The Diet Trends You Should Skip This January – And What to Do Instead
It’s January, and you know what that means—everywhere you turn, someone’s raving about the next big diet. From juice cleanses to keto to fasting apps, it seems like everyone’s got a “foolproof” way to lose weight fast. But here’s the truth: by mid-February, most of these diets have fizzled out, leaving you feeling defeated. Then before you know it, you’ve given up on your new year’s weight loss resolution. The problem isn’t you. It’s the diets. They’re designed to fail because they only address the surface, not the underlying issues holding you back. Let’s talk about why that happens and what you can do to break the cycle for good. The Biggest Yo-Yo Diet Trends Juice Cleanses Who doesn’t want a “reset” after the holidays? While you might lose water weight, juice cleanses lack the nutrients your body needs for energy and sustainable weight loss. Keto or Low-Carb Diets Cutting carbs works—for a while. But it’s hard to stick to, and without the right balance, it can leave you exhausted, cranky, and craving carbs even more. Intermittent Fasting While fasting can work for some, it can also wreak havoc on hormones, especially for women. Plus, skipping meals can lead to binge eating, which is counterproductive. Extreme Calorie Cutting Sure, you’ll drop pounds quickly—but at the cost of your metabolism and overall health. And when you start eating normally again? The weight piles back on. Why Diets Fail After a Few Weeks Most diets fail because they ignore the bigger picture—your body’s unique puzzle. Stress and Cortisol: Stress raises cortisol levels, which can lead to cravings, weight gain, and stubborn belly fat. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones like insulin, ghrelin, and leptin regulate hunger, fat storage, and energy. If they’re off, no diet will stick. One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Your body isn’t the same as your friend’s or co-worker’s. Generic plans don’t address your specific needs. What to Do Instead of Dieting If diets don’t work, what does? You need to get to the root cause of what’s really going on in your body. That’s where I come in with the $99 Root Cause Reset—a game-changing service designed to help you finally understand what’s holding you back. What Is the $99 Root Cause Reset? The $99 Root Cause Reset is a personalized, no-fluff approach to uncovering the real reasons behind your symptoms—whether it’s fatigue, bloating, or stubborn weight that just won’t budge. As the creator of Solaris Whole Health, I take a deep dive into your health history to piece together the puzzle that is YOU. This isn’t about looking at your lab results in black and white. It’s about identifying patterns, imbalances, and indicators that others may have missed. Here’s what’s included for just $99: ✔️ A comprehensive review of your bloodwork and past test results (as far back as 3-5 years). I’ll find the puzzle pieces that explain why your symptoms keep happening, and why diets haven’t worked for you. ✔️ Personalized recommendations to address symptoms like weight struggles, cravings, bloating, and fatigue—so you can finally feel your best. ✔️ Access to the Stress Less, Sleep More Quiz to pinpoint how sleep impacts your health. ✔️ Customized FREE nutritional advice with actionable next steps tailored to YOUR unique needs. If advanced testing is needed, I’ll recommend options that can be done at home or at work, and you’ll receive a one time code to get 20% off Solaris Premium Supplements to support your progress. Why It Works The $99 Root Cause Reset with Solaris Whole Health isn’t another quick fix. It’s a personalized plan based on YOU. Here’s why it’s different: I Dig Deep: I, Stephanie Solaris, review years of your health history to uncover hidden patterns that others may have overlooked. I don’t just treat the symptoms—I connect the dots to find the root cause of your issues. Your Puzzle, Solved: Hormones, stress, metabolism—these are the key pieces of your health puzzle. My job is to find what’s been “off” and create a strategy to fix it. Tailored to You: No two bodies are the same, so your health plan won’t be either. Let’s Make This Year Different If you’re tired of the yo-yo diet cycle, it’s time to try something new. The $99 Root Cause Reset helps you uncover what’s really holding you back—so you can finally lose the weight, feel better, and say goodbye to diet frustration. Click here to set up your FREE introductory consultation directly with me, Stephanie Solaris, if you have any questions. Or click here to purchase the $99 Root Cause Reset now and take the first step toward lasting wellness. This year, skip the fad diets and let’s tackle your health at its root cause. Your best self is waiting—let’s find it together.
