Over 40, apple-shaped (excess abdominal fat),
struggling to lose weight but continuing to gain, battling
high blood triglycerides, low HDLs (the good cholesterol)
and high blood pressure.
Do you recognize this woman?
If it's not you, you likely know someone who fits this
description. It's a profile that goes along with a condition
called metabolic syndrome (formerly known as syndrome X).
It affects millions of women today, and at its core is insulin
resistance.
Does Insulin Resistance Make Us Fat?
Although insulin resistance can lead to the health problems
described above, many people are more concerned whether high
insulin levels causes us to gain weight. There is scientific
support that too much insulin may affect the body's ability
to use calories efficiently, thereby causing fat gain, but
the question is what comes first – does excess body
fat cause insulin resistance or is it the other way around?
How Do I Improve Insulin Resistance?
Regardless which came first, many weight-struggling Americans
are cutting out carbohydrates to control insulin levels, hoping
to lose weight and avoid diabetes and heart disease in the
future. But this approach can be just as unhealthy as the
problem it's trying to solve. Because carbohydrates
are critical to health, eliminating them won't leave
you feeling well. The trick is in the balance – eating
carbohydrates in balance with other nutrients.
Consider these healthy steps to not only improve insulin
levels but to foster long-lasting well-being.
-
Eat well. At least three balanced meals
and a snack or two a day is what most active people need
to feel well. What's balanced? It includes a healthy
amount of carbohydrates. Check out our plate
model for healthy eating and past
FitBriefings on healthy eating to learn more. If this
represents a big improvement in your eating style, you
may again see body changes that could positively affect
your insulin status.
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Choose whole carbohydrates more often,
such as whole grain breads and cereals, beans, whole fruits
and vegetables. More refined carbohydrate foods such as
white bread and sugar are lower in fiber, which means
they may be digested more quickly and therefore impact
insulin levels more than higher-fiber foods. But note
that we're not saying you can't have the more
refined choices; there's room for treats in a healthy
eating plan.
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Think positively. How we think plays
a major role in our physical well-being. Set yourself
up for being your best with a healthy attitude that supports
your efforts instead of sabotaging them. For many women
who come to Green Mountain, this means being positive
about yourself even when our bodies are larger than societal
ideals. Remember, the healthy goal is not to be thin,
but to be well and enjoy
life.
For 37 years, Green Mountain at Fox Run has developed and refined a life-changing program exclusively for women seeking permanent strategies for healthy weight loss and healthy eating. More than just another weight loss retreat and spa, and definitely not a fat camp, Green Mountain combines proven science with what works in the real world, to offer an innovative non-diet lifestyle program. Our core weight loss program offers an integrated curriculum of practical, liveable techniques that helps women take charge of their eating, their bodies and their health. Unlike health fitness spa or adult weight loss camps, our approach is not focused on managing binge eating or just losing weight, but on how to maintain a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle. Our participants' long-term weight loss success is among the highest of any weight loss program, as documented in peer-reviewed scientific literature. Learn more about our women's weight loss program
©2006 Green Mountain at Fox Run, Ludlow,
Vermont. This information is the property of Green Mountain
at Fox Run. Permission to use single copies for personal,
noncommercial use is authorized. For all other purposes,
please see details.
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