Christmas Survival Guide Part 2

 

Now that you’re at the party and everyone around you is toting a little plastic cup and a mile-high mound of sugary confection on their plates, what do you do?
STEP AWAY FROM THE TABLE.
 
LESS IS MORE.
Choose a small plate, fill up off of the crudités then move as far away from the table and bar as possible. Nibble away at your plate slowly and, when finished, sip on water or chew gum.

BE THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY YOU ARE!
While everyone else is stuffing their faces, take charge of the conversation. You’ll warm up the party while refraining from plumping up beside them.

TAKE THE FOCUS OFF THE FOOD.
The holidays are about celebrating so celebrate your friends and family, not the food.

WHITE OR RED? GREEN OR YELLOW?
Watch what you drink. Stay away from the sugary sodas and punches, steer clear of the calories-loaded beer and pass up the fat-packed eggnog.

IT’S A PARTY SO RELAX AND HAVE FUN.
Don’t forget why you’re celebrating so relax, enjoy yourself, give thanks and keep all things in moderation.

Christmas Survival Guide Part 1


So you’ve been invited to a party, a party complete with drinks, a buffet and all the trimmings…what should you do before you go? How do you prepare yourself before Holiday parties and dinners? How do you prevent temptation?
 

DO YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN RECORD TIME. Try speedwalking when shopping to burn calories, rev up your metabolism, pass the food court in a blur and, as an added bonus, you’ll get the shopping done quicker

GO FOR THE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS!
Just like any other day in the year, start your day with a good, wholesome, nutritious MMC shake. Keep your metabolism, energy and spirits elevated.

DRINK LIKE A FISH—WATER THAT IS.
Staying hydrated will stave off aches and pains, maintain energy, and you’ll be less likely to fill your hands with little plastic cups of alcoholic drinks when you arrive at the party.

GRAB A BITE ON THE WAY OUT.
Eat a light, healthy snack of fresh, crunchy veggies (like cucumbers or peppers) before going to a party. This way you won’t be famished when you arrive and you’ll be more likely to resist temptation at the buffet line.

BE AN ANGEL…BE THE DD! Volunteer ahead of time to be the designated driver for your friends. What better excuse to not gulp down those liquid calories one glass at a time!
 

Make Your Holidays Healthier: Part 1 Take Control


Happy Thanksgiving!

I absolutely love Thanksgiving. I love the food, the cooler weather, football, food, especially the food. Did I mention food? I actually enjoy seeing those family members that I only see once a year.Thanksgiving can be a stressful time when you’re dieting or just trying to maintain the good work you’ve done. There are many temptations that can set off a food splurge from now until New Years.
 
Here’s how to take control of the holidays instead of the holidays controlling you!

Save the sweatpants for sweating.
Wear something fitted, you’re less likely to overeat when you feel your belt or button.
 
Don’t skip meals in order to "save up" for Thanksgiving dinner. You’re more likely to overeat.

Portion size is critical. Fill your plate with half of you normally would and add more green vegetables that aren’t swimming in gravy, butter or sauce.

Do limit the caffeine, alcohol, sugar and red meat a few days before the big day. You don’t have to eliminate them completely. These foods can cause bloating, blood sugar spikes, and digestive issues.

Stop eating when you’re full. This sounds simple I know, but there tends to be a lot of mindless eating around the dinner table as conversation starts to lag. It takes 15-20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that "it’s full". By the time that happens you’ve eating too much and may not feel so good. Give your body a little time to catch up to your brain.


My goal this year is to not gain any weight, but I think I’ve figured out I might actually lose a little.

Make Your Holidays Healthier Part 3 Made Over Meals

If your family is anything like mine, they cringe at the thought of their holiday meal traditions being "messed with". Well, my family doesn't cook Thanksgiving dinner, I do, and I've decided that what they don't know won't hurt them, it might actually help them. They'll still get their turkey and fixin's, they'll just get them a little healthier.

Check out these made over Thanksgiving menu ideas:

Marinated Turkey Breast Serves 6-8













How many times has the perfect turkey on the outside been something totally different on the inside? Let’s leave that perfect looking turkey to Norman Rockwell and make a perfect tasting turkey that will leave your family and friends "gobbling" for more....

1 (4-5 lb) boneless turkey breast
4 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp fresh black pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme


In a large bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, and thyme. Rub the turkey with the mixture, being sure to get under the skin, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 6-24 hours.
 
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place the breast in a roasting pan on a small rack to lift it off of the bottom. Cover with a tight fitting lid and roast 20-25 minutes per pound (about 1 hour 15 minutes) until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 170 degrees.


Nutrition Information per 6 oz Serving

Calories: 177, Fat: 2.4g, Cholesterol: 68mg, Protein: 38.3g, Carbohydrate 0g, Fiber: 0g, Sodium: 2434mg




Roasted Brussel Sprouts Serves 4-6















Brussel sprouts get a bad rap for a good reason. Most of us remember bitter, soggy, mushy, pale "bounce-able" balls rolling around our plates. Well, not this time. This recipe for brussel sprouts is sure to redeem their reputation wit ha sweet savory balance that features a Maple Flavored Pancake Syrup (made by Walden Farms) that has zero calories, sugar and fat. Too good to be true?


