Eat more to Lose Fat?

Anyone who has followed a low calorie diet will attest to the fact that it is extremely difficult to stay on, especially when your biochemistry seems to be working against you. Simply put: Low calories = lowered leptin = increased appetite and cravings

Keeping your thyroid revving

When we discuss metabolism and our ability to burn calories effectively, we must give credit where credit is due. In this case we must give special mention to that little gland that lies in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple–the thyroid gland. Your thyroid gland is responsible for controlling the bodies overall metabolism with the aid of its specialized hormones–thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Even though 93% of the hormone secreted by the thyroid is T4, the great majority of T4 must be converted to T3 (the metabolically active thyroid hormone) in order to enhance metabolism.

Leptin also has the ability to lower your metabolic rate by negatively affecting the conversion of your thyroid hormones when you skip meals or severely restrict your calories–the end result is you find it next to impossible to lose any more fat.

A human study presented in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, proved that the thyroid lowering effects brought on by declining leptin levels–through weight loss and dieting–could actually be reversed by administration of “replacement” doses of leptin. But before you go asking your family doctor for an injection of leptin, let me explain how you can naturally stimulate its production.

Don’t be deceived by the “fad diet promise” of losing tons of weight in minimal time. As mentioned, severe caloric deprivation will send leptin plummeting. Instead, teach yourself to eat smaller meals 5 – 6 times a day (two high-alpha whey protein shakes and three small well balanced meals) and whatever you do, don’t skip meals–this tactic leads to lower levels of leptin and negative changes in your thyroid hormones and the dreaded Why can’t I lose anymore weight syndrome!

Another little trick is to supplement with the mineral zinc. Zinc has been shown in studies to raise leptin levels. In fact, a study published in the journal Life Science showed that zinc was able to increase leptin production by a whopping 142%.

Take a good Multi-Vitamin like the Ultimate Multi – Repair – Replace – Replenish!

So remember…

n      Consume lean protein, fibrous carbs and essential fats with every meal

n      Eat smaller meals 5 – 6 times a day (2 as liquid shakes)

n      Never skip meals

- Add some weight-bearing exercises 2-4 times weekly