Tackling Obesity in America

Obesity is rapidly becoming the plague of the 21st Century. Obesity has silently, yet, rapidly advanced up the scale of America's deadliest killers. With so many in America being hyper-sensitive to the word obesity, it has made discussing this devastating epidemic with any true detail and depth, almost impossible. In a culture that is more concerned with being politically correct than it is with being correct, much has fallen by the wayside as it pertains to addressing this mammoth issue.

When you add the special interest groups that are not the least bit concerned with having the truth about obesity surface, the task of accurately and adequately educating Americans concerning obesity becomes even more daunting. The fast food industry is easily one of the greatest culprits or contributors to obesity and the growth of that industry does not seem to be slowing in the slightest. Then add to the equation those that are benefiting from this epidemic on the backend and the battle intensifies. Manufacturers of medications for diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, etc. are highly grateful to the part of the American population that qualify as technically obese. During a period in which economic growth and stability has been elusive, these industries have thrived. Unfortunately, this growth has been at the expense of those Americans who are classified as obese.

It is important to point out that obesity is not what most envision it to be. Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher; obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. Those who are classified as, you are are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, fertility issues for women, and more. The thing that is most frustrating is that it is 100 percent preventable through lifestyle change.

One element of the obesity equation that is not given nearly enough consideration is the strain on the economy that it creates. It is estimated that the healthcare cost related to obesity will range between $150 - $175 Billion dollars (that is Billion not Million). Keep in mind that a great deal of those suffering from this deadly disease fall below the poverty line and rarely have insurance. This means that the cost for treating these patients will, at some level, be incurred by the government. Even those that are insured are placing an enormous strain on insurance companies subsequently increasing the cost of medical insurance. Once again, please note that this disease is 100% preventable.

The prevalence of obesity amongst Americans can be evaluated, anatomized, and observed in several areas:

Education - When education is considered, the highest prevalence of obesity is found among high school dropouts, with a rate exceeding 33%. High school graduates and college dropouts are closely affected, with rates of 29.5% and 29.1% respectively.

Race - When it comes to race Non-Hispanic blacks lead the obesity race with an obesity prevalence that approaches 40%. This means that if nothing is done to reverse the trend, blacks will soon be at an obesity prevalence that would have half of all African Americans classified as obese. Next in line would be the Hispanic population, with an obesity prevalence of 30.7%. Of all races in America, Asians have the lowest obesity prevalence at 16.7%.

Age - Through natural progression the obesity prevalence increases as age increases. The most alarming statistic concerning age is the obesity rate among children in America. The obesity prevalence among children in America has tripled over the last 30 years. The obesity rate for children in America under the age of 18 is over 17%, with over 70% of these kids having at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The health of this nation is declining rapidly and the greatest weight exacerbating and accelerating this decline is obesity.

Dr. Rick Wallace
Master Fitness 21

The combination of cultural environment, socioeconomics, and behavior have predominantly influenced this epidemic and it would seem that the best approach in battling this epidemic of obesity would be to start with these major influences.

One of the greatest barriers in battling this disease is that the majority of those impacted by it fall below the poverty line and thereby have limited resources to help them engage this devastating epidemic. So, it must be a matter of concentration to develop low cost programs that can effectively equip these individuals to defeat this deadly plague.

Whatever stance may be taken on this issue, one thing remains lucidly clear, if this country doesn’t do something about this, and quick, the ramifications will be devastating and it will take decades if not longer to reverse. ~ Dr. Rick Wallace

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The "Pocket Guide to Staying Healthy at 50+" provides health tips designed to help older adults take charge of their health.

Offered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in partnership with AARP, this handy guide to better health offer health tips including:

• How to talk to your doctor
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• Diagnosing and treating common diseases
• A prevention chart to help you track your health care
• And many more health tips

How to get your free health tips in the Pocket Guide to Staying Healthy at 50+
The "Pocket Guide to Staying Healthy at 50+" is available to read or download online. The guide comes in a men's version and a women's version.

Natural Cures

I have gotten many requests to re-post this! It has gotten more than 28,000 shares! So here it is again!

Great information!! Cinnamon and Honey...!Drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:
It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus.Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.
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How One Women Went From Obesity to a Beach Body

Tim Ferriss

Author, 'The 4-Hour Workweek'

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How One Woman Went From Obesity to a Bikini Body

Posted: 07/18/2013 10:51 am

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This post will explain exactly how Briana, a mother of three and reader of my blog, lost 100 pounds. It's a lot simpler than you might think.

For additional real-world examples and the fundamentals, I suggest reading How to Lose 100 Pounds on The Slow-Carb Diet. There are several men and women profiled.

Now, onto our post, which was written by Briana herself. I've avoided any major edits to preserve her voice.

Please add any questions or tips of your own to the comments.

Enter Briana

If you're meeting me for the first time today, you'd never guess that a little over one year ago, I was 100 pounds heavier and the furthest thing from being proud in a bikini.

And if you'd met "the FAT me" a year ago, you probably never would have guessed that the over-weight mother of three was actually an accomplished personal trainer who'd lost 73 pounds years earlier... and gained it all back.

That is really where my introduction to the Slow-Carb Diet (SCD) began.
Five years ago, I was a stay-at-home mom.

I had a husband, two kids, a house in the suburbs with a white picket fence, and a great dane. I was a young mom in my early '20s, trying to balance everything and be everything to everyone but neglecting myself. I made my family the priority, which was great for them, but I lost myself somewhere along the way. Despite numerous failed attempts to lose weight and get in shape, the scale just kept creeping up.