2 tsp olive oil
1 lb fresh brussel sprouts, cut in half through the stem (do not use frozen, they contain too much water)
2 shallots peeled and cut into half moons
2 tbsp + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp Walden Farms Maple Flavored pancake Syrup
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 tbsp Smart Balance butter substitute
Pinch cayenne pepper
Salt & Pepper to taste


Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until the oil is shiny. Carefully place the sprouts, cut side down, and cook until brown (5-7 min) stirring occasionally.

Stir in the shallots, 2 tbsp vinegar, syrup, thyme, salt, pepper and cayenne. The cayenne does not add any heat in this dish. It helps the brussel sprout bring out its own flavor.

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the sprouts are bright green and just tender, (6-8 min).

Uncover, increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the liquid has evaporated (3-5 min).
As soon as the liquid has evaporated, remove from the heat, stir in the remaining tsp of vinegar and butter substitute and serve.





Better Than Usual Cranberry Sauce Makes about 2 Cups




















No canned jelly cranberry sauce here. Fresh cranberries with a sweet/tart sauce, delicious.

1 medium bag fresh cranberries (12 oz.)
1/2 C Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
1 C water
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 tsp orange zest
1/8 tsp cloves, ground


In a medium sauce pan, bring all ingredients to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Bring to room temperature and serve or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information per 1/4 Cup Serving
Calories: 65, Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Protein: 0g, Fiber 1g, Carbohydrate 14g, Sodium: 0mg

*This recipe is for patients on the Nutriplus or Maintenance Program and not recommended for patients still losing weight. It is a healthier alternative to traditional cranberry sauce.





Make Your Holidays Healthier: Part 2 Step Away from the Table



The first thing my family thinks about when the word Thanksgiving is mention is FOOD! I'm working to change that word to FAMILY or FUN or anything else, it's difficult. I can't just drop that kind of change on these people, we have to work up to it, BUT I know my family and I'm learning how to take their attention off the table. Let's go fishing, usually does the trick. For your family, it may be the mention of a family football game, you know what clicks.
Here's how to get those "gobblers" (couldn't resist) off the couch and involved in some old fashioned family fun.

Step 1) Plan a group walk after dinner. Chances are, you'll have others that will want to go with you and once others have committed, it's hard to bail on them. Walk briskly, exert a little energy and you'll be in a better position to resist that piece of pie.

Step 2) Plan a family football game. A game of touch football is a great way to get your energy moving and have some fun.

Step 3) Take a drive to check out the changing leaves. If you can, get out of the car and walk through them, even better. If you have little ones, send them on a scavenger hunt (pine cones, feather, stick with 3 branches, acorn, etc.).

Step4) Plan a shopping trip for the next day. This might be my personal favorite. There is a lot of walking that happens in the mall and the parking lot the day after Thanksgiving.

Candy: Halloween's Trick

Halloween can be full of tricks. All of those ''fun-sized'' tricks out there that tempt you to have just one piece, but beware—those tiny, innocent-looking "fun" treats can add up if you're not careful! Some people try to make better choices in favor of candy that advertises low-fat choices, like Twizzlers, thinking that they are doing their waistlines a favor. But low-fat does not mean low-sugar.

One fun-sized pack of peanut M&Ms contains 90 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 9 grams of sugar. In comparison, one serving of Twizzlers (3 Twizzlers) (low-fat) has 120 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 15 grams of sugar. It just goes to show that low-fat doesn't mean low-sugar. Also, if that sugar isn't used up, it will be stored as fat.

Of course, candy is still candy, no matter how you analyze it—it's all sugar, fat, and bright pretty colors. Obviously, choosing not to eat any candy would be the best choice, but let's be real: It's Halloween. Just remember that moderation is key. If you can fit your treat into your eating plan for the day, then have it but, it does count and it can add up. So BEWARE!

But above all, relax! Remember: YOU are in control. Instead of worrying and fixating on all that candy, focus on all the other wonderful moments that are going on around you.

Have Fun & Happy Halloween!

Snake Oil or Science


I like snake oil, too. Rub it on, dab a little under your arms, inject a little bit in your abdominal wall…and POOF! Belly fat be gone! Cellulite liquefies and a phalanx of macrophages will mobilize and sweep all that gooey, fatty debris away! Fun and easy, and you don’t even have to get up from the couch while you rub on the magic fat reducing liniment.
“Not So Fast, My Friend”
Yeah, we all want to lose weight, but what we really want is to keep it off. This is where the science comes in. There are some fun steps, based on science, which we take to achieve long lasting results.

Steps To Achieve Long Lasting Results

Step #1: Move. Shake a tail feather. Studies show that those who incorporate exercise daily are able to keep the weight off. They are creative with their exercise: they stand up at their desk; they walk while talking on the phone; they do jumping jacks during commercials. Use your creativity.

Step #2: Drink the good stuff. It also happens to be the cheap stuff. Dehydration and fatigue go hand-in-hand. Some studies suggest that even mild dehydration can slow metabolism and also your energy. So, bend your elbow and drink plenty of good, cold, plain water.

Step #3: Drink even more. A little coffee or tea can boost your energy, metabolism and focus. Just don’t overdo it—we all need our sleep.

Step#4: Spice up your life—pepper your food. Hot spices help clean out those Lowcountry sinuses. Recent research suggests that piperine found in black pepper helps block the formation of new fat cells. Keep the pepper away from our offensive linemen, but the rest of us can liberally sprinkle away. Curry is my favorite as well as ginger and turmeric. The Asians have long recognized the medical properties of spices—in addition to the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, research suggests that it may aid in fat metabolism. Bollywood here we come! Those with gallstones or bile obstruction should stay home.