8 Hormones Responsible for Weight Gain in Women
Hormones play a huge role in how our bodies function and look. If you’ve been struggling with sudden weight gain or find it difficult to shed those extra pounds, it might not just be about your diet or exercise routine—your hormones could be at play. Hormonal imbalances can make it hard to lose weight, even with the best efforts. So, getting your hormone levels checked could be the key to finally seeing the results you want. Hormones help maintain homeostasis, which is the body’s way of keeping everything in balance. This balance is crucial for managing weight, regulating metabolism, and maintaining reproductive health. Most women experience hormonal imbalances at some point due to factors like age, genetics, pregnancy, and menopause—all of which can lead to weight gain. But which hormones are the main culprits? Let’s dive into the key hormones linked to weight gain and how they control hunger, satiety, and metabolism. Which Hormone Imbalances Lead to Weight Gain? Weight gain can be frustrating, especially when it feels like you’re doing everything right. But did you know that your hormones might be to blame? Let’s break down the key hormones that, when out of whack, can cause those extra pounds to stick around. 1. Thyroid Hormones The thyroid gland is that small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, and it plays a big role in how your body’s metabolism works. Thyroid hormones—mainly T3 and T4—help regulate how quickly you burn calories and use energy. When everything’s working fine, your metabolism hums along at a normal pace. But if your thyroid isn’t producing enough of these hormones (a condition known as hypothyroidism), your metabolism can slow down, leading to weight gain and fatigue. Signs your thyroid might be off: If you’re dealing with unexplained weight gain, fatigue, feeling cold all the time, constipation, dry skin, thinning hair, or depression, your thyroid could be the culprit. How to manage it: A simple blood test can check your thyroid levels. If needed, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, diet adjustments, and regular exercise can help get things back on track. 2. Leptin Leptin is sometimes called the “satiety hormone” because it helps control your appetite. It’s produced by your body’s fat cells and sends signals to your brain to let you know when you’ve had enough to eat. But if your brain doesn’t get the message (a condition known as leptin resistance), you might end up feeling hungry all the time, leading to overeating and weight gain. Signs your leptin might be out of balance: Constant hunger, overeating, difficulty losing weight, especially around the belly, and fatigue are common signs of leptin resistance. How to manage it: Focus on a diet full of whole foods, reduce processed foods and sugar, and keep up a regular exercise routine. Stress management is also key since stress can mess with leptin sensitivity. 3. Insulin Insulin is produced by the pancreas and helps regulate your blood sugar levels. It allows your cells to take in glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream to use for energy or to store for later. But when your body doesn’t respond well to insulin (known as insulin resistance), your blood sugar stays high, which encourages fat storage—especially around your midsection. Signs your insulin might be off: If you’re feeling constantly hungry, gaining weight (especially around your abdomen), experiencing frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, or noticing dark patches of skin, insulin resistance could be the issue. How to manage it: Lower your sugar and refined carb intake, increase your fiber intake, and get regular exercise. These changes can help improve your insulin sensitivity, and in some cases, medication might be necessary. 4. Ghrelin Ghrelin, also known as the “hunger hormone,” is produced mainly in your stomach and signals your brain when it’s time to eat. Ghrelin levels naturally rise before meals and drop after eating. But if your ghrelin levels stay high even after eating, you might find yourself constantly hungry, leading to overeating and weight gain. Signs your ghrelin might be out of balance: If you’re always hungry, overeating, and finding it tough to lose weight, your ghrelin levels might be to blame. How to manage it: Maintain regular eating patterns, manage stress, get enough sleep, and avoid crash diets, which can disrupt ghrelin production. 5. Estrogen Estrogen is a key female hormone involved in reproductive health, bone health, and even fat distribution. High estrogen levels can cause your body to store more fat, while low levels—especially during menopause—can lead to increased fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. Signs your estrogen might be out of balance: High estrogen can cause weight gain in the hips and thighs, bloating, irregular periods, and mood swings. Low estrogen, on the other hand, can lead to abdominal weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. How to manage it: Hormone replacement therapy can help during menopause, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Foods rich in phytoestrogens, like flaxseeds and soy, can also help balance estrogen levels naturally. 6. Cortisol Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone” because it’s released by your adrenal glands in response to stress. It helps regulate metabolism, immune responses, and inflammation. But if you’re stressed out all the time, your cortisol levels can stay elevated, which promotes fat storage, especially around your belly. High cortisol levels also increase cravings for sugary and fatty foods, making it even harder to keep weight off. Signs your cortisol might be off: Weight gain (especially around the abdomen), thinning skin, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, anxiety, irritability, and trouble sleeping are all signs of high cortisol. How to manage it: Try stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Regular physical activity, good sleep, and a balanced diet low in sugar can also help keep cortisol levels in check. 7. Testosterone Testosterone isn’t just important for men—it’s also produced
Tidy Kitchen, Smart Shopping: Your Key to Weight Loss