Fat, depressed, and frustrated, I ended up surfing the internet one day for some new nutrition and training inspiration, when I stumbled across Tim's blog and the post he wrote on How to Lose 20 lbs of Fat in 30 Days... Without Doing Any Exercise. Four paragraphs in, I was hooked! I read it, I applied it day-in and day-out, and within six months I had not only lost the 73 POUNDS I had gained after having my first two kids, but I had completely transformed my body!

Needless to say, the experience was life-changing. After it, I felt compelled to pursue a career as a certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist. I wanted to empower, educate, and inspire other women to transform their bodies and regain a renewed sense of self -- just as I had.

Shortly after I became certified, I went through a devastating divorce. As a newly single-mom, I set out to "4-Hour Workweek" my life, started my own multi-faceted health and wellness company, and spent the last five years helping to transform the bodies and lives of hundreds of women around the world in ways they never thought were possible.

Along the way, Tim wrote and released The 4-Hour Body, and my story was featured on national television and throughout numerous editorials, spreads, and fitness publications -- the biggest of which was an appearance with Tim on the Dr. Oz show.

And then? I got pregnant with baby #3.

Long story short: despite being a personal trainer and all my previous hard work to be a "weight-loss success story," I ended up being one of those Mego-Prego women who really went for it! By "went for it" I mean -- if my weight gain had been an accurate barometer of my son's birth weight, I should have given birth to a kindergartner!

From the moment I first found out that I was pregnant I decided to use the "eating for two" excuse. I indulged my cravings, and I packed on the pounds by way of ice-cream, Mexican food, lasagna, and a total break from the adapted SCD nutrition principles I worked so hard to establish in my own life and subsequently teach others.

Needless to say, I exploded over nine months, and by the time I actually gave birth to my eight lb. six oz. bundle of joy, I found myself weighing the heaviest of my life-100 pounds heavier than normal.

So my baby is born... and I find myself asking, "Now what, fatty?"

TRANSFORMATION: ROUND 2

Faced with the depressing reality that the new weight wasn't "baby weight" and was reallyall me, I made it my mission to swiftly re-apply the SCD principles to shed the post-partum pounds in record time.

It began with a commitment to change, and a real look in the mirror.

So many of us are miserable over the current condition of our bodies, we get motivated and inspired by reading stories such as mine, but that's not enough. We need something lasting. Something that will motivate us to walk away from the bread basket, or in my case -- back away from the sour cream twice-baked potato!

For me, that motivation came in the form of photos.

Before I began, I committed to document the entire process via a weekly pictorial where I would stand raw, real, and exposed in front of a camera wearing nothing but the same tiny black bikini. When I felt discouraged, or was having a internal struggle over something I shouldn't eat, I would look at the photos of where indulging got me -- fat.

I took it one day and one meal at a time.

Beginning the day after I gave birth, I followed every slow-carb principle that is outlined -- except for the cheat day.

The reason? I was breast-feeding, and through trial and error, it turned out that keeping my diet consistent by eating the same thing (more or less) everyday was much better for my baby (and my sanity), than trying to sooth a horrific colicky newborn 12-24 hours after binge eating on a "cheat day."

The biggest SCD keys behind my latest post-pregnancy transformation were:

- Structuring every meal around a lean protein
- Meal frequency (eating every three hours)
- Totally avoiding refined, processed, starchy carbohydrates, and wheat (I came up with some wicked slow-carb recipe option substitutes)
- Eliminating dairy
- Completely cutting out fruit, which was my biggest craving during my pregnancy
- Drinking a gallon of water a day
- Upping my daily fish oil to one gram per one percent body fat -- liquid form. Obviously, that'd otherwise be quite a few pills.

Just with the slow-carb diet alone and zero exercise (due to some postpartum recovery issues between week one and week eight), I lost 36 POUNDS.

(Click here for larger image)

And 12 months after giving birth, I hit my goal and lost 100 pounds (23 pounds of which were pre-pregnancy), and completely transformed my body.

Consistency is key. A typical day on the SCD might look like this:

Breakfast @ 7 a.m.
Egg white frittatas (made with veggies like mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion)

Snack @ 10
Veggies with hummus

Lunch @ 11:30
Usually dinner leftovers from the night before (i.e. Bison marinara sauce over zucchini spaghetti; Tuna stuffed avocados; etc.)

Snack @ 2
Small mixed green salad with chicken, cucumbers, green peppers, and tomatoes with a homemade lemon/garlic vinaigrette

Dinner @ 6
Tilapia fillet served over broiled garlic carrots, and coconut "rice" (cauliflower)

Biggest tip: If you fail to plan, you're planning to fail

As a mom, life can be hectic, and it rarely goes according to plan.

I always prepare ahead of time for those moments with some quick-grab protein snacks. Turkey wrap "roll-ups" with a little hummus and a sliver of bell pepper or cucumber inside is my fave! Or little snack-sized baggies of almonds sprinkled with cinnamon. Hard-boiled "hummus deviled eggs" is another.

Prepare or fail, the choice is yours.

Conclusion

Putting on a bikini seven days after you give birth is uncomfortable. Some might argue it's insane.

Standing in front of the bright lights of a professional photographer week-after-week (often times without seeing much change), especially when you're a personal trainer who is 100 pounds over weight, is humiliating, humbling, and painful.

But transforming my body, documenting the journey, inspiring other mothers, and ultimately founding BikiniBodyMommy.com has been the most empowering 12-month process I've ever undergone.

The journey isn't always easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

My name is Briana. I am a 31-year-old mother of three, I've lost more than 100 pounds onthe Slow-Carb Diet, and I work every day to be a success story.