Step #5: Got gas? Some of our Latino brethren have figured it out. They add epazote (Mexican tea) to those bloat producing foods. Your date might really appreciate it and ask you to tango—YES! With You!
So, there is some science out there that can help you. Start with some easy steps. Add in some challenges. Stir well. Simmer…and…POOF! You just might end up healthy!

 Metabolic Medical Center
visit us online at www.goingmetabolic.com.

New feature each month you will meet one of our medical techs.

This is Farrah.
Hi!
I’m proud to say I have been a member of the MMC team for almost 14 years. During this time, we have helped thousands of South Carolinians make lifestyle changes and reach their weight loss goals.
I’m passionate about my job and really enjoy what we do. Motivating others also keeps me motivated! To stay fit and healthy I work out and follow our maintenance plan. Any exercise that involves water is a favorite. I use our protein supplements on a daily basis.
Every morning I add my hot black coffee to our Amaretto hot chocolate mix. That is my breakfast and coffee all in one. This also eliminates the need for cream and sugar and saves a ton of calories. Coffees, lattes and other morning beverages can end upwards of 700 calories just by adding a few things to them. You could have had a piece of cake!
Mine is only 80 calories and I have started my day off on the right foot. We will teach you easy exchanges like this one that has helped myself and others so much. Come in and let us help you too!

Dr. Michal Baird is the medical director of Metabolic Medical Center (MMC). She graduated from Medical University of South Carolina with a MD degree and completed a residency in Emergency Medicine in Worcester, Mass. She practiced emergency medicine full time from 1982 to 2003 and part-time from 2003 to 2005, along with working at MMC. She started working full time at MMC as Medical Director in December 2005. She is married and her husband is employed by the Charleston County school system. He is also an artist and part-time musician. Their son will be a freshman at Clemson in the fall. Her passions are cooking, college sports and promoting good health.

Have Fun, Lose Weight,
Get Healthy and Love Life!

Metabolic Medical Center article.
Metabolic Medical Center
Metabolic Medical Center Facebook Page

Fall Bucket List



Great Ideas for the Whole Family!

  1. Go on a hike.
  2. Volunteer together (food pantry, church, homeless shelter)
  3. Make old fashioned corn cob dolls. Learn How.
  4. Play football.
  5. Make your own Halloween costume.
  6. Enjoy a high school football game together.
  7. Make leaf prints on paper.
  8. Make a forest scavenger hunt. (Find an oak leaf, a pine cone, caterpillar, etc)
  9. Laminate some large leaves and make magnets.
  10. Make bird feeders. Take a pine cone, spread peanut butter all over the outside, roll it in birdseed and hang it from a tree close to a window.
  11. Make a thankful tree. On a large piece of paper, draw a tree trunk and several limbs. Make fingerprints as leaves and write little things you are thankful for.
  12. Give everyone a disposable camera and go on a nature walk and take photos.
  13. Make hand print turkeys.
  14. Go to a pumpkin patch.
  15. Walk through a corn maze.
  16. Visit a fair.
  17. Carve pumpkins.
  18. Make leaf place mats. Glue leaves onto a piece of paper and laminate.
  19. Make apple stamped paintings.
  20. Go through a graveyard and make tombstone rubbings.
  21. Go star gazing.
  22. Host a fall carnival.
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Exercise Alone Will Not Achieve Significant Weight Loss


Exercise Alone Will Not Achieve Significant Weight Loss
 
Without significantly changing their diets,
few succeed. As a personal trainer for
the past 17 years I have seen this first
hand... you can exercise nonstop but if
you do not change your nutritional
plan... significant weight loss is almost
impossible!

Exercise alone is not going to help
you lose weight, but hold on – what the
heck are you supposed to do then? Eat
healthier, of course. And eat specifically
to lose weight, if that’s your goal.

The take-home point is not to stop
exercising, but to know why you’re
exercising. For example: A 2009 British
Journal of Sports Medicine study
revealed that 26 of 58 overweight
patients failed to achieve any weightloss
progress through exercise. Because
physical activity did make them healthier
in other ways, including blood pressure,
resting heart rate and positive
mood, “exercise should be encouraged
and the emphasis on weight loss
reduced,” the report concluded.

If you’re going to the gym for one
hour, how many calories are you burning?”
Probably 200, 300, or if you’re
working really hard, 400. If you eat a
piece of brownie, that’s 100 calories in
less than a minute. It’s so easy to underestimate
your calorie intake. When you
eat out, you might take in 1,500 to 2,000
calories. To burn that many calories on a
treadmill, you’d have to do 90 minutes
every single day, seven days a week. It’s
not realistic.

A growing body of science suggests
that exercise does have an important
role in weight loss. That role, however,
is different from what many people
expect and probably wish. The newest
science suggests that exercise alone will
not make you thin, but it may determine
whether you stay thin, if you can
achieve that state. Exercise doesn’t necessarily
help get the weight off but
WILL definitely help KEEP the weight
off...

Let us, at Metabolic Medical Center,
give you the nutritional tools you need
to achieve your weight loss goals. Call
843.357.2851 and start losing weight
today!


By Star Sade,

Metabolic Medical Center

Does Your Metabolism Need Resuscitation



By Michal Baird, M.D.

metabolism

Did your metabolism FLAT LINE a few years ago? No matter what you do, no matter what you eat… you still can’t seem to LOSE WEIGHT!!