Do you ever find yourself wandering into the kitchen, only to be greeted by a mess of pots, pans, and cluttered countertops? Or open a cabinet or pantry and not be able to find anything? As it turns out, a chaotic kitchen might be more than just an eyesore – it could be affecting your eating habits, waistline, and your health. It’s not really a surprise, is it? Messy homes and messy lives make most of us feel inadequate and out of control – and sweet, sugary or salty crunchy treats make us feel better, even if only for a moment. When the stress of everyday life hits us – well, the biscuit tin is handily within arm’s reach. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that messy kitchens, especially when coupled with feelings of being out of control, may lead to consuming more sweets. The research suggests that the state of our kitchen can influence our food choices, pushing us towards unhealthy options like sugary snacks when we’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter. In their study, participants were placed in either a cluttered or tidy kitchen environment and asked to wait for someone to arrive. While waiting, they were presented with the opportunity to snack on either cookies or carrots. The researchers found that those in the cluttered kitchen condition were more likely to choose the cookies over the healthier option of carrots. This indicates that cluttered environments can promote unhealthy eating behaviors, particularly when individuals feel out of control. This is a cool stat – Those in the orderly room were also three times more likely to choose the apple over the chocolate. The Link The link between clutter and unhealthy eating habits is not as far-fetched as it may seem. When our environment is cluttered and disorganized, it can create a sense of chaos and stress, which can, in turn, lead to emotional eating as a way to cope with those feelings of overwhelm. But fear not, because there’s a solution: decluttering your kitchen and shopping smarter! By taking the time to tidy up your cooking space, you can create a more peaceful and inviting environment that promotes healthier food choices. When your kitchen is clean and organized, you’re more likely to feel in control and empowered to make nourishing choices for your body. So, how exactly can you go about decluttering your kitchen and creating a space that supports your weight loss goals? Here are a few tips to get you started: Clear out the Clutter Begin by removing any unnecessary items from your kitchen countertops and expired foods in your cabinets, pantry and the refrigerator. Donate or discard items that you no longer use or need, and find designated homes for the items you decide to keep. Organize Your Pantry Take inventory of your pantry staples and organize it in a way that makes healthy choices more accessible; at eye level. While relocating less healthy options to less prominent positions in closed baskets up top. Trade out for these tasty healthy choices- Try adding tasty snacks like Bobs Red Mill Oatmeal, Biena dried chick pea snacks, Chomps Low Sugar Turkey jerky, or Edward and Son’s selection of Brown Rice Crackers . You can also opt for gluten free, low sugar granola like Purely Elizabeth’s or Siete Chips. Try foods for meals like- Eden Beans; kidney beans, navy beans, aduki beans and brown rice, quinoa. Use Simply Organic Mixes to make tacos, chili, yogurt bases, onion dip, or dairy free cheddar sauce. For baking add almond flour, and my favorite sugar replacement right now is King Authors Baking Sugar Alternative. You can also add Birch Benders Gluten free, low sugar Pancakes with Natures Hollow no sugar syrup. And remember to keep these all at eye level. And in that basket up top, trade out any chocolate with Lilly’s chocolate  or Pyure Hazelnut spread for a low sugar alternative. Have fun! Meal Prep with Purpose Pick 3-5 recipes you will make for the week. My favorite recipe-app right now is Plan To Eat. In this app you simply pick the recipe, add it to your planner and the ingredients pop up in your shopping list. You can set up separate shopping lists with your staple products as well. In addition, you’ll want to plan your snacks. Make a rotating list of different, healthy snacks to pick from. Then add the few you want to pick for the week to purchase. By devoting just 15 minutes weekly to crafting nutritious meal plans and preparing wholesome snacks in advance, it can foster a sense of contentment, fulfillment, and abundance; while also curbing impulsive tendencies. By having nutritious options readily available, you’ll be less tempted to reach for unhealthy convenience foods or take-out most nights. Streamline Your Shopping Habits With your meal plan in place, grocery shopping becomes much easier and less impulsive. You’re thinking of the meals you will be eating, how they taste, and how they make you feel versus being randomly tempted by the items they are pushing on the end caps. We’ve all heard this advice..and it stands to be repeated; ‘go to the grocery store full!’ If you forget to eat first, or are running to the store after a day of errands, do this first- purchase a bottle of water and either an apple, carrots, or protein bar. Yes, I said it, eat while you shop; just eat with intention! It will calm you down, slow you down, and get you out of the ‘fight or flight’ mode that you were in. It will set you up for making healthier choices and help you avoid those impulsive purchases of unhealthy foods.  We’ve all also heard the saying, ‘shop the perimeter of the grocery store’, where fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains are typically located. If you shop your healthy meal
The Silent Player: How Poor Gut Health Impacts Weight Loss and Long-Term Wellness
Maintaining a healthy weight becomes a more intricate journey as we age, and one often overlooked aspect is the role of gut health. Even if you were in peak shape in your younger years, the aging process introduces new challenges to weight management. The Gut’s Role in Weight Loss The gut plays a pivotal role in weight management. Years of poor gut health can disrupt the delicate balance of gut microbiota, affecting digestion, nutrient absorption, and metabolism. As we age, our gut becomes less forgiving, making it harder to shed those extra pounds. The Aging Gut & Weight Management It’s a common misconception that if you were in shape during your younger years, that weight management will remain just as easy as you age. In actuality, the aging process brings about changes in metabolism, hormonal balance, and gut function. As we grow older, the diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria in our gut tend to decline. This decline can lead to a less efficient digestion process, making it challenging for the body to extract nutrients from food. Additionally, age-related changes in hormones, such as decreased growth