I know what it's like. Will it work. Will the weight just come back on as soon as you stop?

I have tried all the diets under the sun….I spent most of my teenage years and early twenties trying to lose weight. Going from one fad diet to another, most of the time gaining it all and more back on.

Finally in my late twenties I realised I had to change the way I ate for good. It wasn't something I could do temporarily, and return to the old eating habits after I'd finished my diet. Once I got my head around that it was actually alot easier.

Then I actually followed sensible eating plans, often high fibre, low fat. I kept my weight fairly stable for many years, eating sensibly, until I starting gaining weight in my early 40's. two years later, and 20kgs heavier I was finally diagnosed with Hashimotos Disease which slows your metabolism down.

I immediately went back on the diets I knew had worked in the past, and I just wasn't losing weight this time. It was pretty depressing to say the least. I was desperate and found Herbalife online after searching for a dairy free meal replacement. I'd never heard of Herbalife but I was desperate so ordered it.

The day it arrived I started and really liked the taste so that was a good start!! I went on to lose 5kgs in my first two weeks, then twenty kilos in 18 weeks. I am now in size 10 jeans like before I was 40. Yay!

Just make a start, and have faith that Herbalife will work for you too.

I, for one drink about 3 soy lattes a day – I’m not ashamed of it. In fact while losing weight some would ask (or frown at me) why I was still drinking coffee (with sugar no less), like it was some huge addiction that I must give up. So my ears always prick up when I hear research reports on how coffee can be good for you.

I always think – well the French and the Italians can’t be wrong – right? They seem to drink copious amounts of coffee – and espresso to boot, not just milky lattes like myself. I got my blood pressure checked recently and it was 110/60 – pretty darn good for a hardened coffee drinker!

So – I wanted to find proof. If for no other reason but to wave it back at the frowners and the tut-tutters!

This recent research suggests that regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and liver cancer—and regular coffee drinkers might even live longer. Amazing!

“For most people who choose to drink coffee, the benefits probably outweigh the risks,” says Donald Hensrud, chair of the division of preventive medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

So why the sudden (it seems sudden) U-Turn on coffee and health? Well it seems that previous studies were skewed because the people being studied not only drank coffee but they also smoked cigarettes. So newer studies don’t have the smokers. That’s quite a big change!

• Women who drank more than six cups of coffee a day were found to have a 17 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses over 24 years of follow-up compared with those who drank less than one cup a month.
• Like tea, coffee packs a wallop of antioxidants that can protect against diseases like diabetes, Parkinson’s, gallstones, and some cancers, as U.S. News reported.
• A 2008 study found that small amounts of caffeine could help counteract the increased Alzheimer’s disease risk found in those with high cholesterol levels. Though caffeine has been linked to bone loss in elderly women, additional findings show that this poses a problem only for those who don’t get enough calcium.
• Caffeine appears to offer protection by helping proteins maintain the tight binding of the cells in the BBB, so they stop unwanted molecules from entering the central nervous system.
• Caffeine protects against memory loss in aging and in Alzheimer’s disease.

 “If you don’t drink coffee now- then it’s not really going to benefit you to start now – you can get anti-oxidants from fruit and vegetables – but if you drink coffee then you can cross it off your sinful addictions list – I’m pretty pleased about that”.

The term “sugar craving” refers to intense desire for sweet foods, such as chocolate, ice cream or cookies. We kind of get this image in our head of a frenzied person wading through cupboards looking for more to eat.

I must admit – I have been guilty of eating too many Chocolate Fingers Biscuits in one sitting  - there is truth to the fact that the more sugar you eat the more you crave it – it’s really like a drug!

Many factors can cause sugar cravings, including nutrient deficiencies, certain foods and emotional factors. Although moderate intake of added sugars, such as cane sugar, brown sugar or corn syrup, is generally harmless, consuming excessive amounts can lead to weight gain, tooth decay and nutrient deficiency, according to the Mayo Clinic.