How Your Metabolism Works

Your metabolism involves hormones and enzymes that take food and drink and change them into energy. When you eat and drink more than you burn, you store the rest.
Your metabolism is influenced by your age, your heredity, your body composition (% body fat and muscle), and yes, your size.We will help you figure out your trouble spots and get your weight and energy headed in the right direction.
We Americans… we’re an interesting bunch. A lot of us don’t have time to eat any "real food" early in the day (or so we think). "Aye, there’s the rub"… trying to fit healthy foods into a busy lifestyle.
Cranking your engine with breakfast and having the correct foods for lunch is a great way to get your metabolism up and running. Skipping Food Increases Stress Hormones. Skipping food shoots up your stress hormones and then the hunger hormones get into the chase. Now, who wants those cortisol levels going higher and higher? Not me and not you. What is it about those cortisol levels that make us fat? Well, back in the Stone Age, when humans were out foraging for edible roots and berries, suddenly we would look around and…Yikes! There’s an enormous carnivorous bear and we’re on its menu! Adrenaline surges and causes all our fat cells to release fatty acids into our bloodstream to be used as quick energy. We need to make a speedy exit, and the adrenals jump into overdrive, releasing cortisol. This cortisol helps us handle the surge of energy and the release of fatty acids.
Flash forward to the modern world, and we’re not running away from hungry bears… in fact, we’re not even standing – we’re hunched over, staring at computer screens, enclosed by cubicles – so cortisol guides all that released fat toward our bellies, leading to toxic fatty deposits in and around our organs.
Great, huh? So what’s one to do? The Importance of Exercise Exercise is an effective stress reliever and it burns calories. So, get up, stand up. Take a minute. Close your eyes. Breathe. Perform some light exercise. Relieve some stress. Chill.
Exercise also gets your metabolism moving out of the slow lane and into passing gear. Use those muscles boys and girls! Using muscles can just be the simple act of getting up from a desk or couch – all motion can be classified as exercise. Walk, move around, use your arms and legs. Dance. Put on a James Brown song and get on the good foot! Every little bit helps!
The Benefits of Healthy Food There’s more good news. Healthy food can also ease the effect that stress has on our hormones. Healthy, fun and easy food can be found. We at MMC don’t expect perfection (how boring!) but we do hope to help you change a few bad eating habits.
ABC’S of Metabolic Resuscitation:
REMEMBER Your ABC’s…
■ Activity
■ Better Nutrition
■ Check for Endocrine Problems
And Don’t Forget the D!
Why wait? We’re in charge of the ABC’s~ you’ve got the D,
Do It Now!!
We Can Help!
For help resuscitating your metabolism, visit us online at www.goingmetabolic.com.

Physician Supervised Weight Loss

Why Choose a Physician Supervised Weight Loss Program?

There are a lot of weight loss programs out there that make all sorts of lofty claims. The reality is that losing weight in a healthy way and maintaining your weight long-term are commitments that requires focus and dedication. To make the process easier, I advocate taking a team approach with a physician or healthcare provider. So when looking for a program, choosing one that offers physician supervision can make finding your path toward a healthier weight and lifestyle a little less daunting. And you are more likely to reach your weight loss and management goals successfully. Here are 4 more reasons...

1. It Isn’t Just About Weight. Losing weight in a healthy way and maintaining that weight is about more than just dropping pounds. It is a lifestyle change. There are many facets to helping you lose weight and manage it long term -- exercise, diet, overall health, mental state, etc. Having a doctor help you figure out the right balance and a tailored path based on your current physical and mental state means you are doing what is best for your body and mind.

2. It is Safer than Doing It Alone. Adding dietary and exercise changes to your lifestyle can be stressful on the body. And you need to be mindful of any underlying health conditions you may have. Having supervision from a physician means that any stress or current changes in your health will be noticed and you and your doctor will take proactive measures. You are less likely to get injured or have other ill-effects than if you go at it alone or via a program that offers non-medical supervision.

3. You Can Have a Tailored Plan. Every person is different. Every weight loss plan should, therefore, be different. Weight loss programs should not be one size fits all. A physician supervised weight loss and management plan offers you a custom plan that fits your current medical state, goals and circumstances.

4. You Will Have Long Term Success. Given that a physician supervised weight loss program offers a safer, more well rounded, realistic and mindful path than one that is not medically supervised, you are more likely to have long term success maintaining your weight. Doctors know how weight loss affects the body. They know the balance of nutrition, exercise and recovery that a body needs to be healthy. They know how current medical conditions can affect that balance. And they know that you need a foundation of good medical care and support to be successful.

Metabolic Medical Centers

The Path to a New You



By Michal Baird, M.D., Medical Director Metabolic Medical Center
"I want to lose weight–I need to lose weight"–How many times have you said these words to yourself? "I’ll do better tomorrow"– and you do…until late afternoon or evening hits and it all falls apart. This scenario plays out again and again.



Those of us at Metabolic Medical Center understand. We will guide you through that
never-ending cycle of:

  I'm tired, I'm too busy, Oops-what's there to eat?

Soon you’ll be saying, "I’ve got more energy than I’ve had in 10 years!"
Your new cycle will be:
I'm busy, I have a plan, I'm eating healthy food and have energy!

How Do We Do It?

We begin by getting to know you—your preferences and your lifestyle. Then we proceed to a medical evaluation that includes:

■ A full metabolic blood panel

■ An EKG

■ Body measurements

■ Blood pressure, pulse, weight, and height

You will visit with a technician who reviews all of our eating plans with you. A physician continues the evaluation by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. We then provide you "your" customized eating plan.