hormone and estrogen levels, can impact muscle mass and metabolism. Moreover, factors like a sedentary lifestyle, medications, and dietary choices over the years can contribute to an altered gut environment. These changes often result in a slower metabolism, increased fat storage, and a higher susceptibility to weight gain. Unlocking the Potential with Functional Medicine Functional medicine has gained significant popularity due to its holistic approach that views health as a whole system rather than isolated symptoms. Solaris Whole Health for example, embraces this philosophy immensely, understanding that addressing gut health is key to overcoming weight issues. Functional medicine focuses on identifying the root causes rather than just the symptoms; and functional wellness practitioners recognize the specific challenges posed by the aging gut. By tailoring interventions to address age-related changes, these practitioners aim to restore balance and promote optimal gut health, which is crucial for effective weight management. Solaris Whole Health: A Holistic Approach Solaris Whole Health, led by Stephanie Solaris, stands out in the realm of functional wellness. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body’s systems, Solaris Whole Health addresses gut health to unlock the potential for lasting weight loss. Stephanie’s dedication to understanding functional wellness stems from her own weight loss journey. She weighed an astonishing 246 lbs and suffered from chronic ulcers, insomnia, dental work, IBS and fatigue. Her transformative journey inspired her to delve into the science of functional wellness and dedicate her career to helping others achieve lasting results. Taking Action: Improving Gut Health at Home Right now, you can take steps to improve your gut health at home, especially if you’re navigating the challenges of aging. Start by incorporating more fiber-rich foods and probiotics into your diet. These support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthier microbiome. Stay hydrated – water is essential for digestion and nutrient absorption. Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, as chronic stress can negatively impact gut health. Ensure regular physical activity, as exercise has been linked to a healthier gut microbiome. You can also aim to incorporate a combination of cardiovascular exercises and strength training to support overall well-being. The Path to Lasting Weight Loss In conclusion, if you aspire to achieve lasting weight loss, Solaris Whole Health offers a comprehensive solution. Stephanie Solaris, with her personal journey as a testament, has dedicated her career to unraveling the intricacies of functional wellness and its impact on weight management. By addressing gut health through functional medicine, Solaris Whole Health aims to not only help individuals lose weight and keep it off, but also to improve their overall health, and prevent future health issues. This comprehensive method views the individual as a whole, incorporating the principles of functional medicine and evidence-based data to achieve lasting and sustainable outcomes. Take the First Step Embark on your wellness journey today by scheduling a complimentary 15-minute consultation with Stephanie Solaris herself, and take the first step towards holistic well-being. [Disclaimer: Before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, it’s advisable to consult with your current healthcare professional.]
Does Stress Affect my Health and Weight Loss Efforts? The InBody 770, The Gold Standard In BIA Technology
Gone are the days when the scale alone determined our health status, and the belief that diet and exercise were the sole factors influencing our well-being. Today, we understand that numerous elements, such as burnout, hormonal changes (related to pregnancy, aging, and stress), and various other factors, add complexity to the health puzzle, rendering one-size-fits-all diet plans obsolete. Research reveals that it’s not the specific diet but the consistent practice of healthy eating over time that leads to sustainable, long-term weight loss and maintenance. In our fast-paced, high-achieving world, where quick, unhealthy options are readily available, it’s all too easy to revert to old habits. Enter the InBody 770, a remarkable tool that we also provide to our remote clients through InBody home models. This device is a crucial component of our strategy to guide clients on their personalized journey toward weight loss and optimal health, ensuring that their efforts endure for years to come. The InBody 770 is trusted by prestigious research facilities and institutions, including the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and 25 top NFL sports teams. What sets the InBody 770 apart is its ability to measure inflammation (ECW/TBW or bloating) in every part of the body, which is often the root cause of chronic diseases. It also assesses cellular metabolism (phase angle and ICW) and provides a distinct measurement of visceral fat surrounding vital organs—a critical indicator of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. This knowledge empowers us to understand how our daily choices impact our body’s functions and adapt in real time. Have you ever experienced: A sudden 1-3 lb change in your weight overnight, even without significant dietary changes? Fluctuations in cognitive performance, where one day you’re at peak efficiency and the next, you’re struggling to stay afloat? Feeling breathless when climbing stairs, despite regular exercise? Without comprehending the underlying causes of these external symptoms, it can seem like an endless cycle of frustration. At Solaris, we employ advanced body composition tools and testing, including assessments for leaky gut, microbiome dysbiosis, hormones, and more. This scientific approach simplifies the health and weight loss puzzle, enabling us to create a customized nutrition, supplement, and lifestyle plan, putting our clients back in control of their health. Monitoring and adapting these plans as we chart our clients’ progress over time is the key to not only moving closer to their weight loss goal and optimal health potential but also maintaining it for years to come. We often say that while everyone knows what to do, the challenge lies in consistently implementing these changes in real life. If you’re tired of feeling stuck or puzzled by your test results and need guidance to move forward, please reach out to us for a complimentary 15-minute consultation. We’re here to assist you on your journey to better health!
