Setting the Stage for Metabolic Syndrome
“If you’ve got a big gut and you start doing sit-ups, you are going to get bigger because you build up the muscle. You’ve got to get rid of that fat! How do you get rid of fat? By changing your diet.” — Jack LaLane
Engaging in an active lifestyle is one of many approaches MENDication utilizes in order to optimize metabolism, detoxification, and digestion. Going to the gym or fitness center can be one of the various ways we suggest to incorporate such activity into your life.
Today, I find it extremely common that people with obesity, especially men, are focusing on weight training rather than what they really need – increasing their metabolism. True, weight training can increase the metabolism. But, the increase is minuscule and minimally maintained when compared to these individuals caloric intake and the metabolic rate required to begin utilizing adipose stores. Not to mention, the common low-carbohydrate, high protein-based (usually animal meats) diet they use not only increases their caloric intake, but also makes their blood highly acidic, among other things (stresses the kidneys, steals calcium from bones, causes nutrient deficiencies). Add energy or performance drinks (sugar or sugar-free) and other potentially dangerous supplements and the combination can be deadly.
Over time, this setting promotes an acidic physiology, leading to degeneration of the body on all levels. This deteriorates the function of all organ systems at a rate faster than normal and the body begins to fall apart. As the metabolic rate slows and the body sludges up, aside from obesity other symptoms begin to manifest. Soon, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes (insulin resistance), and hyperlipidemia/hypercholesterolemia (high blood fat/cholesterol) are unveiled. This health tragedy has been defined as Metabolic Syndrome, which is reversible with proper attention.
MENDication typically recommends, especially for individuals with Body-Mass indices (BMI) greater than 30, to focus on aerobic/cardio-training in conjunction with circuit training (light weights, heavy repetition). Our expert trainers develop personalized training regimens which glean real results. These results are easily maintained as they emphasize variety, incorporating activity into simple, everyday activities, and teaching motivational techniques. The most important aspect being that it takes only one hour of your day! Any of these activities should be preceded by adequate stretching and warm-up. Together with the right approach to nutrition, not only will the excess fat be shed, but a whole body improvement will be achieved: greater muscle tone and strength, increased endurance/stamina, and improved flexibility.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I do most of what you said but can’t shed about 25 pounds that’s been stuck to me since after high school. I used to be lean and tone but now I have a fuller face, a gut that’s impossible to burn off, less energy, and look like the guy in the picture (not that bad though – lol). Not to mention I look way way older and I’m only 33 years old! I work out hard but feel like I’ve hit my plateau and I’m going nowhere. Even the advice the personal trainers at the gym give has not worked. Can you help me?
Of course we can help, Blake!
With your level of determination, I am certain MENDication can help you be “lean and tone” again. Despite having limited knowledge of your history and current lifestyle, I can safely deduce you have not optimized your metabolism, detoxification, nutrition, and/or digestion processes. I know this by the obvious, and very common, complaint of reaching a weight loss “plateau”, as well as the other signs and symptoms you shared.
Some recommendations I would make to anyone in your position: keep well hydrated; focus on circuit training and reserve strength training for only 20% of your weekly workout; if eating a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet, make sure it is not everyday and that the protein sources are mostly plant-based; eat more natural – more fruits and vegetables (those that you like and can tolerate); avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, salt, nicotine, and other chemicals (MSG, aspartame, sucralose, etc.) as much as possible.
Also, continue reading our blog, which supplements the MENDication program and helps to educate anyone interested in taking charge of their life and health. An article I’d highly recommend for you is “The Fantasy & Trauma of Low-Carbohydrate, High-Protein (LCHP) Diets”.
As MENDication personalizes its approach with each individual, I will send you some introductory information, a questionnaire, and program options in order to tailor an approach towards restoring your vitality and health.