As a full time physician with a full time family, I know what it is like to be busy. We will help you fit a healthy mindset into your contemporary American lifestyle, a lifestyle that is full of toddlers or teenagers (or both!), ballparks and weekend travel, and the demands of single parenthood. You’ve got precious little time for your health, or so you have come to believe.

Good Health and More Energy in Just Two Weeks

Metabolic Medical Center can get you on track for good health and more energy in as little as two weeks. We’ll address your needs and customize our eating plans to fit your personality, even if you say:

"I’m a picky eater!"

"I love my wine!"

"I love to graze and eat tailgate food!"

"I have to eat out for work."

"I eat what my kids eat (or don’t finish)."

You name it. We will help!
Most of our plans involve a blend of protein supplements and food. We get many compliments on our shakes. They are so good that a number of out-of-state folks order them online. We also have developed our own concoctions, such as Dr. B’s Magic Shake, a local favorite.


Our Goal For You
The eating plans also include vitamin supplements. We choose these with your current medications and needs in mind. Some of our patients take appetite suppressants; others do not. This option is guided by the patient’s medical history. Our goal is for you to have fun, lose weight, and get healthy and love life!
Metabolic Medical Center was born in 1996, lovingly put together by Dr. Douglas Jones, a local endocrinologist. Dr. Michal Baird came on board in 2003 and has been medical director since December 2005. We are one of the oldest weight loss centers in the Lowcountry, and our continued success bears out our experience and expertise. We opened our first office in Mt. Pleasant. Some of our patients were driving quite a distance to see us, so we opened satellite offices in West Ashley, Bluffton, Murrell’s Inlet and Columbia. The programs are the same, and you will see many of the same faces staffing each satellite. We encourage continuity. We are not a franchise. We are proud to be locally born and bred.

Chill Out, If it's cold, it's good


Chill Out, If it's cold, it's good. Avoid sugary sodas, alcoholic drinks, blended cocktails and fruit smoothies. Calories add up from sugar, alcohol, fruit and fats. These liquids don't fill you up or offer nutrients your body really needs for proper weight control and nutrition. These taste great going down, but leave you empty.


I'll just have a salad. Not all salads are created equally. Don't just assume that swapping a cold salad for a hot heavy meal is the answer. Watch your salads, avoid cheese, nuts, croutons, and mayo based salad dressing. These all add extra calories and fat that you will have to work off later.


Crash diets are okay if it's just a couple of days. Crash diets before that beach trip even if it's for "just a couple days" can do very serious harm to your body. Come to Metabolic for safe, supervised weight loss.


It's fruit so it must be healthy. Too much indulgence in summertime desserts leads to diet disaster.. Fruit is a slippery slope to sabotaging your diet. Keep fruit in check.


I'm sweating away all my fat. Just because you're sweating, doesn't mean your burning calories. If you're sitting in the sun, sweating and your heart rate isn't elevated, you're not burning calories. If you're exercising and your heart rate is elevated you're burning calories. Drink water to replenish. You are not sweating away your fat, you're sweating your good stuff.

11 Reasons to Slim Down During the Summer

Most of us resolve at the beginning of the year to lose weight and get ready for summer, but by the time summer hits that New's Years Resolution is a distant memory. Did you know that when the weather is warmer you actually have a better chance of losing weight AND keeping it off? Instead of losing weight and getting ready FOR summer let's lose weight DURING the summer.

Here's why summer is so successful:
1.) Let the Light Shine.
Sunshine, simple sunshine. You are generally happier, more motivated and more energetic in the summer due to the long sunlight hours. When the sun rises before 6 a.m. and sets after 9 p.m. you are more likely to be out, busy, and moving. Think of all the things you can get done before breakfast and after dinner.

2.) Hot and Heavy.
It's hot, do you really feel like eating that big, heavy meal? Hot weather is a natural appetite suppressant. It's easier to avoid fast food and processed food in the summer because you just don't want that "heavy" feeling.

3.) Take It All In.
Eat outside. Take a lite lunch to work and go outside during your break. You are more likely to slow down when you're outside watching birds (or people). Enjoy your break.

4.) Drink 'Til You Don't Drop.
Cold water goes down easy on a hot day. Sugary sodas will not quench your thirst like water will. Avoid sugary sodas and too many frozen alcoholic drinks they make you more thirsty and add empty calories. Also, avoid sport drinks, these are loaded with sugar,sodium and calories.

5.) Fresh and Fun.
Fresh vegetables from your local Farmer's Markets and roadside stands taste so much better than supermarket vegetables. Quality and freshness are always top notch from your local market, and the prices aren't bad either. Local markets and roadside stands will often throw in "freebies" like an extra tomato, squash or pepper.

6.) Storm the Docks!
Get to know your local Salty Dog. Fish, shrimp and crab have never been fresher than they are in the summer. Be there when the boats come in.

7.) Grillin' and Chillin'.
Grilling is a fast, easy and healthy cooking method that keeps your kitchen clean and cool.

8.) Dip More Than Your Toes.
Take advantage of your pool membership, local lakes, or the ocean. Why should the kids have all the fun? Swimming feels wonderful on a hot day as an exercise that keeps you cool. Enjoy it with the kids or a private respite for yourself.
Check out these great swim exercises.