Does Stress Affect my Health and Weight Loss Efforts? The InBody 770, The Gold Standard In BIA Technology Old
The answer is yes. At Solaris we look at stress from 4 areas of life, physical stress, mental emotional stress, chemical stress and environmental stress. Not enough quality sleep, overwork, anxiousness, eating food or drink late at night and too much phone usage are just a few examples of how some of our everyday lifestyle choices and habits may contribute to these 4 areas of stress. A typical day like this, if it persists over time, can wreak havoc on our bodies, weight loss efforts, performance and productivity and the quality of our relationships. Long gone are the days where the scale dictates our health and that diet and exercise alone are the only levers we have to get healthy. Burn out, hormonal changes (pregnancy, age related man-opause and menopause, cortisol) and stress among many other factors make the diet puzzle more complex and one-hit wonder diet plans obsolete. Studies show that it is not the actual diet but it is the consistency of eating healthy over time that leads to long term sustainable weight loss and maintenance. In this fast paced, high achieving world we live in and the accessibility of the cheap and quick unhealthy choices at our fingertips it can be too easy to fall back into old habits. The InBody 770 or the InBody home models that we use for our remote clients, are just one of the many tools we use to test and map our clients personalized health journey towards optimum health and maintain all the efforts for years to come. It is used by top research facilities and institutions like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins and 25 of the top NFL sports teams. It is the only model that measures inflammation (ECW/TBW or bloating) in each segment of the body which is the root of chronic disease, as well as cellular metabolism (phase angle and ICW) and a distinct measure of visceral fat around the organs (excessive visceral fat can be an indication of diabetes, heart disease etc). The key is knowing how the choices in our daily lives directly affect our bodies ability to function and in real time being able to adapt and see the Have you ever noticed that: your scale weight can change from 1-3 lbs overnight when you didn’t eat anything that may warrant that kind of change? Or one day your mind is firing at all levels and you’re getting things done at record pace and the next day things are going so slow it feels like you are walking through water? Or you are working out yet falling short of breath when you are running upstairs? Without understanding the root cause of these external symptoms it can feel like you are on a perpetual hamster wheel. At Solaris by using advanced body composition tools and testing (like leaky gut, microbiome dysbiosis, hormones and more) the health and diet puzzle becomes easy to understand and is used to chart out a course of action towards optimal health.  Educating our clients to understand what is going on, based on science and data, why it is happening, and how to fix it as we develop their personalized nutrition, supplement and lifestyle plans put them back in the driver’s seat of their health. Charting our clients progress over time and adjusting the plans based on their own lifestyle challenges is the key to not only progressing towards their optimum health potential but also maintaining it for years ahead. I always like to say, everyone knows what to do, but it is the doing it repeatedly over time, in real life, that is the challenge. When you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels or don’t understand the test results you are getting and how to use them to propel you forward reach out to us. We are happy to help!
Having difficulty losing weight? Here are nine possible reasons.