BAN ASPARTAME FROM YOUR LIFE

Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, are calorie-free food additives used to add sweetness to sugar-free sweets and low-calorie foods and soft drinks. According to the Mayo Clinic, artificial sweeteners can trigger cravings for additional sweets and lead to poor food choices. If you consume diet soft drinks, sugar-free gum or sweets or add artificial sweeteners to beverages like coffee, try reducing the amount of sweetener you use. You may also try omitting artificial sweeteners entirely for a time to determine if your sugar cravings reduce as a result.

Healthy alternatives to sugar-free soft drinks include water, sparkling water, skim or low-fat milk and naturally sweet beverages like 100 percent fruit juice. Low-fat dairy products contain protein, which enhances blood sugar balance and appetite control. Replacing artificial sweeteners with small amounts of natural sweeteners like honey can add a nice amount of sweetness to your food while not triggering sugar cravings.

EAT COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES

Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and vegetables, provide rich amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Sugar cravings may be caused from trace mineral deficiencies and blood sugar imbalances. For this reason, increasing your consumption of complex carbohydrates may help you stay satisfied between meals, balance blood sugar  and reduce your cravings for sweets.

Examples of nutrient-rich complex carbohydrates include 100 percent whole-grain breads, pasta and cereals, brown rice, wild rice, air-popped popcorn, butternut squash, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes and pumpkin. Replace simple carbohydrates, such as commercially prepared cookies, cakes, pastries and candy, with complex carbohydrates regularly for best results benefits.

AVOID HIDDEN SUGARS

Hidden sugars are sugars added to foods that we generally do not consider sweet. Cutting back on hidden sugars may also help reduce or prevent sugar cravings. Corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, sorbitol, glucose, mannitol, molasses, xylitol, and sucrose, are examples of sugars that may be hidden among food ingredient lists. Try and avoid processed foods because they will contain refined sugar and white flour. Preparing homemade baked goods and snacks using natural ingredients like applesauce and whole grain flour can add nutritional benefits to you diet and potentially alleviate sugar cravings.

Our Formula 2 Multi Vitamin contains the right amounts of Chromium to help ease your sugar cravings and the Formula 1 Shakes are the perfect high protein, high fibre, low fat meal to help you avoid things like sugary cereal and breads.

I was at a training a couple of weekends ago – and as well as learning from a Doctor about these amazing products (there is always some mind blowing results I hear every time I attend a Herbalife Training), he mentioned how to get off a weight loss plateau.

A Weight Loss Plateau can be frustrating – you’re doing everything correctly but you seem stuck – you jump on the scales hoping to see a result and your body may actually be losing centimetres instead of weight. I know how much you want to see the scale victories though! So I want to give you the biggest free weight loss tip ever!

Double your water intake – take it up to 5-6 litres a day. If you are only drinking 6 glasses or less a day right now – this will seem like a lot – but build up to it – add an extra 1/2 a litre a day. This will set fire to your plateau!

Here are some hard facts;

• Your Muscles consists of 75% water
• Your Brain consists of 90% of water
• Your Bone consists of 22% of water
• Your Blood consists of 83% water

What does water do for your body?

Water:

• Transports nutrients and oxygen into cells
• Moisturizes the air in your lungs
• Helps with your metabolism
• Protects your vital organ
• Helps your organs to absorb nutrients better
• Regulates your body temperature
• Detoxifies
• Protects and moisturizes your joints
• Hydrates your skin

Every cell in your body needs water from head to toe. That is why it is so important to drink enough of the stuff – as annoying as it can be initially because you will pee more….

If you have a headache it’s most likely you are dehydrated and need more water. Lack of water makes the brain lack focus, and restricts the blood flow to your brain – and you get a headache. Next time you get a headache or migraine – go drink alot of water.

Ageing is Dehydration!

Water curbs hunger..

