Our hormones affect our health in many ways but one distinct way is – weight gain. Women with hormone imbalances can gain weight around their torso. Often their arms and legs are normal, and from the neck up they look awesome! Hormonally imbalanced men gain weight around their mid-sections and often are prone to develop pronounced breasts!
We know that Estrogen is produced in and increases fat cells. Simply put – the more Estrogen, the more cellular fat.
Here’s how to break the Estrogen cycle and then go on a weight management program:
Step One
Have your healthcare practitioner evaluate your hormones. You need to know the ratio of Estrogen to Progesterone currently in your body. If this ratio is out of balance, and you have Estrogen dominance, then you will likely have or currently be gaining weight around your middle.
Step Two
Consult with your healthcare practitioner whether you can engage in a Detox Program to cleanse your whole system before you engage in any new or altered meal plans. A Detox Program is an excellent way to initiate normalization of hormones and enzymes in your body.
Step Three
Under the supervision of your Health Practitioner begin an Estrogen-lowering program. This will likely include increasing your Progesterone levels with a natural treatment and / or therapy. Remember – hormone balancing was never all about Progesterone. Balancing Estrogens, if found to be out of balance to Progesterone, is equally important to your weight loss program.
A good Estrogen-lowering Program should include:
- Increase dietary fiber intake. This happens in two ways: 1.) Eat as much high fiber carbohydrates as you can by choosing fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 2.) You may need to add a fiber supplement (30 to 50 grams of fiber daily).
- Increase indole dietary intake. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower contain indoles in your diet. This also happens two ways: 1.)Eat as much indole containing veggies as you can and 2.) supplement with an indole-3-carbinol supplement. (Target 3 servings a day).
- Increase dietary essential fatty acid (EFA) intake. Theese are essential because the body does not make them. They help balance Prostaglandin production in the body and this in turn helps regulate Estrogens.
- Increase your overall nutrition by taking extra vitamin C and by taking a concentrated organic fruit and vegetable supplement.
Step Four
Eat 40/30/30. Incorporate a new way of approaching meals purposing to eat Carbohydrates Proteins and Fats in a balanced way at each meal. When we eat balanced meals our weight will normalize, our energy levels will increase and our hormones will be in balance.
Step Five
Get Moving. Develop a great exercise program with the help of a knowledgeable physical therapist or fitness instructor . Make sure the Program is tailored especially for you – one that you can do and are willing to make a commitment to keep.
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