Not Losing Weight!! Are You Stressed??

“I have always been weight conscious and very well follow all norms of healthy eating. The only reason I am visiting you is that - whatever I do on earth but this weight you know, I am not able to get rid of it. Isn’t there a simple, quick and easy way to lose weight?” Words to this effect - is how several of my patients introduce themselves, before we start with our nutritional counseling session.

If you are one of the many who eats right, works-out and yet are not losing weight; well it’s time to check your stress levels. Yes, you got that right; stress along with diet and lifestyle should also be addressed when trying to lose weight.

Scientific evidence suggests that what we eat contributes to mood, stress level, brain function and energy level. A diet rich in sugar, unhealthy fats, caffeine, alcohol can lead to more stress.

Eat to de-stress:

1.   Don’t skip your breakfast – when people eat a healthy breakfast, they tend to have consistent moods and are less likely to suffer food cravings later in the day.

2.   Eat small, more frequent meals – this will provide your body with continuous supply of energy throughout the day and help you avoid feeling tired or overly hungry.

3.   Omega-3s to the rescue – omega-3 fatty acids are found to reduce stress. Rich sources include fish, dry fruits, walnuts, flaxseeds.

4.   Serotonin – it is known as the happiness hormone. Complex carbohydrates as in whole cereals, pulses, whole fruits, vegetables help in serotonin production..

One thing is for sure when it comes to health there is no replacement for a balanced nutritious diet and exercise. Healing the mind with the body can take you to another level of well-being. 

for detailed article..


http://www.ehitavada.com/news.detail/paper_type/1/news_id/51837/date/2011-08-15

Tackling Childhood Obesity

Anshul (name changed) is a 10-year-old boy studying in 5^th standard, and is amongst the class toppers in school. Apparently he is not that of an achiever in sports or any field activities. In his younger days, he was more-than-chubby and every known person would always pull his cheeks lovingly and exclaim “How Cute”. Nobody can actually say when exactly his cute-chubby-cheeks turned in to flabs of fat. Ours is a culture, where an overweight child is considered to be one who has been loved and cared for.  Adding to which the family and friends use food to convey affection to children. It’s time for a reality check.

Research has proven that 40% of overweight pre-schoolers and 80% of overweight teenagers are likely to be overweight as adults. A chubby child may be cute to look at but it is injustice to the child from a health aspect.

Anshul’s parents are well- educated but are ignorant that childhood obesity does have many health repercussions. As-a-fact-of-the-matter, it is the leading cause of diabetes in young adults. In addition, high blood pressure, elevated lipids, poor bone health, early onset of heart diseases, liver disease and asthma can be associated with childhood obesity.

What exactly should his parents do?

Anshul is in his growth phase and still has his adolescent years to curb that fat into lean mass. Bringing out simple changes in his routine can effectively help improve the situation.

§  Moderation is the key. Anshul is a single child and has never really had to share his food. His parents will have to limit the quantity of food he is taking. Small and regular meals are the way to go.

§  Do not skip meals - Skipping meals can lead to out-of-control hunger, often resulting in overeating.

§  Food stocked at home should be healthy snacks like fruits, milk, buttermilk and roasted snacks.

      Pre-planning is an essential tool to ensure that food is meant for nutrition and not to just suffice hunger.

Always remember changing the diet and lifestyle of the child requires complete support of his family. Proper care and planning will aid in the long run.


for detailed information
http://www.ehitavada.com/site.home/paper_type/1/date/2011-08-08/page_no/10


http://www.aboutchildobesity.com/child_obesity_prevention.htm