Winter Health Tip 2011

Hi All,

With the passing of the Holidays many have turned to implementing their New Year's resolutions. More often than not, included is the desire to lose weight and/or get in shape. I, as a USA certified boxing coach and sports enthusiast, have your answers. What I am about to speak of appeals to the man or woman that wants to not only lose fat, but to replace it with muscle.

In the late 60's lowfat diets became all the rage. Some scientific studies were done and some scientists inferred from the findings low fat diets would help with weight control and therefore have a positive impact on one's health. Food manufacturers quickly saw an opportunity to market and release new products and gain profits. Here's the rub: When lower fat was introduced, manufacturers substituted more sugar and salt for the lower fat content. As a result, the number of carbohydrates per serving skyrocketed, causing spikes in many people's blood sugar level and countless other issues.

The government even jumped on board and changed the pyramid to include increased carbohydrates as the recommended daily diet.

Boy, did we get it wrong. Have you ever asked yourself why diabetes has become an epidemic in the last 20 years? Once this occurs, there is an 80% chance one will die from heart disease. Currently, it is estimated that at least 43% of American men are insulin resistant. If your gut is growing larger, you are probably on your way toward insulin resistance--even if your belly jiggles, since there's probably plenty of visceral fat underneath it.

Heart disease factors include 5 major categories: a 40" waist for men, high triglycerides, high blood sugar, low HDL (good) cholesterol, and high blood pressure. If you are the unlucky recipient of 3 of these 5 categories you have a 500% increase in developing diabetes, a 300% increase of having a heart attack, and a 200% increase of dying from a heart attack. Some scientists have termed this as Metabolic Syndrome.

There is an answer to the above dilemma, and it is as simple as changing your diet. It's called a low carbohydrate diet. The average American may have 300 to 400 carbs/day, much greater now that before the lowfat diet started. If whatever you are about to eat has more than 10 carbs per serving, skip it. I say, "GO BACK HOME." Start eating the way you did when you were a boy or girl and don't be afraid of fat. Enjoy eggs, meats including red meats, cream and fresh vegetables. The key is to skip the starches (especially refined) and sugars. Shoot for 60% fat, 30% protein, and less than 10% carbs. You will enjoy eating again and typically lose weight immediately! Dr. Atkins was a pioneer in this field. He was on the right track!

Make sure you watch your carbs, or this will not work. Your favorite phrase when going out to a restaurant will be no starch, double veggies. And, be sure to be in a resistance training program 3 times/week to convert your fat to muscle. Be patient: Give yourself 90 days to see the progress and you will be underway to a complete body makeover.