Staying Well 02

Don't Think Diet

Humans do lose weight on diets. Most of them gain back the pounds-and plus a few more. Successful weight loss occurs only when you make a permanent commitment to replacing refined, calorie-dense foods with foods that are natural and unrefined. It's not that difficult.

Typical American dinner: A big juicy steak, a load of potatoes either fried or mashed, and a half dollar size portion of vegetables. Humans can slash fat and calories simply by shifting the proportions. Humans should eat one-half or one-third the portion of meat (or substitute meat with fish) plus two big piles of veggies-and brown rice or another whole grain. You will still feel satisfied.

To cut fat even more, replace the meat with lentils or beans. Caution: If you don't feel well on a vegetarian diet, do not force yourself. We would estimate that one-third of the population has trouble metabolizing grains, fruits, vegetables and other carbohydrates. For these people, a carbohydrate intensive diet can cause big trouble-including heart disease or a cholesterol or blood sugar problem.

The mineral chromium is a great weight loss aid. It does burn fat, builds muscle and helps reduce cravings for foods containing sugar. Plus chromium may lower levels of LDL bad cholesterol and raise levels of HDL good cholesterol.

The problem with chromium is it is difficult to get enough of it from everyday foods. Vegetables are poor sources-most are grown in chromium depleted soil. Organ meat and dairy products contain chromium-but they are to fatty. Whole grains are chromium-rich, too, but they contain phytates-compounds that block the body's absorption of chromium and other trace elements.

To fix this chromium dilemma the human has made a chromium supplement. The higher educated humans suggest that you purchase a supply of chromium picolinate and use as follows: take 200micrograms three times a day, with meals-for any over weight adult, especially those who crave sweets or have a blood sugar or cholesterol/triglyceride problem. Caution: Chromium can cause glucose levels to drop in diabetics, requiring a reduction in dosage of insulin. Even if you don't have diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking chromium.