods are made for
long shelf life, not long human life. Most highly processed foods have little
to no nutritive value and are basically empty calories. (You’d be better off
eating the box in many instances.) The result is that processed foods are
making Americans sick and obese. Did you know when Western junk food and
fast-food restaurants are introduced to other cultures, those countries, see
higher rates of heart disease and other chronic illnesses? It’s time to stop
the madness and say no to processed food.
WHAT ARE WHOLE
FOODS ANYWAY?
Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org
Whole foods are edibles that
have not been refined or processed, or have undergone very little refining or
processing. They are mostly found in their natural state, with the exception of
dairy products. They don’t contain unnatural, harmful additives that are not
meant for consumption. They typically contain fewer calories and more nutrients
than their processed counterparts, so you can consume more and maintain a
healthy diet. Take a stroll around the perimeter of your grocery store because
that’s where you will discover the world of whole foods.
Plant-based whole foods can
be divided into several categories: vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds
and grains. Meat and fish that have not been processed provide many nutrients
and balance out a healthy diet.
WHAT ARE THE
BENEFITS OF EATING WHOLE FOODS?
Eating fresh, whole foods as
part of your daily diet results in a lower risk of many types of cancer and
chronic diseases, promotes healthy aging and higher energy levels while
reducing the risk of obesity. Whole foods are packed with more nutrients,
including vitamins and minerals that your body needs to run efficiently. Your
body does not have to work as hard to process whole foods, which slows the
aging process. Whole foods are fresher, taste better and frankly, look much
more appealing.
ANTIOXIDANTS AND
PHYTONUTRIENTS
Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org
Whole foods contain
antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that can prevent or slow cell damage.
Natural antioxidants are mainly found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and other
whole foods. They contain a spectrum of powerful antioxidants including
vitamins C and E, and phytonutrients which protect the plant as well as you.
The brighter the color of the fruit or vegetable, the more phytonutrients it
contains and the better it is for you. Think bright red tomatoes, deep purple
blueberries and dark green leafy kale.
FIBER
Most whole, plant-based
foods are rich in fiber which is an essential component in any healthy diet. It
can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. High fiber foods tend to
contain more nutrients, less calories, and help you feel full faster. Fiber
slows the absorption of sugar in your body, keeping the blood sugar at
reasonable levels rather than spiking up and down. Next time you dine out, skip
the mashed potatoes and ask for the broccoli instead. You’ll be glad you did.
NO MORE BAD FATS
Eating a diet of rich, whole
foods helps you to eliminate the bad fats that are found in processed foods and
many fast food establishments. These bad fats are major contributors to obesity
and heart disease. You don’t want them and you don’t need them. Stick with
fatty fish (salmon anyone?), flaxseeds and almonds rich in Omega 3’s to keep
your heart healthy.
YOU NEED TO MAKE
THE TIME
Courtesy of freestockphotos.biz
If you’re like most people,
you work non-stop and only have time to nuke a processed dinner full of fat,
sugar and additives. Maybe you believe adding meat to your Hamburger Helper is
cooking. Really? A little planning goes a long way toward incorporating whole
foods into your diet. You may even enjoy it.
Plan your meals for the week
on the weekend. Get the family in on it. The menu doesn’t have to be set in
stone, but it does have to include a majority of whole foods. List everything
you will need and go on a shopping extravaganza.
Look up one new
vegetable based recipe a week and experiment with it.
And there you have it.
You’re on your way to a healthier, happier you by eating foods that your body
needs to perform at its maximum efficiency. I bet you can’t wait to start.
This article extols the
benefits of eating a fresh, whole foods diet. Processed foods make people sick
and overweight. Whole foods provide the nutrients you need to live a healthy
life and reduce the risk of many deadly diseases that are often caused by a
diet consisting of highly processed foods with chemical additives.
Thank you for stopping by to
visit us online.
Until the next time.
If you found this article useful, or are inspired to
make a change, please share it with your friends, family and co-workers. Take
the time to visit our testimonials page on our website and don’t forget we are
a full service chiropractic office that is here to help you deal with pain as
well. If you have a comment you would like to express about this article,
please leave it in the comment section of this blog.
Dr.
Jon Thomas is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician, his interest in health
started at an early age resulting from an athletic life, including BMX racing,
Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weight Lifting, and Martial
Arts. After learning from top health experts in the world, Dr. Thomas’s life is
dedicated to reaching people of all ages to begin their life transformation.
The goal is to start the body healing resulting in a body that is functioning
at its optimal. In addition to serving his community in his Mandarin
Based Practice, Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV’s First Coast Living talking
about his patient’s transformations, speaking at events throughout the
community, and writing articles to re-shape the health of the Jacksonville
Community.