9.) Polish Your Green Thumb.
If you want to grown your own vegetables, now's the time to do it. We are so blessed to live in an area that can successfully grow something or several things all year long. Taking care of your garden (large or small) is excellent exercise. Don't forget to plant fresh herbs! These plants are perfect for containers.

10.) Look for Deals.
(Here's a Metabolic secret) Our weight loss deals are better, look for buy one get one free deals. Like the ones at the bottom of this page.

11.) No waiting.
Our offices are not as crowded in the summer. You can get in, get out, and get on your way!

Your Blood Sugar and How it Affects your Weight Loss

Blood Sugar and the Effects on Weight Loss

By Star Sade, Metabolic Medical Center

Being aware of how your blood sugar affects your body can help you maintain a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Your blood sugar level affects how hungry you are and how energetic you feel. Your blood sugar level also tells your body whether to burn fat or store it ( a key for weight loss).

How it works
  • Insulin transports blood sugar from your blood to your body's cells, where it is converted into energy.
  • When you eat carbohydrate-rich foods, higher levels of insulin are produced, telling your body that you have plenty of energy. as a result, your body stops burning fat and starts to store it.
  • This insulin surge results in your insulin and blood sugar levels eventually being too low, and you start feeling hungry and tired, and then you want to eat something carbohydrate-rich again, which creates a vicious cycle.
Regulating your blood sugar level is the most effective way to BURN FAT.

Never skip a meal, especially breakfast, and eat healthy snacks between meals.

Eating frequently prevents hunger pangs and the binges that follow, provides consistent energy, and may be the single most effective way to maintain metabolism efficiency.

When you will be away from home or work, plan your snacks and take them along so that you will be able to eat regularly and won't be tempted by junk food. This may be good advice for people who stay at home, too.

But remember that it was probably snacking between meals that caused you to become overweight in the first place. It will be very important that any snacks are healthy, that they are pre-portioned so that you won't be tempted to overeat; and that meal sizes are reduced to compensate for the additional calories the snacks provide.

Here at Metabolic Medical Center we can teach you how to regulate your blood sugar levels and begin to lose weight in the healthiest way and to keep this weight off for life!

A Year from now You'll Wish You had Started Today!!!

Metabolic Medical Center of Murrells Inlet Article

Metabolic Medical Center Website

Coffee Benefits


More than an addiction. More than a simple "pick-me-up". Coffee has benefits to the body, inside and out.

Uses:

Mix any Profast Hot Drink package into your daily Cup of Joe and get added protein anytime.


Plant food. Add used grounds in your compost bin or directly into the soil. Rosebushes, azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons LOVE it.


Natural dye. Steep grounds (fresh or used) in hot water for a natural Easter egg dye or dye for fabrics and paper.


Skin exfoliate. A safe, gentle defoliant you can use all over your body including delicate facial skin. The caffeine in coffee beans perks up the look of your skin.


If you have a great use for coffee, let us know!

Metabolic Medical Center
Visit Metabolic Medical Center Facebook Page @ http://www.facebook.com/MetabolicMedicalCenter

Just Another Meatless Monday

Where's the beef? Have you been thinking about losing weight by reducing or eliminating meat from your diet? You're not alone. A growing trend in this country is something called "Meatless Monday". This current culinary movement advocates going without meat just one day out the week. Good idea? It can be as long as you get the proper nutrition. You can also save a little on your grocery bill. Too much meat in your diet raises your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and some types of cancers. Adding more plant based foods to your diet adds more fiber, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to be healthy and productive. You can do this too while on a weight loss program; just keep a few things in mind.


Protein, Protein, Protein. Protein is necessary for building muscle. Metabolic offers protein supplements, each containing 15g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrate, 0 fat and between 70-100 calories; these are a much better protein source than beans or grains. The carbohydrates in beans and grains are too high too lose weight, but the black bean is the best of the beans for its nutritional value. Other good protein sources are eggs, tofu, fish, and non-fat, plain Greek Yogurt.

Pumping Iron. Iron is necessary for healthy blood. Meat has the highest amount of absorbable iron, so when that's taken away the next best sources for iron are leafy greens. The darker the better and eat as much as you can. Kale, spinach, broccoli, okra, watercress- yummy.

B Energized. Vitamin B12 is needed for cell growth and repair and overall general health. It is only found naturally in animal products including dairy products and eggs. Look for healthy foods that have been fortified with vitamin B12. B12 shots are also available from your local Metabolic office.

Milk Will Do Your Body Good. Calcium is essential for healthy bones, nails, and teeth. But, milk is high in carbohydrates and if you're trying to get your calcium, stick with fat-free or reduced fat dairy products. Calcium supplements are available from all Metabolic Medical Centers.

If you feel this "Semi-Vegetarian" diet is something you would like to incorporate into your life, come in and talk with us. Maintaining a healthy, vegetarian diet takes a little planning but can be well worth it. It is possible for you to lose weight and still get all of your nutritional needs from a plant based diet, but the secret is knowing exactly what your nutritional needs are.

Let's find out together if eliminating meat one or two days a week would be right for you.

Metabolic Medical Center
http://mmcdiet.com

Qsymia Ingredients

Qsymia is a combination of two existing drugs: phentermine, an appetite-suppressing stimulant that has long been used for short-term weight loss, and topiramate, an anti-seizure medication used to treat epilepsy that makes people feel fuller after eating.