Water is a natural appetite suppressant. Yeeha!

A lack of sufficient water can lead to over eating. Your brain has trouble differentiating between hunger and thirst. If there there is a slight dehydration the thirst mechanism may be mistaken for hunger and you will most likely eat when the body is actually craving for water. So, when you think you are hungry, your body may in fact telling you that you are thirsty! Try drinking first and waiting 5 minutes before you grab food.

Water boosts your metabolism.

The findings reported in the December issue, 2003 of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism by researchers Michael Boschmann, MD, and colleagues from Berlin’s Franz-Volhard Clinical Research Center. They tracked energy expenditures among seven men and seven women who were healthy and not overweight. The subjects, after drinking approximately 17 ounces of water, increases the rate of burning calories by 30% within the time frame of 30-40 minutes. How cool is that??

So increase (double) your water intake today and start burning extra calories, eating less, looking younger and get off that weight loss plateau once and for all.

~
Vicki

Hashimotos Disease (named after the Japanese Scientist who discovered it) is when your thyroid is attacked (basically) by your own immune system. It is an auto-immune disease. So your immune system thinks your thyroid is a foreign invader and sets about to destroy it. Nice (not!)

This reduces the thyroid’s ability to produce the hormones needed to keep your metabolism working properly. Without these hormones – mainly T3 and T4 – everything can slow down which means you can get cold easily, have dry skin, be tired, depressed….sore joints and hair loss! Oh and much much more…. lack of sex drive being another.

You do need to see a good doctor and get medicated for this – there are no two ways around it – sorry to those hoping for a natural cure. I am on Whole Thyroid myself – personal choice but there is a funded Synthetic option too.

So – then you slowly start feeling normal – it can take a while – and then you can start think about trying to lose the weight you’ve gain. OH YEAH I forgot to mention that’s one of the worst side effects of Hashimotos Disease! Yukky – just yukky. I gained 20kgs in 2 years while dieting – there is nothing in this world more depressing than that I can tell you.

Thankfully I didn’t listen to what I found online about not being able to lose weight – and went back to eating healthy, low fat, high fibre – and the weight did not shift. Cripes – now what?!

Well in desperation I tried Herbalife – and to my extreme relief I lost 5kgs in my first two weeks, went on to lose 20kgs in 18 weeks and 28cm off my waist alone. I was for the first time since I was a teenager in Size 10 (Size 6 US) – even at a lesser weight on other diets I hadn’t lost my saddle bags! This time I kept my boobs and lost the hips and thighs – fan-blimmen-tastic!

So – Hashimotos is a disease that is not curable. Reducing gluten can reduce the antibodies – so I do avoid gluten whenever I can – but basically you are stuck with it for life – so get on some medication and get yourself on Herbalife – I’d be happy to help you through your weight loss journey.

Any questions just comment below – I do answer… 

I, for one drink about 3 soy lattes a day

I always think – well the French and the Italians can’t be wrong – right? They seem to drink copious amounts of coffee – and espresso to boot, not just milky lattes like myself. I got my blood pressure checked recently and it was 110/60 – pretty darn good for a hardened coffee drinker!

So – I wanted to find proof. If for no other reason but to wave it back at the frowners and the tut-tutters!

This recent research suggests that regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and liver cancer—and regular coffee drinkers might even live longer. Amazing!

“For most people who choose to drink coffee, the benefits probably outweigh the risks,” says Donald Hensrud, chair of the division of preventive medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

So why the sudden (it seems sudden) U-Turn on coffee and health? Well it seems that previous studies were skewed because the people being studied not only drank coffee but they also smoked cigarettes. So newer studies don’t have the smokers. That’s quite a big change!

Ok – so I’ve gathered together some statistics.

I tell them the facts.

Herbalife has been around for 32 years – if it didn’t work do you think the company would still be around?

Over 100 million customers who have submitted written testimonials about their successful weight loss results on the Herbalife Products. Now I know I haven’t done one, neither have the 100′s of clients I have helped on these weight loss programs.

