However, today things have changed – it is no longer weight but waist-to-height-ratio that is measured. Recent studies have shown this to be a better indicator than the BMI for accessing your health risks to certain diseases and mortality.

What does this mean?

According to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism, the waist-to-height was the far better measure of risk – discouraging the use of weight-to-height calculation.

So what is the problem with BMI – for instance there have been many people who are thin and have low or normal BMI’s but still have heart attacks or die from strokes, do get diabetes. Then there are many people who have high BMI’s and seem to be in excellent cardiovascular shape.

The Body Mass Index takes into consideration weight and as we all know two people can weigh the same and be the same height, one could be very muscular while the other carries more fat. Then there are the pear shaped, apple shaped, or even an upside down pear shape people.

The fat around your waist is deemed the most dangerous place to have weight.

Fat around the abdomen – is metabolically active and produces various hormones that can be detrimental to health – diabetes, elevated blood pressure, and altered lipid (blood fat) levels.

So the waist-to-height
How does it work? It is calculated by dividing your waist measurement with your height, and takes gender into account which is important.

Male – Waist 32 inches – height 5’ 10” = 70 inches

Divide 32 by 70 = point 45

Female – Waist 29 inches – height 5′ 7″ = 67 inches

Divide – 29 by 67 = point 43

WOMEN
less than point 35 = far too thin
point 35 to 42 = Underweight
point 42 to 49 = Normal
point 49 to 54 = Overweight
point 54 to 58 = Seriously Overweight
over point 58 = Obese

MEN
less than point 35: Far too thin
point 35 to 43 = Underweight
point 43 to 53 = Normal
point 53 to 58 = Overweight
point 58 to 63 = Seriously Overweight
over point 63 = Obese

Lose your waist gain your health

Record you measurements once a month and date them

1) Loss of self-esteem

2) 40% drop in metabolism

3) Muscles shrink which further lowers metabolism

4) Heart output decreases by 40%

5) Regain weight that was lost after coming off a diet.

6) Preoccupation with certain foods

7) Gallstones, and sometimes the removal of the gall bladder due to dieting

25% of dieters on a liquid diet develop gallstones and need their gall bladder removed

9) Mental dullness

10) Increased risk of developing diabetes

10 Decreased sexual drive and interest

11) Elevated cholesterol levels

12) Elevated uric acid levels

13) Nausea

14) Headaches

15) Abnormal heart beat

16) Moods

17) Binging and cravings

18) Much less energy

Of course we are not addicted to food in the same way as cocaine addict is addicted to their drug, however there are some very big similarities. You may think this doesn’t apply to you but it probably does.

Statistically it is thought that a large amount of people eat compulsively. Food cravings develop and for some people these cravings can be for them as strong as an addiction to alcohol for an alcoholic, or a nicotine addiction. Otherwise everyone would eat sensibly all the time.

The body can fight back against deprivation of nutrients by escalating food cravings until they are strong enough to overwhelm the will, and for some these cravings don’t go away after they have stopped dieting and regained their weight. Most often than not because they still are not getting the nutrients they need.

The body will not switch off until it gets the nutrients it needs (I am not talking of calories), this is a built in safety mechanism. Some nutrients are vital to the body and sadly lacking in most people’s diet. When the body finally gets the nutrients it needs it will begin to tone down cravings, addictions and intolerances.

Some foods literally act like ‘drug foods’ as they create a false high in the brain, they change the brain chemistry – a feel good factor for a short time (like a drug such nicotine or alcohol). Some people overeat, consuming loads of refined processed foods giving them a temporary high, leaving them malnourished, as these foods will use up valuable resources, depleting the body’s reserves. These are what are called ‘empty calories’. They will leave you wanting more. They will eventually drain your energy and alter your brain chemistry.

Which foods do you love? Which foods do you think you would be unable to live without? Experience shows these foods could be the very foods you have a problem with. You may be using these foods unknowingly like a drug. Over the years I have seen it time after time.

A lot of people tell me they are not addicted to any particular food, but soon find out when they try eliminate certain foods, how dependent they really are. It often comes as a surprise to them, but do not worry we have had extensive experience in this area, making it easier for you to overcome these obstacles.

Of course the food industry is well aware that people crave certain foods like wheat, sugar, salt, and food grade chemicals like preservatives, sweeteners, colorings etc. The industry has made full use of this fact and everywhere you look there are products full of the ‘drug like’ ingredients! It’s good for business and luckily for the industry these food ingredients are very cheap.

What is well-being as opposed to dis-ease?  It is a balance, a harmonious lifestyle that enhances and energizes, as opposed to dragging you down, leaving you more tired and more vulnerable to dis-ease, dis-stress and weight problems.

Changes – anything worth having usually needs some dedication and staying power. It does take some effort and commitment but the results are usually well worth it. In the majority of cases changes are often easier than you first imagined.

The hardest thing of all for most people is changing their thought patterns,  as they seem deeply etched. There is no one simple answer here, some people find mantras or meditation a good technique other people choose to read inspirational books, some would rather listen to audio CDs or watch DVDs, some get a mentor, while others find their daily journal invaluable.

