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health benefits of apple cider vinegar | weight loss los angeles
5Feb

Does drinking apple cider vinegar or taking supplements that contain it help with weight loss? 

Do you know someone who swears by apple cider vinegar (ACV), for suppressing their appetite when they’re on a diet? What about you? Have you ever given it a try? 

If you have tried it as a diet aid, you would certainly not be alone. The popularity of using ACV for weight loss rises and falls but never seems to go away. This is true, whether talking about its traditional liquid form or one of the newer supplements, like the gummies that are currently being advertised on TV. 

What Exactly Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

 

apple cider vinegar weight loss los angeles

Apple cider vinegar is apple juice that has been fermented by adding yeast. It then converts the sugar in the fruit into alcohol. Bacteria then interact with the alcohol to form acetic acid. This is where we get the unique sourness and pungent odor associated with vinegar. 

The U.S. does not specify what constitutes ACV, so, depending upon the process and the manufacturer. Thus, it can be difficult to know the exact makeup and amounts of components contained in commercial products. That said, most from reputable sources will contain some amount of pectin, which is fiber from the apples, and may have various vitamins and minerals added.

What Are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

Other than having the power to spice up a salad dressing, what is ACV used for? It would seem that there are quite a few ways that people make use of it and have been for a very long time.

For thousands of years, many different cultures have believed that apple cider vinegar possessed a variety of healing properties. Therefore, it has been used as an antibiotic, detoxifier, strength enhancer and to treat scurvy. The ancient Greeks thought it beneficial for aiding in the treatment of wounds. Lastly, even Hippocrates, known as “the father of modern medicine”, was said to have used it, as well as honey, to treat a wide range of ailments. 

Today, the list of applications for ACV is long. From topical uses for sunburn, mosquito bites, acne and dandruff to serious conditions like osteoarthritis, diabetes and even cancer. There are those who believe that it is an effective treatment. It should be noted, especially with serious issues like diabetes and cancer, almost all evidence is anecdotal: very little science-based research has been done. 

Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss

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The one area where you most hear about apple cider vinegar is weight loss. Once again, the research on this is negligible. That said, from the research that has been done it is believed that there is a possibility that it may help stabilize blood sugar levels. This would be significant because it’s those fluctuations that so often lead to sugary snack cravings. 

There are also those who feel that ACV may cause you to want to eat less. What isn’t understood, however, is whether this is due to any intrinsic appetite suppressing quality. Conversely, is this just because the taste of the vinegar turns you against wanting any sort of food for the rest of the day? The latter would likely not be a viable long-term solution for weight control.

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict on apple cider vinegar? Lack of research does not mean that it doesn’t have potential, and, for the most part, as long as used properly and in moderation, it is likely to do no harm. As for whether it is some sort of miracle cure or if it will actually help you lose weight, the verdict is still out. 

For now, the best way to take care of your health, including finding a weight loss program that works for you, is to find an experienced healthcare professional that you trust. 

The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging in Torrance, CA focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. Serving all of Los Angeles county, we strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition. Further more, we believe that along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. To learn more about our holistic approach or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.  

health benefits of apple cider vinegar

avoid holiday weight gain in LA
24Dec

15 Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Looking to avoid holiday weight gain? You’re not alone. The average American gains five pounds during the holiday season. This may seem inevitable with all those family gatherings, workplace events and other food- and drink-laden social engagements.  However, with a little planning, adding those extra pounds can be avoided

Set realistic Weight Loss goals

Come holiday season, it’s easy to set lofty goals about weight loss.  Write down your goals—keep them specific and attainable—and post them somewhere highly visible. If your goal is “stick to two cookies at every holiday party” seeing it periodically may help you commit.

  • Don’t starve yourself before a holiday meal or party.
    • You’ll only show up hungry and eat too much.  Keep your hunger in check with a few small meals throughout the day. Also, be sure to eat a small snack about 1 hr. before the holiday dinner.
  • Take snacks wherever you go

snacks to work los angeles | holiday weight loss

Without snacks comes hunger that lead you right over to the hors d’oeuvre table, which is usually hunks of cheese and other high-fat, calorie-dense fare.  Bring healthy snacks with you — in your glove compartment, purse, gym bag, and brief case.  Whenever hunger hits, you’re ready. If you’re hungry at the party, reach for the vegetables, fruit or rye crackers.

  • Select low calorie density foods first

A huge green salad, a plate of fresh fruit, and a side of roasted vegetables add up to a lot of food, but not a lot of calories.