For some people weight loss is pretty straightforward: They just need to cut out sodas and sweets and hit the gym regularly. For others, especially those with a chronic health disorder, weight loss remains elusive despite and weight gain happens far too easily despite doing everything right. Weight gain and weight loss resistance are very common symptoms among people with chronic health disorders. Contrary to popular belief, an inability to lose weight or keep it off is not a sign of a character flaw but instead flaws in your metabolic, immune, or neurological health. Fat shaming is culturally accepted, particularly in the alternative health spaces and against women. The truth is, overweight and obese people may have some of the healthiest diets and lifestyle practices you’ll encounter. They have to — should they dare to eat “normally†they would quickly balloon out of control. Instead of beating yourself up if you can’t lose the weight or you have mysteriously gained it too easily, consider if any of the following underlying causes may apply to you. Nine possible reasons why you can’t lose weight — none of which are due to being lazy or undisciplined 1. You are a veteran lifelong dieter. The multi-billion-dollar diet industry coupled with unrealistic cultural body image standards have turned low-calorie dieting into a way of life. That works great in your youth, but as you age your metabolism fatigues from constant famines. The human body responds to famines by progressively lowering metabolism and increasing fat storage hormones. As a result, each low-calorie diet can make you a little bit fatter than the last one once you resume normal caloric intake. This explains why diets have such low long-term success. This phenomenon was most poignantly illustrated in a study of participants from the The Biggest Loser reality TV show. Six years after participating in the show, researchers found they were burning 800 fewer calories per day and the majority of them returned to their pre-show weight and had to under eat by 400–800 calories a day just to not gain weight. 2. Your hunger hormones are out of whack Conversely, if you routinely eat ample sugar and desserts and processed carbohydrates (breads, pastas, white rice, etc.), you likely have leptin resistance and skewed hunger hormone function that causes constant food cravings and hunger. Minimizing or eliminating processed carbohydrates and exercising regularly helps improve leptin sensitivity so your hunger cues and fat burning returns to normal. 3. Your thyroid isn’t working well One of the most common causes of weight gain and weight loss resistance is hypothyroidism, or low thyroid activity. And the most common cause of this is Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disease that attacks and damages the thyroid gland. This is why many people do not lose weight even after they start taking thyroid medication. It’s important to address the underlying causes of Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism to improve your health and lose weight. 4. You are chronically inflamed Chronic inflammation skews hormone function, metabolism, and gut health in a way that can promote fat storage and prevent fat burning. Many people enjoy easy weight loss by following an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle. Nutrient-dense foods void of inflammatory triggers also manage pain, gut problems, autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure, depression anxiety, and other health issues. 5. You’ve had a brain injury or have compromised brain function Many sufferers of concussions and brain injuries find they suddenly gain weight after their injury and are not able to lose it. Brain injuries cause inflammation in the brain, which can not only impact brain function, but also disrupt metabolic, hormone, and immune in a way that promotes promotes weight gain and inhibits fat burning. Brain injury victims also often struggle with fatigue, exercise intolerance, depression, and other symptoms that interfere with appropriate fat burning and storage. 6. You have mold illness Mold illness is increasingly being identified as an underlying cause of many health disorders and symptoms, including weight gain and weight loss resistance. Almost a quarter of the US population is susceptible to mold illness. Toxicity from mycotoxins, the byproducts of molds, can seriously impact metabolic, immune, and neurological health leading to unexplained weight gain and weight loss resistance. This refers not just to the dreaded black mold but also the more commonly found strains of mold caused by leaks and water damage in buildings. 7. You were born with an obese gut microbiome Research into the gut microbiome, our trillions of gut bacteria, show they impact virtually every aspect of our health, including whether we are more likely to be thin or heavy. Studies on both mice and humans have shown that obese subjects inoculated with the gut bacteria of thin subjects went on to quickly and easily lose weight. Factors that impact your gut microbiome “signature†in a way that promotes obesity include being delivered via C-section, being formula fed versus breastfed, and frequent antibiotic use in childhood. 8. You are a victim of childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault or have PTSD After more than two decades of trying to understand why most obese people regained the weight they lost, an obesity researcher made an accidental discovery — the majority of his study subjects had been sexually abused as children or sexually assaulted right before the time their weight gain began. This can drive complex PTSD and the genesis of a food addiction to cope. Likewise, researchers have found a correlation between food addiction and PTSD in women. 9. You have a brain-based disorder that promotes food addiction and an eating disorder For many people with weight issues, food becomes the source of torturous addictive behaviors that can then morph into eating disorders. It is increasingly being found that addictions and eating disorders are linked to brain-based disorders such as ADHD. Skewed neurological function triggers the obsessive thought patterns that lay the foundation for addictive eating and eating disorders. Look for the underlying cause of weight gain and weight loss resistance to develop self-compassion I hope this article
Weight Loss Keep it Simple Tip #9: Move.