Do not let anyone tell you their way is the best. The only way, is the way that works for you, we are all different. Bear in mind you have not only developed ‘eating patterns’ but also developed ‘thought patterns’.

Be serious about making life-long changes, remember what you were doing in the past has not worked. The changes can be small and simple but the effects are profound. Don’t under-estimate how dramatic small shifts can be.

Think of a dripping tap, one tiny drop at a time, it’s just amazing how fast a bucket fills up – drop by drop.

The small changes add up and the affects can be quite dramatic. If you find some things too big to tackle, then start with the small and simple things.

Lipase

Research done on fatty tissue of overweight people showed their fatty tissue to be very deficient in lipase. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fat. It has been discovered that eating dead food puts on weight. What is meant by dead food? Foods that contain no enzymes and these foods most often than not lack the very nutrients (co-enzymes) the body needs for burning fat for energy. Without enough enzymes and nutrients, our fat stagnates.

Enzymes are needed by every chemical reaction in the body, our whole system is run by metabolic enzymes without these enzymes there is no life, no movement. Where do these all-important enzymes come from?

Our bodies can make enzymes. However, our bodies can only do this efficiently if they get the nutrients they need (the co-enzymes). In theory this statement is true in practice few people eat enough foods that are full of nutrients.

As we age our natural reserves decline.

Refining, processing and heating food above 60C, (about 140F) will destroy enzymes in foods. Take two seeds, boil only one of them. Then plant both of them in the same soil and water them both equally. As we all know only one of these sunflower seeds will germinate and grow. If you took grains of white rice and tried to sprout them nothing would happen -‘dead food’.

There are three types of enzymes

1) metabolic enzymes (found in places like the immune system)

2) digestive enzymes (needed for digestion)

3) food enzymes (found in fresh foods)

Our immune system reacts very differently according to what we have eaten. This may surprise you. Our white blood cells contain enzymes similar to those produced by the pancreas for digestion. These enzymes break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates that have managed to get into the blood stream. After a cooked meal our white blood cell count goes up considerably, it would appear to aid in the process of digestion by providing much needed enzymes. However, when we eat raw foods there is no substantial increase in our white blood count.

5 simple steps to increasing your enzyme levels on a daily basis -

1) Eat a natural ‘live’ yogurts, not only high in enzymes, it has a completely different effect on our bodies compared to milk that is treated with high temperature and is dead food. Natural ‘live’ yogurt also contains the correct bacteria encouraging the correct ‘bowel flora’ and protein helping to stabilise blood sugar levels.

2) Sprouted grains, beans and seeds are bursting with enzymes and the process dramatically increases the levels of vitamins and minerals (co-enzymes). It is so easy to do, it child’s play.

3) Fresh fruit and vegetables are full of enzymes and co-enzymes. However, fresh vegetables are easily robbed of their enzymes and many nutrients when boiled to death and then ant remaining nutrients are thrown down the drain with the water. The best way to eat vegetables – raw, lightly steamed, briefly stir-fried, salads and juices.

4) Juicing. You need a good quality cold pressed type juice extractor like the Champion Juicer for this job. Freshly made juices are highly concentrated with nutrients and those vital enzymes. Most cheap juicers produce too much heat, affecting the enzymes.

5) If you like eating muesli – there is only one way to eat it. Natural muesli must be soak in some water overnight, not so much water that in the morning it is swimming. This will activate enzymes that will get to work on the raw grains, nuts and seeds making them much easier for us to digest. Besides, this way you will also eat far less as the muesli expands in the bowl, not in your stomach.

ANTI-OXIDANTS It has been reported for years that the lack of antioxidants speeds up aging and deterioration, but now it is clear from new research a lack of antioxidants is fattening.

BIO-FLAVONOIDS are plant compounds that ensure healthy organs, veins and arteries, reducing fluid retention, cellulite etc.

CHLOROPHYLL is the green pigmentation in plants, fruits, and vegetables, it is a really powerful detoxifier, stimulating the body to get rid of any excess fluid, reducing cellulite and toxins.

DRUGS some prescription medication can cause some people to gain weight – check if yours does.

ENZYMES. Making sure you get enough enzymes is vital to speed up every process in the body. In research it was found that the fat cells of overweight people had less enzyme activity, than someone of normal weight.

FIVE-A-DAY is the very minimum daily requirement that is given to the general public as a guide line, which most people ignore. Evidence shows few people eat that much in a week let alone a day!

HYDROXCITRIC ACID found in brindle berries and grapefruits, is reported to curb the appetite, and speed up fat burning.

INSULIN Control your insulin levels better which will help to control the fat content of our cells better.

JUICES Avoid fruit juices due to the fact all the fiber has been removed. This means they enter the blood stream too fast and disturb the blood sugar levels raise – encouraging hunger and weight gain. Smoothies are different they maintain the fiber and usually have a protein powder or a yogurt added, maintaining better blood sugar levels.

KEEP WRITING A food mood journal has shown to help people lose weight. You can down download a free 90 day journal on this site – daily weight loss tips, secrets, and inspirational sayings.