The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange – it’s a publicly traded company! (HLF)

It’s not about dieting – it’s about Cellular Nutrition. These are the only weight loss products in the world that feed your body’s 100 trillion cells everything the need – that’s 114 nutrients per day – just to function properly. Do you think you’d get that every day from “eating healthy” ? Not these days with pesticides, storage and mineral deficiences in the over farmed soil.

I had tried many diets before finding Herbalife – and they worked as long as I stuck to them – until I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Disease – then nothing worked. After getting medicated I tried my trusty Low Fat High Fibre Diet and nothing budged. I lost no weight! I found Herbalife in desperation but I was not disappointed. Not only did I lose 20kgs in 18 weeks, I felt great, my skin looked better, my nails grew like crazy and I have not had a cold or flu since being on the products.

The most important thing though for me was that finally I lost weight off the areas that had been hard to lose fat from with other diets. I would always end up looking really bony in the top half while remaining large on the bottom half. But with Herbalife I changed shape – I lost weight off my thighs and bottom and cellulite went with it too!

I’m now in Size 10 (Size 6 US) Jeans and they’re baggy!

You can help reduce your symptoms of endometriosis by some simple changes to your lifestyle. I’ll explain how. Herbalife can fit in really well to help you achieve these changes easily – and we have some really targeted supplemental products too.

Many of you may be aware that various illnesses and diseases have responded very positively to changes in diet, and Endometriosis is no exception.

Changing your diet for endometriosis can help with the following:

• Reduce pain
• Relieve cramps
• Reduce inflammation
• Reduce weight – estrogen is stored in fat and endometriosis is fed by estrogen
• Reduce bloating
• Reduce estrogen levels
• Balance hormones
• Reduce toxins – found in food additives, preservatives, pesticides, chemicals, anti-biotics, hormones and steroids used in farming,

Also – your improved diet will also

• Increase energy levels
• Boost immune system
• Improve overall health

Unbelievably  80% of our immunity protection happens in the intestinal tract?

For your immune system to work properly, you need to have a healthy digestive system. A healthy gut and a healthy digestive system will aid in the production of certain good bacteria, enzymes and vitamins that help us to fight disease. It also assists in the correct absorption of the minerals and nutrients we need from our food every day.

Having a strong and vibrant immune system will help you to fight the underlying causes of endometriosis. Products that will help with Digestion Cleansing and Immune System Support are FloraFibre and Aloe Concentrate.

Control Your Diet for Endometriosis and Control your Symptoms

Controlling your diet to help you deal with Endometriosis is an excellent starting point. We really are what we eat, and if we feed our body properly and it gets everything it needs, then it must naturally move towards wellness.

Let’s begin with covering pain and hormones in relation to what you eat now.

Endometriosis is an estrogen-sensitive condition, but the painful menstrual cramping that occurs is mainly due to prostaglandin synthesis in the body. Prostaglandins are naturally occurring fatty acids, which are derived from dietary sources. The body produces different prostaglandins.

There are good and bad prostaglandins. The goal of a controlled eating plan is to block the ‘bad ones’ because of their negative impact on the body, and increase the ‘good ones’ for their opposite and beneficial actions. The action of the bad guys is to increase uterine contractions (not what we need in fact!), and the good guys have a soothing effect. By changing the types of oils that are taken into the diet, the production of the good guys can be stimulated, which helps with uterine relaxation. These oils are composed of omega-3 fatty acids, which lead to positive prostaglandin production. The Herbalifeline Product is an amazing anti-inflammatory product containing the entire spectrum of Omega 3′s. These include the ones that are hard to produce into supplements (which the home brands don’t bother with).

It is also important to decrease intake of those fatty acids that will stimulate the bad guys which are found in saturated fats, butter, meat and offal.