We all know weight gain is real after celebrations, the holidays and weekend gatherings. I can also relate to feeling a little sluggish after those times where I have made nutrient poor choices OR when I have been so busy and stressed that my mind is full of thoughts of what needs to get done. I find if I do not clear the sluggish feeling or my mind I will continue to make poor choices and neglect my body only to regret it! When this happens, I keep it simple and move. Moving your body is Solaris Keep it Simple Tip #9. Moving my body is one of many ways that helps me change the trajectory of bad choices; creating that fork in the road to choose a different healthier path. It typically takes me out of my environment, wipes the slate clean with a clear demarcation so when I am done I feel a clarity, sense of self-esteem and completion leaving space for the next choice to be a healthy one. Here are some basic rules of thumb and strategies to get there and/or change it up. First, Understand It. There are two basic rules of thumb for stepping up your moving game The quantity of your movement or steps makes a difference. It is common knowledge that walking 10,000 steps per day has a myriad of health benefits. A study conducted in 2010 over 15 weeks improved cardiovascular metrics as well as positively influencing physical and psychological well-being. The Intensity of your movement makes a difference. Did you know by picking up your pace you are able to burn upwards of 54% more calories without having to run. The average leisurely walking pace for a 160lb person is 2 mph burning roughly 102 calories. The average upbeat walking pace for a 160lb person is 3.5 mph burning approximately 157 calories which is an increase of 54%. Second, Personalize it! Using these 3-Steps Establish your current baseline of Steps per day. I suggest Using your iphone or android health app, a fitbit, or iwatch . These would be steps you naturally walk between car, office, errands, to the train or subway or at home. For example, I may naturally walk 5,000 steps per day. Your fat burning heart rate. Determine your resting heart rate by putting 2 fingers over your pulse points on your neck or wrist and then use a fat burning calculator to determine your walking fat burning pulse rate. Step Up the Quantity of Steps. I suggest an increase of 25% to start. For example, if you naturally walk 5,000 steps / day without thinking about it, your new goal will be 5,000*1.25 = 6250 steps per day. This can be easily done by parking farther away from the entrance in any parking lot, Walking at lunch, an extra 15 minutes in the morning, mid afternoon or evening. Hiking and enjoying nature on the weekends If you are already up to 10,000 steps I suggest not increasing and going to the recommendations in step 3 below. Step up the Intensity of your pace and get your heart pumping. Click here to measure your fat burning pulse rate. If you are already doing this I suggest you start changing your day up and incorporating Tabata’s into your home and work day. Third, Track it. This is your only goal each day. Why you ask? Because you have done all the preparation. At the end of the day take 5 minutes and review your stats Make your goal? Then well done. Look over your day and understand the methods you used to do it. Fall a little short? Do not stress it. Simply go over what you steps you will change tomorrow to get closer to your new goal. Trust that you will naturally move toward the goals as you do these things. Try this Keep it Simply Tip #9 over the next few weeks and check back with me at Solaris for quick and easy ways to be healthy along with specials and programs educating you to be your best self!
Jump Start Into Spring With These 3 KEYS
Question: After a long winter, how do I jump-start my energy as I transition into the spring schedule? Answer: I often hear clients tell me they are burnt out, stressed out and running on empty. They reveal that they may snap when they don’t mean to, think about a situation more than they want to or simply that they always feel behind the eight ball. The key to getting things done and staying healthy while navigating life’s many responsibilities and changing schedules is to manage your energy, not time. Managing your daily energy level successfully is the ability to focus or do, and then recover many times over during the course of a day. It’s the way our bodies are built! The problem is we keep going and going until there is nothing left. “The only resources that last, are those we renew.†–Tony Schwartz Here are 3 KEYS to increase your energy, productivity and daily recovery effectively this spring season! 1. BE FOOD SAVVY MYTH: If I know I’m going out for dinner, I’ll eat sparingly during the day and make sure I have coffee to suppress my appetite and keep me focused and productive. FACT: This upper/downer scenario sets your body up for an ultimate shut down of mental and physical exhaustion. The caffeine upper is temporary and negatively affects your adrenal glands (little organs on top of your kidneys) that supplement your body with necessary hormones like DHEA for anti-aging and cortisol for stress management. In addition, not eating shuts down your metabolism and the ultimate swings in blood sugar will make you more tired, moody, less focused, hormonally imbalanced and sleep deprived, causing you to hold onto more fat. ACTION: Eat moderate amounts of energy rich foods 5-6 times a day as your fuel to renew your mental, emotional and physical resources in realtime! Foods like salmon, walnuts, flax seeds,which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin,which effects mood.  