Three Breakthrough Ideas Destine To Change The Way We Think About Health And Weight Loss

If you ask ten people on the street what has caused so many Americans to gain so much weight in recent years most will say, we eat too much and exercise too little. Many experts, including nutritionists and physicians, will go a step further and point out that millions of Americans are suffering from an energy surplus caused by consuming more calories than they burn each day.

There are several problems with using this theory alone to explain the recent explosion of obesity in the United States and around the globe. The problem that nutrition researchers often struggle with is. If our problem is simply a matter of too many calories and too little exercise, how does one further explain the unprecedented growth in obesity across such a wide range of diverse people in the past 30 years? The best thinkers agree that something obviously changed in the everyday lives (The external environment) of people to trigger the current obesity epidemic.

When all is said and done we will likely find that their multiple interrelated causes for our current obesity crisis. However, among the popular theories being considered and researched to unravel this mystery, there are three that I count as "Breakthrough Ideas" in the world of health and nutrition. They are breakthrough ideas not only because they make sense, but also, because they offer great potential for actually solving the problem. Debating the role of increased screen time in the form of television and video games, although interesting, may be causing us to ignore other major contributors to this problem.

The Link Between Toxins and Fat.

Are the toxins found in our food, water, and cosmetic products making us sick and fat? Bruce Bloomberg, PhD seems to think so. Dr. Bloomberg is among the growing number of researchers discovering links between common industrial chemical and an increase in the rates of obesity. As a research biologist at the University of California Irvine, he has coined the term Obesogens to describe a number of environmental toxins with the capacity to disrupt the delicate balance of hormones that regulate hunger, metabolism, and fat storage in our bodies. The work being done in the area is fascinating because it is one of the few theories that even explains the increase we've seen in the weight of infants - who can't be accused of not exercise enough.

The Link Between Gut Health And Fat.

There is a growing body of research that says the bacteria living in our guts (specifically our large intestine) plays a significant role in determining weight gain. These bacteria, commonly known as our gut flora, have been known to influence immunity, hormone balance, and detoxification. More recently, studies are showing that the quantity and type of bacteria in our guts are also directly linked to our weight. Research repeatedly shows that people with more of the beneficial types of gut bacteria are leaner than those with less. Two studies published in March 2013 and reported on in the New York Times (March 27, 2013) support this finding.

The Link Between Micronutrients And Fat.

Joel Fuhrman, M.D. is one of Americans leading authorities on the topic of nutrient dense eating. As a physician, speaker, and author he has commented extensively on the subject. In face, his ANDI scoring system for ranking the nutrient density of foods has been adopted by the national grocery chain, Wholefoods, to help customers make healthier purchasing decisions. Dr. Fuhrman hypothesizes that a lack of nutrients in our diet can lead to what he calls "Toxic Hunger". This is the desire for food that results from withdrawal-like symptoms which occur between meals. According to Dr. Fuhrman "Toxic Hunger" causes people to eat even when their need for calories has been met. Dr. Fuhrman is one of several leading authorities that influenced my thinking on the important role of micronutrients in health and weight loss.

If these three important ideas are proven valid the road to solving America's obesity problem becomes much clearer. No longer are we solely dependent on individual will power to overcome the compulsion to overeat or the lack of motivation to exercise. If these ideas are true, then getting more nutrient dense wholefoods inside Americans becomes the first step toward reversing our obesity woes. Healthy wholefoods are beneficial in all three of these areas. They are less toxic, promote good gut flora, and provide plenty of micronutrients.

There was a saying in ancient times that "All Roads Lead To Rome". Apparently the Romans were such prolific road builders throughout their vast empire, no matter what road one took it would likely lead them to the empire's great capitol.

In the world of health there have been many ideas about how to achieve optimum wellness. Over the years, there have been countless twists and turns regarding the important lifestyle habits needed to achieve great health. More recently however, it seems clear that what one chooses to put in her body has a greater impact on her health than any other single factor.

