Really? Simulating Pregnancy to Lose Weight?
The healthier alternative to the trendy hCG diet

Do you really need to simulate pregnancy to lose weight these days? Recent trends show that every morning, women (and some men) across America are engaging in a risky experiment/ritual similar to a drug addict's…or a diabetic's: sticking themselves with a syringe. Only their syringe contains hCG, a pregnancy hormone taken in the hopes of losing 1 lb PER DAY, as the marketing campaigns claim. These campaigns state that by combining the hormone injections with a 500-calorie-a-day diet, they will achieve a kind of weight-loss nirvana: losing fat in all the right places without feeling tired or hungry. People are streaming into doctors' offices and weight-loss clinics, paying upward of $1,000 a month for a consultation, a supply of the hormone and the syringes needed to deliver it.

The problem is there is scant evidence that it makes any difference. The Food and Drug Administration warned in January 2011 that forms of hCG, like lozenges and sprays, sold over the internet and in some health food stores, are fraudulent and illegal if they claim weight-loss powers. The injectable, prescription form of hCG is approved as a treatment for infertility and other uses, and it is technically legal for doctors to prescribe it "off-label" for weight loss. The FDA has also reiterated a warning (first issued in the mid-1970s) that it has not been shown to increase weight loss, to cause a more "attractive" distribution of fat or to "decrease hunger and discomfort" from low-calorie diets. The hormone also carries risks of blood clots, depression, headaches and breast tenderness.

But unlike other popular diet supplements, hCG, which is derived from the urine of pregnant women, has acquired an aura of respectability because the injections are available only by prescription. There are the nutritional concerns about a diet that mimics anorexia. It doesn't promote healthy long-term eating habits.

So, what is the healthiest way to go about losing and maintaining weight long-term?

A low-fat diet? Or is it a low-carbohydrate diet? Pore over decades of research and dozens of studies over this debate and you're likely to be confused about the best way to go about reducing your waistline.

Recent research followed 307 dieters and concluded either a low-fat or low-carb diet can help you lose weight, but a low-carb diet is better for "good cholesterol" values, or HDL. Are we missing the point, however? Americans, 60 percent of whom are either overweight or obese, need to eat less and lower the amount of sugar in their diets, through reducing carbs and sweets. We need to eat real foods, not overly processed, sugar-added treats. And we need to think about what we're eating instead of mindlessly consuming whatever tastes good.

Another key is remembering that not all carbs are the same and not all fats are the same. The sugar and white flour in white breads are considered less healthful than the whole wheat flour in some whole grain breads. If you are trying to lose body fat on a low carb diet, 20 to 70 daily grams are recommended, depending on your level of activity. People need some carbs for energy, and most healthful fruits and vegetables contain ' good' carbohydrates.

The problem with sugar is that, simply, it spikes insulin. And when insulin levels are raised, people accumulate fat and gain weight. It's also a common misperception that people can eat butter-laden steaks and lose weight healthfully. There are good fats and bad fats - fats in nuts, olive oil and fish are better than most other fats.

People who control their weight don't skip meals. They always have breakfast. They are exercising about an hour a day. They don't take holidays from their diets and they weigh themselves regularly. Many people may benefit from a plan that limits sweets, promotes eating often and considers what type, how often and when you eat carbs.

Ultimately, lifestyle changes, and the mindset to support these changes, are the key to losing weight, healthfully and for the long run.

Written by:

Bradley Bongiovanni, ND
Wholistic Medicine Specialists of Atlanta
Natural healthcare that works™
3502 Old Milton Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30005
678-879-4242
www.wmsoa.com
drb@wmsoa.com

Spring Allergy Relief from Natural Body

What typically follows a cold, damp winter such as the one we experienced this year is an active pollen season. With high levels of pollen from grasses and trees beginning to spike this time of year and over the next six to eight weeks, many people will suffer from sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and throat, fatigue, irritability, hay fever, and asthma among other symptoms. Fortunately, there are many natural approaches to addressing seasonal allergies. Stop by your favorite Natural Body location to pick up our proprietary essential oil mixture know as Sinus Blend. Made with eucalyptus, lemon, pine and rosemary, Sinus Blend is both anti-bacterial and anti-viral. A few drops of this gift from nature on a tissue or steaming pot of water will have your nasal passages cleared up in a matter of minutes. Another great option is to schedule a Sinus Relief Massage which incorporates Sinus Blend and warm, moist compresses into the service. And no attempt to address allergies would be complete without a Neti Pot. This ayruvedic treatment involves flushing the sinus passages with a warm saline solution to help remove dust and allergens. Daily use of a Neti Pot does wonders in combating nasal allergy symptoms. See this instructional video, How To Use A Neti Pot, for detailed information on the use of this product.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmRi4V4-ZUc&feature=related

For a complete regional four day pollen outlook, visit www.pollen.com where you can enter your zip code to obtain detailed information of the pollen forecast in your area. If you find that you just can't endure the negative effects of pollen, rest assured that Natural Body has many options to help you survive this spring.

April Special Offers

Our March microdermabrasion special was so popular that we have decided to continue the focus on this skin resurfacing treatment but with a new twist on the accompanying products to enhance the overall effect. After all, the products one uses everyday in conjunction with skin resurfacing is where significant results come into play.

In the month of April, enjoy a Microdermabrasion Facial and we'll include a free upgrade to include two products from Naturopathica. The new Plant Stem Cell Serum from Naturopathica is an ECOCERT certified organic concentrated serum, designed to significantly slow down the aging of cells due to inflammation caused by UVA photodamage and oxidative stress. Due to recent scientific advancements, Swiss scientists have discovered that these naturoceuticals derived from the wound tissue of plants can improve cell vitality. These concentrated liquid cell cultures are proven to increase collagen synthesis and hydration as well as increase suppleness and elasticity in the skin. Also included in the service is the Cassis Ultra Replenishing Cream from Naturopathica. This concentrated cream combines Black Currant Oil and Hyaluronic Acid to improve elasticity and promote vibrant looking skin. Hyaluronic Acid is a component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), this naturally occurring polysaccharide is the body's built-in water magnet. It reinforces the skin's short and long term moisturization, helps to plump up tissue to restore elasticity, and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Extra Bonus: A "Next Day Kit" will be provided with Microdermabrasion Single Treatment and Microdermabrasion Facial, that will include sample sizes of Naturopathica products (Packet of Vitamin K Serum, packet of Plant Stem Cell Serum, 1oz Lavender UV).

Additional Extra Bonus: With the $150 Facial, also receive a $20 coupon to be used toward the purchase of a Clarisonic PRO unit. This coupon expires May 31, 2011.

New from Jurlique – Purely White Skin Brightening

Using a combination of nature and science, the formulators at Jurlique introduce a new 5-part system for brightening the skin. Utilizing the natural properties of Vitamin C (melanin inhibitor), rhyolite (mineral exfoliator), turmeric (natural brightener) and sodium hyaluronate (helps skin hydration), these powerhouse ingredients have been clinically proven to even skin tone in just 30 days. At the same time you will see dimished fine lines and wrinkles, a firmer skin surface, and noticeable lightening of dark areas. New to our spa shops, come in for a demo of how these brightening products work. The Purely White Skin Brightening program includes cleanser, mist, essence, day cream and night cream. Prices begin at $23.