Eat leafy greens like spinach, kale, swiss chard sautéed or in a salad. A 2006 study in Neurology showed that people who ate two or more daily servings of vegetables, especially leafy greens, had the mental focus of people five years their junior! Consuming fruits like strawberries, blueberries or raspberries have been shown to improve your memory and keep your brain young! Feeding yourself daily nutrient rich food/fuel keeps you effective and joyful; you will be a person who gets things done with a smile and mean it! 2. BE HYDRATED MYTH: I get the water I need through coffee, tea, and other liquids I drink. FACT: H2O, hydrogen and oxygen, are key resources that initiate many important chemical reactions in your body! Drinking pure water translates to weight loss by flushing out toxins and raising your metabolism as it helps digestion and absorption of key nutrients for energy. Drinking pure water helps relieve headaches due to muscle pain, helps skin look younger by replenishing skin tissues, helps your brain be more productive and helps relieve fatigue by increasing the effectiveness of your organs so they don’t have to work so hard. ACTION: Drink ½ your body weight in ounces of pure water every day. To start, pick a sport, BPA free, drinking bottle between 28-32 oz. Drink one of those with room temperature filtered water when you get up every day. Knowing you only need 2 or 3 bottles a day vs 8-10 glasses makes it a lot easier and more fun! 3. BE RESTED MYTH: I’ll get more done if I stay up a few more hours OR get up earlier OR just keep going! FACT: A study by David Dinges, a major American sleep researcher and teacher at the University of Pennsylvania, reported that if you went 4 nights in a row with only 5 hours of sleep you would have the same cognitive capacity as if you were intoxicated. David Dinges says “we have lost site of what it feels like to be fully rested†like the person who’s stopped after 3 glasses of wine and thinks they’re fine. ACTION: Make a plan and then commit to going to sleep and waking up at approximately the same time every day for a week, which gives you 7-8 hours of deep sleep per night. If you have problems falling sleep or staying asleep over the course of 2 weeks during this period I suggest getting some testing done by a health professional and reading “Good Night†by Micheal Brues, PhD. This chronic stress on your body will affect you, your effectiveness and relationships in more ways than one. To start, I urge you to try even one of the 3-ENERGY KEY’S I outline above using my “5-P Principle†– Planning, Persistence, Patience, Practice and sometimes Prayer. Look for more information on my “5-P Principle†in another column. Happy Spring Everyone!
The Top 3 Ways To Help BOOST Your ENERGY & ENDURANCE Everyday!
Question: I’m ready to move and have more energy again after this long winter! What are some quick ways to work it into my busy schedule? Answer: It has been a long winter here in NJ and I think we all are ready for a great boost! I hear and understand the struggle of balancing healthy choices with a busy schedule so often at Solaris Whole Health, so we are constantly giving our clients quick tips to keep them going strong every time we see them.  The nutrition geek in me will relay to you that increasing your nitric oxide daily is a great way of boosting your physical and mental stamina. It was, in fact, Science Magazine’s molecule of the year in 2001 (I thought you’d like that). There have been over 60,000 studies done on nitric oxide in the last 20 years and in 1998, The Nobel Prize for Medicine was given to three scientists that discovered the signaling role of nitric oxide. So what does this mean for you?! Nitric oxide has been shown to improve your memory, immune system, sleep quality, endurance and strength, among many other benefits. So how can you get more you ask? Here are the Top 3 ways to help BOOST your ENERGY and ENDURANCE everyday! 1. DO A TABATA! The most common way to increase your nitric oxide is through exercise. A Tabata is a 4 minute burst training routine developed by the Japanese to improve cardio health and build muscle with their athletes. We love Tabatas here at Solaris and yell out “Tabata Time†when we’re ready to start one! We do them in our office weekly to rejuvenate our energy, increase our stamina and our nitric oxide together! Everyone has 4 minutes in their day and doing Tabatas can be fun for the whole family! I suggest you check out Brad Gouthroor Rebekah Borucki on YouTube and download a Tabata timer app today! 2. EAT FOODS HIGH IN ARGE-NINE! Arginine can be found in foods that contain nuts, fruits, meats and dairy. It directly creates nitric oxide and citrulline inside the cell. Healthy food choices in this category are: caramelized onions, spinach, sesame seeds (also found in tahini as a spread ), shell fish like shrimp and crab, eggs and turkey. So an omelet (3 egg whites to 1 whole egg) with caramelized onions, spinach and turkey sausage would be a great way to start that energy cycle a couple days a week. 3. BRUSH YOUR TEETH! Did you know that gum disease decreases nitric oxide production. If you have periodontal disease, a gut imbalance of bacteria, acid reflux, low ph, ibs, constipation, diarrhea, bloat or gassiness your nitric oxide production has the potential to be consistently depleted. This translates to low immune, energy and endurance in the long run. If these symptoms are difficult to get under control I suggest contacting the respective health practitioners in your area. In the meantime, I guess what mom told us does help; brush, floss and eat clean healthy foods!