  • Don’t stand by the food at the party

You will be less likely to partake in unconscious snacking all night if you instead move, mingle and socialize with friends. The closer you are to the food, the more you will eat.
Face away from the dessert spread and listen to cues from your gut rather than your eyes.

MORE WEIGHT LOSS TIPS!

  1. Eat and chew slowly

los angeles holiday weight loss

It pays off to pace yourself.   It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to register a “full” sensation and signal the brain that it’s had enough.  In addition, the quicker you eat, the less time the body has to register fullness.  Thus, slow down and take a second to savor each bite of food.
It’s best to go for a walk or chat with friends before dishing up seconds.

  • Stick to a regular routine with sleep and exercise.

Many times, feeling tired or stressed is mistaken for hunger.

  • De-stress

The holiday season is full of cheer, but it can also be stressful keeping up with family get-togethers.   Stress can trigger increased eating and cravings, especially for sugary carbohydrates.  Thus, if the holidays have you feeling overwhelmed, try out one of these ways to reduce stress. Meditation—using techniques like muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and mindfulness may work wonders when attempting to avoid holiday weight gain.

  • Stay consistent with exercise routine

how to lose weight during the holidays in los angeles

Exercise is especially critical during this time of larger-than-usual meals. In addition to your regular exercise schedule, plan activities like walks, hikes, bicycle rides, and dances with family and friends.  Seek out a professional to help you with your program if you need motivation.

  • Watch alcohol intake

Alcoholic beverages contain empty calories, offering little to no nutritional value and contributing to excess weight gain. Try having a seltzer with a lime twist or a glass of water between alcoholic drinks to help cut calories and remain well hydrated.  In addition, drinking too much alcohol  can cause us to lose inhibitions around food and start eating irresponsibly.

OUR FINAL 5 WEIGHT LOSS TIPS =)

  • Use tall, thin glasses for drinks

People pour less liquid into tall glasses than into shorter glasses.  With a taller glass, you’re likely to down less in one sitting (which is especially helpful when drinking booze).

  • Use smaller plates

Plate sizes have expanded significantly over the years.  Whenever possible, choose the smaller salad plate instead of a large dinner one. Using smaller plates can make it seem like you are eating more than you are.

  • Dealing with Cravings

dealing with cravings los angeles

It’s smart to acknowledge a few cravings instead of pushing them away completely. Forbidding a specific food or food group during the holiday season may only make it more attractive. Still want more of that apple pie after a couple of bites?

  • Wait before grabbing seconds.

Try thinking of a favorite holiday activity, like opening presents, watching Christmas movies, or playing in the snow. Daydreaming about pleasant activities or distracting yourself with just about any activity can reduce the intensity of food cravings. Try small tastes of the desserts you’re truly craving.

  • Drink water

Water helps people feel full, and therefore consume fewer calories.  Rather than guzzling calorie- and sugar-laden sodas and juices (which are associated with increased body fat and blood pressure) treat yourself to a glass of wine with dinner and keep your allegiance to water for the rest of the day.

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eating as an emotional coping aid los angeles
5Aug

How worried should we be about the extra pounds we’re putting on while stuck at home? 

With the effects of the pandemic stretching on far longer than most people had any idea that it would, a lot of us have begun to worry about the extra pounds that we are putting on. It was kind of fun to joke about a common experience in the beginning. Some were playfully calling it the COVID-5 or referring to COVID curves, but, as the months have gone by, COVID-15 doesn’t seem quite as amusing. 

Should we be worried? Have we stepped out on a slippery slope that there may be no getting off of? How important is it to try and stick to healthier food choices or even dive into a full-fledged weight loss regimen?

First of all, give yourself a break. This is not a situation in which any of us have the benefit of training or experience. Whatever your life was like before, it’s very different now. And not just for you. For everyone. Stress levels are off the charts. People are afraid. And isolated. No one really knows what to do or how long this is going to last. 

eating as an emotional coping aid los angeles

 

Eating As An Emotional Coping Aid in Los Angeles during Covid-19

Is a little emotional eating such a terrible way to cope? No, but…

Science tells us that when anxiety and stress levels go up, so does the production of the hormone cortisol, which has the effect of increasing our appetite. This has us reaching for cake, cookies, bread and other high sugar or high carb foods. Not just because they are our go-to comfort foods, but because they trigger the release of dopamine, which makes us feel better, at least temporarily. 