Understanding this fact led me to write The MicroNutrient Solution and to develop the Sustainable Nutrition Action Plan, which together provide a simple and easy-to-follow road map to a healthy and leaner life. For more information on both visit http://www.healthfulchef.tv

Shedric is an author, speaker, and master chef. As former Vice President of Culinary Research and Development for The Olive Garden Restaurants and former Culinary Development Director for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines he acquired amazing insight into what drives us to eat beyond to point of health.

His blog at http://www.HealthfulChef.tv has been applauded for its cutting-edge commentary on health, weight loss, and disease prevention. In his bestselling book, The MicroNutrient Solution: Healing, Healing, Vitality, and Weight Loss God's Way, he exposes the most common diet myths that stand in the way of great health and weight loss.

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How Safe Is Rapid Fat Loss?

So you want to lose fat? And obviously, you want to do it in the shortest time possible! But how safe is it to lose fat quickly, and what can be done to make the process safer?

First of all, rapid fat loss is where you're losing more than 3lbs of fat per week. 1-2lbs is a safe amount and that's the normal goal for most people that are on a diet. So this only applies if you're trying to shift the pounds a little more quickly than the average person.

Secondly - you need to look at how you're doing it. Is it: 

a.) A starvation diet (like a "Master Cleanse" style water/cayenne pepper fast)? 

b.) A very low calorie diet (like the popular Protein Sparing Modified Fast)? 

c.) Driven by the latest and greatest Fat Loss Pill?

Because all three of these things are offered to the general population through internet marketing sites, but 2 out of three are outright dangerous. Let's take a deeper look.

The Dangers of Rapid Fat Loss Diets 

The main danger with option c.) is that you probably won't know what it is you're taking. Most of the pills and potions offered on the internet aren't FDA approved, they don't have scientific trials behind them and there's no guarantee that they'll do what they say on the tin. At best, you'll find that you're paying for something with no effects whatsoever. At worst, you might be consuming something downright dangerous. If you're ever looking to lose weight fast then make sure you never ever do it using pills. The only thing you should consume to keep your metabolism high on a rapid fat loss diet is caffeine, and you should probably be careful with that.

The danger with option a.) is that you're not consuming enough protein, and you're certainly not consuming enough vitamins and minerals. This kind of diet is crazy low in calories, and if you can force yourself to go through with it you'll end up with: 

- muscle atrophy (wastage) 

- protein lost from internal organs (can cause organ failure if you go too long) 

- kidney damage 

- diarrhea 

- dizziness 

- lethargy

As well as other issues related to low blood electrolyte levels (dehydration) and tiredness.

This sort of diet also does not teach a very good long term relationship with food - and the big danger is that as soon as the "cleanse" is over, the dieter will go back to drinking soda, eating pizza and getting fat - reversing all of the good work done beforehand.

The best Rapid Fat Loss diet is a protein sparing modified fast. These still have their dangers - you need to check with an MD before starting anything like this - but the high protein content of such a diet will prevent any serious damage to organs and will help to ensure there is no muscle loss on the diet (after all - you want to lose fat not muscle).

How to Make a Rapid Fat Loss Diet Safe 

1.) Ensure adequate protein intake (1g per lb of lean body mass is ideal) 

2.) Ensure potassium salts are taken in the diet (to keep blood pressure high and prevent electrolyte imbalances) 

3.) Take fish oil (reduces inflammation) 

4.) Avoid all "diet pills" 

5.) Ensure the diet is still based on whole foods

This will keep the diet as safe as physically possible, whilst still allowing for the rapid loss of body fat.

If you want to know more about losing fat quickly and safely, check out the Rapid Fat Loss Diet at Living Tribal, my blog on how to lose fat fast. The question is Rapid Fat Loss Safe? is answered in a dedicated blog post too.

Neil has safely lost weight and helped others lose and keep their weight off too. His free e-book is provided to try and get the message out that rapid fat loss can be a healthy and helpful way to lose fat in the short and long term.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Burge