From The Inside Out

The emphasis to adopt a healthy lifestyle can easily be on outward appearance.  It can be looking at old pictures or a celebrity/model of what you want to go back to or get to whether it is to lose weight and/or build muscle.   Your progress starts internally before you will see any results on the outside.  Remember that this is a process and changes will not come overnight.   There are countless advertisements of drink this or take that and you’ll lose weight in a short period of time.  Begin respecting the process and not a product.  Supplements are meant to complement your diet and can be of great assistance.  Depending on them may generate results in the short term, but in the long term will not be beneficial for your health.

Scientists have recently discovered that years of eating – and overeating – the typical American diet actually changes the brain. More specifically, it damages the signaling pathways in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates metabolism.  This can be overcome by changing your diet. “It’s about biology,” says Louisse Aronne, Director of the Comprehensive Weight-Control Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.  While some damage to the hypothalamus may be permanent, it’s possible to reverse much of it. “If less fatty food comes in, it reduces the rate of damage,” he explains, noting that it doesn’t matter so much which specific diet you follow, as long as it’s one that cuts calories, reduces fat, and reduces simple carbohydrates.

If you have taken a good look at a newly constructed or recently remodeled McDonald’s lately, you have seen the effect that fast-casual restaurants have had on fast food franchises, which are incorporating some fast-casual concepts into their models in order to meet the competition.   Taco Bell recently opened a new chain called US Taco Co.  Among those fast-casual concepts in the Top 30, Panera Bread, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panda Express posted healthy sales gains of 12, 17 and 11 percent, respectively, according to Technomic's 2013 report.  Cooking your own meals is ideal, but food chains are noticing that consumers want better options. 

Psychological disorders which obesity may trigger include depression, eating disorders, distorted body image, and low self-esteem.  Advertisers play on those emotions by offering quick fixes.  There isn’t a short cut.  Consistent health eating habits with exercise will improve your overall health, strength, and endurance.  You will feel the changes such as more energy and the ability to do more during your training sessions before you see any changes.  The key is to trust the process and be patient and diligent.   Enjoy the journey while you are pursuing the end result.

Jamaal Piper

Health and Wellness Consultant/Personal Trainer

www.piperpersonaltraining.com