In normal times, if this is a common occurrence, it can certainly be a problem. In a global crisis, it helps to keep some perspective.  According to Mary Anne Cohen, a psychotherapist and the director of the New York Center for Eating Disorders, “This is not a normal time that we’re in. Your eating will not look normal. And we need to cultivate some humor about our foibles and a lot of self compassion.”

Perhaps the best approach is one that generally serves us well; balance. This would mean not beating ourselves up for reaching for a cookie while watching the evening news and, at the same time, developing other ways of dealing with our stress and anxiety.

Suggestions for Reducing Overeating During the Pandemic

  • Make sure you are eating enough so that you aren’t hungry and anxious at the same time
  • Practice being kind to yourself and avoid negative “self-talk”
  • Try to consistently get enough sleep
  • Do something physical every day, if only a walk around your neighborhood
  • Meditate
  • Find a new hobby or take an online class
  • Lessen feelings of isolation by staying connected to family, friends and co-workers with email, text, phone and internet-based technologies
  • Take advantage of the super-popular Zoom for sharing mealtime, having a book club, poker game or other types of group activity 

virtual connection with friends los angeles

The more you stay engaged and connected, the less likely you will be to rely solely on food to cope with the current situation. And remember that “this too shall pass”. If you do end up with a few extra pounds, the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging is here to help with a weight loss program designed specifically for you.   

The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. We strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. To learn more about our holistic approach or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form. 

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5May

Oral hygiene is essential for your overall wellbeing, not just your oral health. In fact, gum disease is a major risk factor for developing certain dangerous health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Brushing regularly is one of the best methods for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. However, how do you know which toothbrush is best to use?

5May

Lose Weight Without Losing Your Mind: The Small Changes that Get Results

dopamine and obesity los angeles
20Mar

Is it possible to be addicted to food in the same way that people are addicted to drugs? 
We live in a rapidly changing world. Many of those changes have improved life dramatically, but, unfortunately, that cannot be said for all of them. 40 years ago, the obesity rate for adults in the U.S. was right around 15%. Today, that has nearly tripled. 40% of American adults fall in the obese range and, even worse, another 33% are heading that direction by already being classified as overweight. 
It’s no secret that being overweight has negative consequences. Right along with all of that weight gain we have also seen increased diagnoses of serious health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. We know that carrying extra weight has significant health risks, not to mention the effects it has on quality of life; lower self-esteem and confidence, damage to relationships, anxiety and even depression. 
So, why don’t we just stop overeating or eating the kinds of foods that we know contribute to weight gain?

Does Dopamine Encourage Overeating or Does Overeating Affect Dopamine?

dopamine and obesity los angeles

Most people are aware of dopamine but are unlikely to know just how important it is to the internal functioning of the body. As a neurotransmitter, dopamine is responsible for the communication between nerve cells. These chemical messengers not only affect our ability to think and make plans but also to find interest in those thoughts and the world around us. Dopamine is crucial to our ability to feel pleasure. 
We have known for a long time that dopamine can be rapidly increased by the use of drugs, like cocaine. That dopamine rush is one of the main reasons that drug users are drawn to substances that have the potential for serious negative consequences on their lives. Repeated drug use, however, moves the bar for attaining that high, meaning that more drugs are needed to reach the same level. To make things even more challenging, those same drugs interfere with the body’s ability to make dopamine naturally, so, those periods off of drugs are even more emotionally unsatisfactory.

Eating, especially high-fat and high-sugar foods, is also a reinforcing behavior that creates feelings of pleasure, just like drugs. Researchers believe that obese people may have abnormal levels of dopamine in the brain. They are finding that the same addictive response may be playing out in those who seriously overeat. 
Studies done with rats have shown the same tendencies that are observed in the ones who have been given addicting levels of drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. When rats have access to high-fat foods, they eat as long as the food is available. Even when they know that they are going to receive an electric shot if they eat the high-fat food, it is hard for them to not keep eating it. 
Research is ongoing. What is currently not understood is whether obese individuals started with a biochemical imbalance and overeating is an attempt to compensate for there being less than the normal amount of dopamine or whether the overeating itself has caused the drop in dopamine, which then drives even more overeating. 
Is it possible to treat what can only be described as our epidemic of obesity with drugs or special programs focused on addictive behaviors? That is also the subject of current research. What we do know is the importance of nutritional counseling. Those who may be addicted to food do not have the option of going through a period of detox and making the choice to abstain: we need food to live. Finding a healthcare professional to help guide you through this difficult process should be your first step. 
The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. We strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. To learn more about our holistic approach or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.

free from obesity los angeles