In addition to decreasing bad fat intake, the diet should also consist of high fiber. Not only does this help with good digestion, but it is also thought that a diet high in fiber can decrease total circulating estrogens. It is recommended to incorporate 30 grams per day of fibre.

Good sources of Fibre are:

• whole grains (excluding wheat and rye)
• beans, peas and pulses
• brown rice
• vegetables and fruits
• oatmeal
• Supplements including Florafibre & Chitosan

The following foods are recommended to modulate estrogen levels by incorporating one or two servings a day:

• mustard greens
• broccoli
• cabbage
• turnips

FOODS TO AVOID

wheat – this includes breads, cakes and pasta products, all based on wheat – contains phytic acid which can aggravate symptoms of endometriosis. Also contains gluten which women with endometriosis seem to be sensitive to.

red meat - promotes negative prostaglandins which cause inflammation and can also contain growth hormones

refined and concentrated carbohydrates – white bread, flour, cakes, pasta etc. made from refined flours. Most of the nutritional value has been removed

refined sugars and honey – causes inflammatory reaction

caffeine – found in tea, coffee, soft drinks -increases abdominal cramps and caffeine increases estrogen levels

chocolate – as it contains sugar which is inflammatory

dairy products – including milk, cheese, butter, cream – causes inflammatory reaction as they increase the inflammatory prostaglandins

eggs – advised to leave out eggs unless you get organic as they can contain the chemical residue of dioxin. Can also cause digestive problems for some like IBS, and may increase constipation problems (they are used as a binder in cooking!)

fried foods – can stimulate negative prostaglandins

saturated fats and oils – Foods that are high in fatty acids stimulate the negative inflammatory prostaglandins. Fatty acids are found in saturated fats, butter, margarine, lard.

Fast foods – they contain a host of additives, cheap ingredients and have very little nutritional value

additives and preservatives – increases the chemical load on the system

alcohol – consumes vitamin B which is stored in the liver. Good liver function is vital as the liver will help to eliminate excess estrogen from the body.

Hormone Rebalancing

Foods containing natural plant sterols (phytoestrogens) can be helpful in balancing hormones naturally – among other things. They are thought to block the estrogen receptors, so in turn excess estrogen in the body cannot ‘lock-in’ to these receptors.

These include:

• peas, beans and pulses
• red and purple berries
• garlic
• apples
• parsley
• fennel
• brassicas: cabbage, cauliflower etc
• nuts and seeds
• celery, carrots
• rhubarb
• sage

Vitamins and Minerals that can support endometriosis

Formula One Meal Replacement can be made into a smoothie which has all these supplements in them while making a delicious filling smoothie – add blueberries and up your phytoestrogen intake at the same time!

Magnesium – is a mineral and is believed to help ease cramping with menstruation, in fact it’s good to help ease headaches and aches all over – especially tight muscles.

Zinc – is essential for enzyme activity, helping cells to reproduce which will help with healing. Zinc is also reported to boost the immune system and helping to create an emotional sense of well-being

Calcium – levels of calcium in menstruating women decreases 10 to 14 days before the onset of menstruation. Deficiency may lead to muscle cramps, headache or pelvic pain.

Iron – women with Endometriosis tend to have very heavy periods which can lead to an iron deficiency. This can lead to anemia which is serious and can effect your hormone balancing and function.

B vitamins – these are important for the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the body. B vitamins are reported to improve the emotional symptoms of Endometriosis, and has proved to assist those suffering with PMT

Vitamin C – is well known for helping to boost the immune system and help provide resistance to disease. It is also used in the body to build and maintain collagen within the body.

Vitamin A – is another immune system booster

Vitamin E – plays an important role by increasing oxygen carrying capacities and also strengthens the immune system

Selenium – when taken together with vitamin E has been reported to decrease inflammation associated with Endometriosis, as well as immune system booster.

