Quick Fix vs. Quick Boost

Kris Reid  BodyMakeover Expert

     I faced a challenge recently during the filming of new workout DVDs.  A few weeks prior to filming I had the opportunity to lecture on the topic of healthy eating and weight management for people with limited mobility.  The premise was that despite a lack of ability to exercise you can manage a healthy weight and optimum health.  The workshop was filmed and upon review of the footage, I decided I looked a little too bloated in my face for the new DVDs.  I felt I would need to lose about 8 pounds in order to really have the best on- camera look for what we wanted to accomplish. 

     We all have those special dates, reunions, weddings and other special events where we want to look our best. However, if we are already on the fast track to being healthy, how can we get that extra boost for that special upcoming event?  It's important to understand the difference between this, and a quick fix for weight.  Quick fixes include fasting, fad cleanses, starving, eliminating carbohydrates, and water pills.  Although these quick fixes may get your body to eliminate body fat (and sometimes muscle) a little faster than normal, they leave your metabolism in a worse condition than before you started them.  It is a much better idea to learn how to give your metabolism, and therefore, weight loss a boost. Quick fix, no. Quick boost, yes.

     It is important to note that while these quick boost ideas are healthy and continue moving you in the right direction, they are not sustainable for the long haul.  Why not?  These tricks are like pushing the pedal to the metal AND keeping it there.  Your body must be allowed to follow its usual cycles of highs and lows.  This is how your body maintains a low stress, weight-loss friendly environment. 

     Ok, ok, so what are these wonderful metabolic boosting ideas?   There are a few and  these can be combined for extra effects.  Let's first remember that the end result of fat metabolism is water.  Therefore, eliminating water is very important. 

     Try overloading on asparagus, cucumbers, and nopales which are all highly diuretic.  This will put your system in a mode that it wants to pump out as much water as possible and will therefore begin to metabolize fat much faster to keep up with the demand. 

     In addition to the veggie selection, try using only specific carbohydrates that promote water expulsion:  Cantaloupe, grapefruit (caution, counter interacts with certain medications), potatoes, pineapple, berries, honeydew melon, and beets. 

     Add an Alacer Electro Mix packet to each liter of water you drink during the day.  The extra electrolytes push water through the system thereby promoting more fat oxidation to keep up with the added hydrodynamic requirements. 

     This next fat burning trick is easy to implement and is scientifically proven to use 20 to 40 percent more energy through the sodium-potassium exchange pump.  This process swaps potassium for sodium in cells.  Therefore, add some foods with extra sodium (or just salt your food slightly) for two to three solid days.  Then, follow the previous three tips to force the sodium back out of the cell.  The result should be 3 days of level weigh then a quick drop thereafter. 

     If you have the time, two hours per day of cardio (split between morning and night) will really accelerate your fat burning.  It is important not to perform this beyond two weeks due to the potential to over train the body.  Maintain the same heart rate in the morning and night sessions. 

     The final super metabolism booster is somewhat more challenging to fit into a busy schedule but it works wonders combined with added cardio.   Instead of eating every two to three hours, eat every hour and split the meals in half.  This will rev your metabolism to levels it hasn't seen before. 

     I hope you these quick boost ideas have helped you to get some ideas for how to get that quick turbo charge for that special engagement. 

Yours in Good Health.