Embarking on a weight loss journey can be a transformative experience, impacting not only your physical health but also your emotional and spiritual well-being. Nutrition plays a vital role in this journey, especially during significant life changes or health treatments. This article explores weight loss strategies, drawing inspiration from real-life success stories and research-backed approaches.
The Importance of Nutrition
Nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment, throughout your treatment, during any stage of your cancer journey. All nutrition consultations are complimentary, assessing your current status and developing a plan for general nutrition. Making informed healthcare decisions is crucial, and understanding the role of nutrition is a key aspect of this.
A Personal Transformation
Consider the story of Jennifer Garner, who, at 36 years old and weighing 350 pounds, decided to make a life-changing decision. "I just wanted to make a change physically, emotionally and spiritually," she added. "I wanted to feel better inside." Garner consulted a team of medical professionals from Health Management Resources (HMR) and WVU Hospitals, along with a therapist. HMR, a national weight-management organization, helped Garner set up a weight and lifestyle change program.
She chose an aggressive approach that included exercise and a very low-calorie diet. Her initial goal was to lose 50 pounds, but as she surpassed that and reached 100 pounds, she decided to continue.
Exercise as a Cornerstone
Garner began her exercise program by walking on the indoor track at WVU’s Student Recreation Center. As she built stamina, she also began exercising on other equipment, including stair steppers and elliptical trainers. "One of the best parts of exercising at the Rec is everyone’s support," Garner said. Emily was the first person that made mention to what I refer to as my life transformation at the Rec Center," Garner said. "She was very encouraging."
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WVU offers many programs for students, faculty, and staff, which include exercise, nutrition, and mental health. The Rec Center offers free personal training and group classes to its members.
The Role of Support and Encouragement
Garner emphasizes the fun she has had during her transformation: "At this point my choice to share my journey is because I desire to be an educator and an inspiration to others." Garner sees her role now as an educator who can inform and show others that weight loss goals are attainable.
"Today, I feel amazing," Garner said. "My greatest compliment is when others say how healthy I look and sound. I believe achieving my own peace is in how I see myself. Today, I like how I see and feel about me. With my weight loss I have gained so much self-confidence."
Dietary Approaches
While Garner opted for a very low-calorie diet under medical supervision, other dietary approaches can also be effective. These may include incorporating smoothies, soups, and oats into your diet. Some people prefer food that is grass-fed and pasture-raised, with meat ingredients that are antibiotic and hormone-free. Pre-curated boxes containing 8-11 or 9-14 lbs can also be an option.
Addressing Childhood Obesity
Research indicates that exercise can improve health markers in overweight children. A study involving thirty-five children (Body mass index > or = 85(th) percentile, mean age 10.21+/-1.67 years, 17 females) with EDF were assessed for flow-mediated dilation (FMD), lipids, insulin, glucose, NO(2)+NO(3), asymmetric dimethylarginine, symmetric dimethylarginine, l-arginine, height, weight, aerobic fitness, and blood pressure. In a subsample, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and adiponectin were also assessed.
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The study found that exercise had significant improvements in FMD ( 5.56+/-5.04% compared with 0.263+/-4.54%, p=0.008), exercise time on the graded exercise test (53.59+/-91.54 compared with -12.83+/-68.10 seconds, p=0.025), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (-5.62+/-7.03 compared with -1.44+/-2.16 mmHg, p=0.05), weight (0.91+/-1.53 compared with 2.43+/-1.80 kg, p=0.017) and peak VO(2) (2.38+/-3.91 compared with -1.23+/-3.18 mg/kg/min, p=0.005) compared with the DTC. Thirteen EX subjects achieved normal EDF while ten did not. Twelve weeks of DDR-use improved FMD, aerobic fitness, and MAP in overweight children. Improvements occurred without changes in inflammatory markers or nitric oxide production.
Scientific Perspectives
Richard Bèliveau, Ph. D and Denis Gingras, Ph. (2006) Holly B. MINDI, Ms. H.E.A.L. Frankly Speaking about Cancer.
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