My Journey with Obesity:

What I'm Doing Now

I

I have abandoned ALL diets and regimented exercise programs of ALL kinds.  Since February, 2001, I have been visiting a whole person recovery center - The Life Center - here in Huntsville, Alabama. The treatment process here involves auricular acupuncture (in the ear), counseling, herbal supplements and practical suggestions for getting the metabolism moving again.  Over the years we have destroyed out bodies natural ability to process food properly and I truly believe unless we get our bodies working properly again, all the diets in the world will not make a long-term difference. 

I have come to believe that dealing with overweight issues is a matter of addressing it physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  I believe most attempts to lose that deal with only one or two of these areas will ultimately fail. 

I have lost 12 pounds as of this writing which isn't spectacular but I know it will continue and that it will last.  Some of the practical things I am doing to spur my metabolism to burn food better are:

1. Trying to eat 4-6 smaller meals a day.  By continually keeping food in your stomach - even a few bites - it keeps the "furnace" burning. 
2. Drinking lots of water - most people are dehydrated and thus their metabolism is hindered.  Just by increasing your daily intake of water, you can raise your metabolism. 
3. Increasing my activity level.  Yes, I sit in front of the computer too much.  I'm trying to get out more and even do some swimming occasionally.  I cannot walk much as I have knee and back problems. 

While skeptical at first, I now believe the acupuncture is changing my body and causing it to function more in the way it should.  And, the counseling is helping me learn to eat more healthily and to acknowlege the role food plays in my life. 

Whatever you plan to do about your overweight, please do not diet again or take supplements containing large quantities of Ma Huang.  While this is a natural herb, it is found in huge supply in products like Metabolite and can eventually cause liver damage.  The herbs I'm taking are Chinese supplements but are balanced and contain no Ma Huang at all. The main thing I believe a person has to do is get their metabolism working again.  When that happens, the body will allow you to eat most any food in reasonable quantities and you will lose the weight.  Remember, your goal should not be to lose weight but to become healthier. 

Design copyright© 2001, Sunrise Computer Services.