7 Keys to Weight Loss

Recent research shows that we are not victims of our genetics. The fact that your genetic makeup may predispose your body to put on excess weight does not mean you’re destined to be obese. We are not slaves to our genes! Your habits alter the genetic expression of your genes. There is no “quick fix” solution – those who lose weight and keep it off maintain a healthy lifestyle and form permanent habits of staying active and eating healthily. Once you’ve been obese, you will not be able to return to the amount of calories that a normal person of your size should eat unless you’re particularly active. This is particularly true of childhood obesity, which changes your genetic predisposition. Who wants to look and feel great, live longer healthier, and thrive?

Keys to Lose Weight and Keep it Off : 

                                                               http://www.winstonsalemevents.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/weight-loss2.jpg

1. Start a resistance-training program. Growth hormone is boosted via intensely exercising fast-twitch muscles for brief periods of 10 – 30 seconds. Cardio, aerobics and even many strength-training exercises do not increase growth hormone, thus minimizing their efficacy for weight-loss. For growth hormone to be activated, you need to work out intensely, and sweat profusely. At Mesastila we have resistance training as part of our wellness program. You can also book private Personal Training sessions, and work out at our outdoor jungle gym, or indoor gym facility. There's a range of options to choose from.
2. Focus on your digestion. I suggest Chi Nei Tsang (Abdominal Massage) as the best way to stimulate weight loss outside of what you eat. This is because it stimulates detoxification and addresses the underlying emotional stress that is causing the issue. 
3. Improve the quality of the food you eat. It’s not as simple as just calories in/calories out. It’s the quality of calories that counts. I teach 3 really simple principles to get this right: Organic, Raw and Alkaline. 
4. Avoid bad fats and get plenty of good fats. It’s important to develop an understanding of good fats versus bad fats. Good fats are found in Paleolithic sources like raw nuts, organic greens, wild animals, wild fish (not farmed) and seeds (hemp and flax seed are my favorites).
5. Avoid sugar. Sugar addiction is another thing that can easily lead to yo-yo dieting, so avoid sugar, high fructose corn syrup, fructose, and other hidden sugars. Instead of sugar-laden, over-processed hot chocolate, invest in cocoa – available in your nearest health store – an amazing food source of muscle-relaxing magnesium and antioxidants for muscle recovery. 
6. Keep your immune system in great health. The two primary culprits I come across for suppressed immune function, are fatigue and stress. Get plenty of rest and relaxation, and listen to your body. If you’re going to use supplements, Maca is my number one superfood.
7. Keep meal portions small especially if they’re cooked. If you do eat cooked food, eat it with raw food – as cooked food alone leads to a reactive immune response. Combining raw and cooked is the solution. Keep your blood sugar levels consistent throughout the day via regular nutrient-rich snacks and meals. My favorites are raw nuts and berries, especially delicious with a dab of organic yogurt. Consider also adding green vegetable juices and smoothies. I recommend the fabulous "Peak MesaStila" (pear, cabbage, celery, watercress, lime).

I hope these simple tips will help get you on the path to better health and feeling better about yourself.

To kickstart your digestion and weight-loss journey, see David, our Visiting Naturopath for a Chi Nei Tsang, Wellness Consult or other specialised treatments when you join us.

QUESTIONS to KICKSTART Life Transformation

Getting the most from your holiday may include taking time out to re-assess how you’re doing in your life, as in are you achieving your dreams. Do you even have dreams? Many people are so burnt out that they’ve forgotten to dream, and to dream big! You deserve to achieve your dreams! The quality of the questions you ask yourself is the key determinant in unlocking, inspiring and activating change. Do you want a better life for yourself and your loved ones? People don’t ask enough questions of themselves, and it takes an outside professional to give them the objective insights that will kickstart a life transformation. For instance, a simple question for a person with a bad habit, is “why do you do that”. The follow up is key – “can you think of other ways of handling that?” I believe people do have the answers inside them. They just need to be asked the right questions and then find the leverage with which to make the desired change they want. Your hopes and dreams are there for a reason. You may have ignored them your whole life, yet, now is the time to give them some energy. Most people who consult with me are seeking increased happiness or more fulfillment. Some have achieved financial wealth, yet yearn for spiritual wealth. Some do yoga but can’t seem to get ahead in their careers. I’m sure you’ve heard before – there is no success or failure – only feedback. Perhaps you’re in a “bad” situation and instead of seeing it as a learning point, or stimulus for making a change, you’re stuck in the perceived shock or drama of it. If a relationship or job ends, it is not the end of the world even though it may feel that way. Some of the greatest leaders have suffered spectacular failures.

These are SIX quality questions that will kickstart you on the path to achieving your dreams: 

1. What do I dream of doing and how can I be paid to do it?

2. What is the ONE action step I can take today to get me closer to achieving my dreams?

3. How can I learn from this?

4. How have I chosen this, and when will I start taking complete responsibility for everything that happens in my life…?

5. What am I truly grateful for ?

6. How can I start sharing my dreams with others in a way that empowers myself and my dream, and empowers others too?

Take advantage of the opportunity to book a personal consultation with David G Arenson ND (our visiting Holistic Specialist) for a LIFE TRANSFORMATION session at MesaStila (December 2013 – February 2014)