The Whole Food Blog

Anyone trying to achieve natural weight loss with a focus on cutting calories will also enjoy the anti-aging benefits.  Recent studies have shown that one of the most important steps people can take to increase longevity is to simply eat less.

This idea of consuming fewer calories is vital to natural weight loss and the anti-aging benefits provide extra motivation.  Animal studies have reported a 20- 40% increase in life span and significant delays in age-related health issues such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and brain atrophy. (source: www.low-caloriediet.com)

“This finding suggests that even slight moderation in intake of calories and a moderate exercise program is beneficial to a key organ such as the liver, which shows significant signs of dysfunction in the aging process,” said Christiaan Leeuwenburgh, Ph.D., an associate professor of aging and geriatric research at the University of Florida College of Medicine. (source: Medical News Today/Cutting Calories Slightly Can Reduce Aging Damage – http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/43060.php)

Other natural weight loss studies have revealed that Japanese people live longer because they consume fewer calories than those in the most developed nations.  An interesting note about this research is that adopting a reduced calorie diet in middle age proves just as beneficial for anti-aging as continuing one from birth.

For calorie reduction and natural weight loss, Resveratrol is gaining recognition.  This substance is high in antioxidants and is commonly found in grapes, giving wine its reputation as a healthy drink.  It is also found in greater concentration in Japanese knot weed.  Resveratrol has been linked to reduced calorie intake, lower cholesterol and greater longevity.  Nutrition experts have said that Resveratrol is the most important discovery since antibiotics and may very well be the most powerful tool for natural weight loss.

Many healthy people read food labels to check for calories, fat and carbs, but overlook the one number that poses the greatest threat, especially to natural weight loss.  That number is the sodium content.

What’s wrong with too much sodium?

A January study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that if the average person cut daily sodium consumption by approximately three grams, 44,000 to 92,000 deaths could be prevented each year and up to $24 billion could be saved in health care costs.  The most visible culprit, though, may be excess weight gain caused by foods in grocery stores and restaurants that are overloaded with sodium.

Don’t let sodium sabotage your natural weight loss plan.

When sodium can’t be eliminated by the kidneys it causes water retention and bloating.  Many Americans carry an extra 20-30 pounds in water weight simply because they are consuming too much sodium.  When people pay closer attention to sodium content and start drinking more healthy liquids, this water weight is usually flushed out quickly and dramatically.  That’s when natural weight loss efforts become visible and a desire to keep going is instilled.

How much sodium is too much?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams per day for the average adult.

So, now you’ll notice that big number and will want to look for foods that are lower in sodium.  Try natural whole food concentrates to satisfy cravings and hunger, without adding excess sodium to your natural weight loss plan.

It is refreshing to see someone with the clout of Dr. Oz talking about all the toxins in our natural food supply.  This is an issue addressed in great detail on his show recently, and one that more Americans should be aware of.

Toxic pollution is getting inside all of our natural food sources

Did you know that 8% of all women in the U.S. have excessive amounts of mercury in their blood?  Or how about that 90% of all people have BPA in their blood from plastics that line food and drink containers?

Unfortunately, mercury is in every fresh water fish, and it is getting into our natural food supply through acid rain.  There has never been a safe level of mercury found for humans.  Excessive mercury levels affect the brain, producing fatigue, headaches, tremors, trouble thinking and an unsteady gate.

The other major health hazard in our natural food supply comes from pesticides.  These are neurotoxins that can affect the brain and nervous system.  Studies have shown that kids who have higher levels of pesticides in their body, have higher levels of ADHD.

Pesticides in our natural food supply also contribute to obesity.  Studies show that animal’s weight increased 10% after being exposed to pesticides.  Since the 1950’s, as the use of pesticides increased, we have indeed experienced pronounced weight gains in human beings.

Organic foods are somewhat healthier, but nutritional value has dropped over the years due to soil depletion.  Also, acid rain is causing more and more heavy metals, such as mercury, to infiltrate the structure of the plants.

What can you do to avoid toxins in your food?  Use a natural fruit and veggie rinse to clean produce.  Avoid eating too much fish or taking too many fish oil supplements.  Get your nutrition from responsible food manufacturers who are doing what they can to limit toxic metals in our natural food supply.  Drink a cleansing herbal tea that can actually help wash toxic metals out of the body.

Someone asked recently, “Can you mentally overcome food cravings?”  It sounds like they have already taken the first psychological step to conquering cravings, which is being aware that there is something uncomfortable happening.  Most people would just reach for candy or a soda, and think, “Oh, that’s how you fix that.”  Unfortunately, one craving soon leads to another and another, as the body is always looking for satisfaction.

Have you ever noticed that you can eat a big meal and still feel unsatisfied, like there’s something missing? That’ s because the body is always craving something sweet, salty or fatty.  These are the three biggest food cravings.  Often, it can seem like the mind is constantly being pulled toward one of those 3.  If you get too much fat in your meal, but not enough sweetness, then you’re going to want dessert. It’s the body looking for balance, which of course, affects the mind.

I don’t think that you can train your mind to overcome food cravings without addressing the imbalances in your diet first.  Once you get the sweet/salt/fat overdoses eliminated, then the body can achieve its own natural balance.  Everything starts to feel more harmonious and it is easier to adjust your thoughts and avoid food cravings

It’s all about achieving balance physically and mentally.  Whole food health drinks are an easy tool to use to help the body maintain balance.  As for your mind, by remaining clearly focused on how you feel and how you really want to feel, you are well on the way to conquering food cravings.