Qsymia diet pill approved by FDA

QSYMIA

Metabolic Medical Center

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Qsymia, the second new diet drug in a month, and the most effective of the weight-loss pills that the agency has considered in recent years.

Qsymia, made by Vivus Inc., receives market approval on the heels of Arena’s Belviq (lorcaserin), the diet pill cleared by the FDA in late June. Before these two new drugs, the last prescription weight-loss pill to be green-lit by the government was Roche’s Xenical (orlistat) 13 years ago, in 1999.

Diet pills have had a spotty history with the FDA, largely because of safety problems involving the heart. Other drugs — most notably fenfluramine, used in the popular weight-loss combination fen-phen — have been withdrawn from the market for such hazards, and new drugs have had to clear a high bar for consideration.

(MORE: A Brief History of Diet Pills and the FDA) The new pill, formerly known as Qnexa (the FDA asked Vivus to change the name to avoid confusion with another drug on the market), will be available by the fourth quarter of this year, according to the company’s president, Peter Tam.

Here’s what you need to know.

Who can use Qsymia? The drug is approved for obese adults with a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher. It can also be used by overweight adults, with a BMI of 27 or higher, if they have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.

How does it work? Qsymia is a combination of two existing drugs: phentermine, an appetite-suppressing stimulant that has long been used for short-term weight loss, and topiramate, an anti-seizure medication used to treat epilepsy that makes people feel fuller after eating.

Some doctors have already been prescribing the two drugs together for weight loss. Researchers say the key to Qsymia’s success is that it targets multiple brain pathways that trigger overeating. How much weight will I lose? It varies. In clinical trials, overweight and obese patients taking Qsymia for a year lost differing amounts of weight: on average, patients taking a middle dose of the drug lost 8.4% of their body weight; on a higher dose, patients lost 10.6%. Most of the weight came off in the first three months, so doctors should monitor patients at that point to see if the drug is working. The FDA notes that people who don’t lose at least 3% of their body weight by three months are unlikely to go on to lose any significant weight, so they should either be counseled to discontinue the drug or to try a higher dose (Qsymia will be available in two doses). If patients still don’t lose at least 5% of their weight after three additional months on the higher dose, they should quit taking Qsymia. The drug is designed to be used in conjunction with traditional weight-management strategies like diet and exercise. “This is not a magic pill. Patients can’t take it and think that’s all they have to do. It needs to be used with a lifestyle modification program,” W. Timothy Garvey, chair of the department of nutrition sciences at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, who studied Qsymia, told USA Today.

(MORE: The Secrets to Weight Loss: Keep a Food Journal, Don’t Skip Meals, Eat In) What if I just want to drop a few pounds? Doctors stress that because of the potential risks of the drug, dieters should not use the drug for cosmetic weight loss. “It’s not for patients who want to lose a few pounds,” Tam told USA Today. Of course, concerns remain that once the drug is on the market, doctors can prescribe it to all comers. To prevent that, Qsymia will be available only by mail order at first, so that physicians can’t dispense it from their offices. It will also be available in specialized pharmacies that register for the right to sell the drug, where pharmacists have been educated about Qsymia’s risks and can pass that information along to patients and doctors. What are the risks? Potential heart problems and birth defects. In trials, some people taking Qsymia had an increased heart rate as well as a condition called metabolic acidosis, which can lead to hyperventilation, fatigue and anorexia. One of the ingredients in Qsymia, topiramate, has also been linked in previous studies to birth defects including cleft lip and cleft palate in women who take it during pregnancy. Safety concerns led the FDA to reject Qsymia’s first bid for approval in 2010, but the agency and Vivus have now put in place strategies to reduce risk: for example, women of child-bearing age who want to take Qsymia must test negative for pregnancy before starting the drug and are expected to use contraception and take a pregnancy test once a month while on the drug. Worries remain, though: in a Vivus trial, 34 women on Qsymia became pregnant even though they were instructed to use contraception. (The company says no birth defects occurred.) Patients’ heart rate should also be monitored regularly while taking Qsymia. People with recent or unstable heart disease or stroke are not recommended to take the drug because of the potential heart risks. Vivus has also agreed to continue monitoring Qsymia users for side effects after the drug reaches market; in particular, it will conduct a long-term cardiovascular outcomes trial to assess the effect of Qsymia on major events like heart attack and stroke. (MORE: 5 Things You Need to Know About Belviq) Which is better, Qsymia or Belviq? In clinical trials, people taking Qsymia lost more weight; those taking Belviq lost 5.8% of their body weight on average after a year. Based on the side effects profiles, however, some might consider Belviq to be less risky. “The majority of obese patients wanting to try drug therapy will end up seeing both drugs, regardless of which one they take first,” Simos Simeonidis, an analyst at Cowen & Company, told the New York Times, noting that he thought Qsymia would sell better.

Why is this approval important? Because more than a third of American adults are obese — a proportion that’s growing — and there aren’t many effective weight-loss treatments out there to reverse the trend. Aside from diet and exercise or weight-loss surgery, patients have few options. The FDA’s approval of Qsymia, after such a long diet-drug drought and despite the potential safety problems that plague weight-loss pills, marks a willingness to make new solutions available.

How do you pronounce the name of this pill? Qsymia is pronounced cue-SIM-ee-uh.