LEARN TO RE-EDUCATE OUR TASTE BUDS a very important aspect to gaining health and losing weight.

MINERAL Chromium is a vital mineral and deficiency causes a problem with insulin, and sweet cravings. Eating sugar regularly helps to contribute to a chromium shortage.

NUTS are a good thing to eat in moderation. Important rules – never peanuts, only raw unroasted and unsalted nuts ie walnuts and almonds.

OFF THE COUCH – get moving anyway that suits you. It doesn’t have to be down the gym, it doesn’t mean you have to jog. Just get moving more. For instance if the phone rings get and walk around, anything just moving more.

PLATE SIZE Experiments showed time and time again people in general eat less when they use smaller plates or bowls.

QUESTION the hype the slimming industry advertising ups out there things like “instant weight loss that is guaranteed”. If it was that easy most people would be slim, there would be very few obese people. As the advertisers point out its simple, its easy, its quick, its……..      If only that were true!

RELAX Everyone needs some R and R occasionally. Stress is fattening and it is impossible to avoid all stress, but you can find ways to handle it better.

SLEEP Good quality sleep has been proven to help people lose weight and maintain their weight better. After a good night’s sleep your body maintains blood sugar levels better, and you are more energetic.

TRASH Completely clear out your kitchen cupboards – sort out all the food you have stored. Throw out all the out of date stuff (there is always some), put aside all the unhealthy stuff – read all the ingredients labels carefully – do you really want to be eating that? Put it aside and give to charity. Make a list of all the healthy food you would like to replace it all with.

UNITE Maybe you can get a friend to join you or a family member, other options are join a club or find a buddy on the internet. Some people do much better when they have support.

VOLUMIZE with more fresh food = less calories, more nutrients, less hunger, increased energy, better health and reduced weight. What do I mean by this – for example one large fruit salad (made with all the fruits you like) as opposed to a small piece of cake.

WATER Research points to the fact the brain gets confused between hunger and thirst, more often than people choose food instead of water.  So get hydrated on a regular basis and you turn down hunger.

X-RATED All artificial chemical sweeteners should be banned from your diet – research has proven that they set up a need for more sweet and fatty foods. Besides it’s not a food it’s a chemical, adding to your toxic load.

YOGURT Choose the natural plain yogurt – it is a protein, fully of good bacteria – helping to ensure better functioning bowels.

ZEAL FOR LIFE. Change your thinking and your outlook. More laughter, start by watching more comedies – spend less time with miserable people. Have more fun in general, take up a hobby or learn a new skill.

Sonia Jones ND from the Haven Spa and Health Clinic

If your diet is leaving you feeling tired and rundown you are on the wrong diet. Grabbing an energy drink is not the answer.

These drinks can include (they vary) methylxanthines (including caffeine), B vitamins, quarana ( a stimulant), taurine, ginseng (a mild stimulant, maltodextrin ( a form of sugar), carbonated water, inositol, creatine, carnitine, glucuronolactone (a naturally occuring chemical compound produced by the metabolism of glucose in the liver).

How much sugar each one contains varies – or they might come in a diet version with artificial chemical sweeteners.
These drink are centered around stimulants such as caffeine.

An 8oz drink can contain anything from 80mg of caffeine upwards and the newer ones a much as 400mg of caffeine!

There have been reports of nausea, and abnormal heart rhythms. Energy drinks may cause problems due to the “crash” that follows the energy ‘high’ that occurs after consumption.

France and Demark banned the popular energy drink Red Bull (we have all heard of) after the death of eighteen-year-old athlete Ross Cooney, who died after he played a basketball game after consuming four cans of the drink.

In Britain they warn pregnant women not to drink it.

In the US Red Bull was introduced in 1997 and is the dominant energy drink with a market share of about 47%. In the US the energy drink market has grown to $3 billion in 2005, $5.4 billion dollars in 2007, and predicted to reach $10 billion by 2010! That is a lot of money for a mixture of water, sugar (or artificial sweetener) and caffeine.

Check out my article called  Not good news for caffeine drinks – it can contributed to weight problems.

Sugar in its many disguises -

words ending in ‘ose’

Fructose (do not confuse concentrated fructose as being the same as found in fresh fruit)

Lactose

Dextrose

Glucose

Sucrose

Levulose

Galactose

Maltose

Dextrins

Dextrans

words ending in ‘ol’

Mannitol

Sorbitol

Xylitol

Others -

Corn syrup

Concentrated Cane Juice

Cane juice

Malto-dextrins

HFCS (high fructose corn syrup, found in so many processed foods and is highly concentrated)

Then there are Honey and Maple syrup – they act like sugar in the body.

Sonia Jones ND from The Haven Spa and Health Clinic

Many dieters use caffeine from coffee, tea or sodas (soft) drinks to help them use lose weight, they are in fact compounding the situation. Research is finding much evidence to suggest that the toxins contained in foods actually promote weight-gain!

Other research suggests that caffeine and alcohol destroy the vital nutrients needed for fat-burning.

Toxins within the body encourage free-radicals and they too use up vital nutrients that would otherwise be used for fat burning.

This is something naturopaths have been saying for years.