It’s a shame we often pay no attention to what we feed our bodies – until we get sick. These guidelines will help you be healthy if you are not already suffering from an illness. But it makes sense to think about what we eat – as the body needs specific ingredients and minerals and vitamins to function properly – so feed your body a well balanced and nutritionally packed diet and it will be able to start working towards wellness.

Most people think that;

• when you get older your metabolism slows down
• when you get older you gain weight
• it’s harder to lose weight as you get older
• once you lose weight and gain it back it’s harder to shift next time

Not True

Sure some things listed there may actually happen – but we have control over them.

Here are 10 things you can do to get results even as you get older – even if you are a yo yo dieter….

1. do some resistance training – ‘experts’ are quick to tell you to do cardio – but building more muscle not only increases the amount of calories you burn, but keeps burning for longer. On top of that – resisteance training strengthens your bone mass.
2. Eliminate or reduce your refined carbs… thats anything that’s white basically….(excluding vegetables) – so pastry, white sugar, white flour, buns, donuts, pies, crumbed anything, white bread, crackers….. all of these have empty calories – no fibre and they turn straight to fat.
3. Increase your protein intake. You don’t need to elimate carbohydrates- there are plenty of good carbs in fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen veggies etc. So eat more plant based protein (beans, nuts, soy) and lean fish and chicken.
4. Eat less or no red meat – it’s high in fat and cholesterol
5. Stick to a scientifically proven, nutritionally balanced eating plan that includes high protein meal replacement shakes and  healthy fruits, vegetables, fibre and grains. That way you’ll get all the Nutrients you need each day to maintain and repair muscle.
6. Walk for 10 minutes a day when and where you can – gradually you’ll feel like doing more
7. Don’t go on any fad diets – you’ll lose muscle and water and decrease your metabolism
8. Never miss a meal – eat three meals a day – the most important is Breakfast. If you don’t already have a Healthy Breakfast please start on a Formula 1 breakfast asap. It will kickstart your metabolism and get your Resting Metabolic Rate higher
9. Get a Free Wellness Evaluation with a Wellness Coach to figure out where you can make improvements.
10. Don’t spend a fortune at the gym – you can lift cans of food, milk containers full of water etc – all great resistance training. Try Yoga too.

Christmas doesn't have to be a diet disaster

Some dread Christmas because they are scared all their hard work losing weight up until Christmas, will go down the drain over a 7 day period of festivities, eating at family dinners etc.

Here are some tips to get you through.

1. Drink Sparkling Water with lemon in between champagne or wine – this will help cut down the empty calories for the day
2. Have a Shake before you leave the house, for breakfast, this will help balance your body for the day and reduce cravings. Often Xmas Dinners or Lunches are late, long after you arrive, so you
   nibble because you are hungry – then you are too full after dinner…. know the feeling? Having a shake before you go, or before your family arrive – will reduce the need for you to nibble.
3. Try and only eat at the meal – not the nibbles.
4. Enjoy the meal – don’t restrict yourself – if you have had one Shake – treat yourself and enjoy the meal. Don’t feel guilty.
5. If you are tempted to eat chocolates or christmas mince pies – try and choose fruit and nuts instead if available.
6. Take a fresh fruit platter when you go – at least you know then there is something healthy for you to eat! Cherries, pineapple, strawberries, etc.
7. Boxing Day – have another Shake for breakfast and do the same – have water between every alcoholic drink and only eat meals.

Don’t let yourself slip for too many days – you can relax a little for Christmas and Boxing Day but try and stick to your Two Shakes a day from then on. Don’t
pick at the food leftovers in the fridge – only have THREE meals and two small snacks a day.

Lastly – if you have to eat – choose lean protein over refined carbohydrates.

Drink Unsweetened Juice mixed with soda water for a sweet drink alternative on a hot day.

Keep up your water – 8 large glasses a day – especially over Christmas – you’ll be giving your kidneys a work out – so give them a helping hand.

That should see you through unscathed. Please keep me posted how you do.