(MORE: Calorie vs. Calorie: Study Evaluates Three Diets for Staying Slim) Alice Park is a writer at TIME. Find her on Twitter at @aliceparkny. You can also continue the discussion on TIME’s Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME. Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2012/07/18/qsymia-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-diet-pill/#ixzz211UyCkP7
Qysimia

Dramatic Weight Loss with Metabolic Shakes

Get Dramatic Weight Loss with Metabolic Shakes


Please visit our online store for the large selection of Profast Shakes.

Looking for a great tasting weight loss shake? Get Dramatic Results with our full line
of shakes and diet drinks.

Dramatic Weight Loss Shakes with Metabolic



Dramatic weight loss results with Metabolic Shakes


  • Dramatic weight loss shakes have 100 or less calories
  • Low Carbohydrates
  • Use a protein shake for a breakfast and start your day out right.
  • Dramatic results from weight loss shakes
  • Diet shakes can help maintain a healthy weight.



Dramatic Results from protein shakes




Dramatic Weight Loss Shakes
 
Use these high protein shakes as part of your daily nutritional values. Protein shakes are a good
source of nutrition which helps your body get all the vitamins and minerals it needs. These weight loss shakes will help you keep a balanced diet and lose weight at the same time.
 
All dramatic weight loss shakes are medical quality products that you find at your local weight loss centers.
 
You will not find a better price for these dramatic shakes anywhere.

Belviq weigh loss drug is approved

Belviq (FDA approved weight loss drug)


FDA NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: June 27, 2012
Media Inquiries: Stephanie Yao, 301-796-0394, stephanie.yao@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA approves Belviq to treat some overweight or obese adults
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride), as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management.

The drug is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) and who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia). BMI, which measures body fat based on an individual’s weight and height, is used to define the obesity and overweight categories.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults in the United States are obese. “Obesity threatens the overall well being of patients and is a major public health concern,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “The approval of this drug, used responsibly in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, provides a treatment option for Americans who are obese or are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition.”  

Belviq works by activating the serotonin 2C receptor in the brain. Activation of this receptor may help a person eat less and feel full after eating smaller amounts of food. The safety and efficacy of Belviq were evaluated in three randomized, placebo-controlled trials that included nearly 8,000 obese and overweight patients, with and without type 2 diabetes, treated for 52 to 104 weeks. All participants received lifestyle modification that consisted of a reduced calorie diet and exercise counseling. Compared with placebo, treatment with Belviq for up to one year was associated with average weight loss ranging from 3 percent to 3.7 percent. Belviq About 47 percent of patients without type 2 diabetes lost at least 5 percent of their body weight compared with about 23 percent of patients treated with placebo. In people with type 2 diabetes, about 38 percent of patients treated with Belviq and 16 percent treated with placebo lost at least 5 percent of their body weight. Belviq treatment was associated with favorable changes in glycemic control in those with type 2 diabetes.

The approved labeling for Belviq recommends that the drug be discontinued in patients who fail to lose 5 percent of their body weight after 12 weeks of treatment, as these patients are unlikely to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment. Belviq should not be used during pregnancy. Treatment with Belviq may cause serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome, particularly when taken with certain medicines that increase serotonin levels or activate serotonin receptors. These include, but are not limited to, drugs commonly used to treat depression and migraine. Belviq may also cause disturbances in attention or memory. In 1997, the weight-loss drugs fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine were withdrawn from the market after evidence emerged that they caused heart valve damage. This effect is assumed to be related to activation of the serotonin 2B receptor on heart tissue. When used at the approved dose of 10 milligrams twice a day, Belviq does not appear to activate the serotonin 2B receptor. Heart valve function was assessed by echocardiography in nearly 8,000 patients in the Belviq development program. There was no statistically significant difference in the development of FDA-defined valve abnormalities between Belviq and placebo-treated patients. Because preliminary data suggest that the number of serotonin 2B receptors may be increased in patients with congestive heart failure, Belviq should be used with caution in patients with this condition. Belviq has not been studied in patients with serious valvular heart disease.

The drug’s manufacturer will be required to conduct six postmarketing studies, including a long-term cardiovascular outcomes trial to assess the effect of Belviq on the risk for major adverse cardiac events such as heart attack and stroke. The most common side effects of Belviq in non-diabetic patients are headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation, and in diabetic patients are low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), headache, back pain, cough, and fatigue.

Belviq is manufactured by Arena Pharmaceuticals GmbH of Zofingen, Switzerland, and distributed by Eisai Inc. of Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

For more information: Approved Drugs: Questions and Answers CDC: Overweight and Obesity The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. #   Read our Blog: FDA Voice  

Visit the FDA on Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Twitter   RSS Feed for FDA News Releases

Belviq -

Healthy Salads, Really?

Restaurants are capitalizing on America's love affair with salads. Tempting you with sound good options, like popcorn chicken, artisan cheese, fresh fruit, and "crunchy" toppings. Take a closer look and you'll find breaded, processed, fried chicken, fatty cheeses, fruits loaded with extra sugar and buttery croutons all drowning under too much dressing. Not all salads are created equally.
It's sneaky, but we can fight back. Metabolic patients learn at a very early stage what really makes a healthy, well-balanced salad.
 
Let's take a closer look at some popular offenders:
 
Wendy's
Baja Salad
540 Calories
32g Fat
34g Carbs
1600mg Sodium








Macaroni Grill
Seared Sea Scallop Salad
1320 Calories
91g Fat
40g Carbs
2860mg Sodium

 


Olive Garden
Grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad
610 Calories
40g Fat
19g Carbs
1230mg Sodium

Nutritional information was gathered from each restaurant's posted information.