Why Some Vegans Stay Fat

You think that being a vegan would help you lose weight but this is not necessarily true. In general a plant based diet that does consist of whole foods can help you lose weight over the long term but the key words here are “whole foods.” Many vegans eat a lot of sugar and fat to make up for the lack of dairy and meat in their diets.

Consuming a low whole foods plant based diet will help you to lose weight and the best news is that the more you weight the quicker you will lose it once you switch to a vegan based diet that does not include things like so many refined carbohydrates. Many vegans eat and drink their nutritious zero calorie fruits and vegetables and then sabotage it all by eating a lot of oily, carb heavy sugars and starches.

Avoid Carbs and Sugar!

If you are going to be a vegan, the optimal diet is a whole foods, plant-based diet that does not contain a lot of carbs or sugar!

To lose weight you need to go on that strict vegetarian diet or you could turn into one of these fatter non meat eaters.   Some people become vegetarian and then load up on pasta and pastries made from refined grains. These are what have become to be known as the junk food vegans!   Even though they aren’t consuming meat they are consuming foods that are problematic for them and that might even cause them to gain weight. This is why you see so many heavier vegans around.

You can be as vegan as you wants but if you never take part in any type of physical activity you could be incredibly fat after all. You can still be a vegan and be fat and soft because you have not been exercising. Exercise in combination with the right diet is crucial as well, or you will simply be an overweight vegetarian.

The third reason you may not lose weight is because you have a genetic disposition to be overweight. If you were one of these individuals, who are becoming more and more common in all races across the world, then it would not take much of a lapse in diet to immediately cause an immediate gain in weight.

Keeping Weight Off Is A Lifestyle Choice

The point is that keeping weight off is not a gimmick nor is it ever going to be the result of simply staying off of meat dairy. . It has to be a long-term life style choice that includes exercise... Choosing a vegan diet is choosing health and dispensing with long-term pain like kidney problems, cancer, heart disease, and cancer and joint problems.

Vegans are quite prone to the psychological lows that come with gaining weight. They often blame their own bodies when it seems that “even the vegan diet” is not working. The next thing you know they are back in a vicious cycle of eating junk food in order to self-medicate for feelings of inferiority brought on by the condition of obesity itself!

For more information or to book a consultation about anti-aging, diet and weight loss programs or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Clinic website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.

How Your Feelings Fuel Food Addiction

There are all sorts of emotions that can affect our wellness and this includes worry, fear, anger, grief, sadness and guilt.  Feeling that you are not accepted, a personal failure or that you are being overwhelmed by large financial burdens. 

The bottom line is that who we are is always in a delicate balance between chemistry and energy and when any type of energy, even if it is just emotional, becomes blocked and we become addicted to emotional eating.

What is Emotional Eating?

Emotional eating refers to people who eat because of the way they feel rather than when they are

hungry. Many people who overeat do so because they become obsessed with overeating a certain type of food. They associated gorging on this food with nurturing oneself. Yet others eat of anger or in defiance of someone who wants them to go on a diet. Some overeating behaviours are almost vengeful; the person is “biting back” at a world that they feel is swallowing them whole. 

Stuffing Your Anger

Many people overeat because they are “stuffing your anger.”  When we are infuriated we want to fill our mouths with something warm, salty and chewy.  This relates to the primal drive in us that evolutionary biologists say goes way back to our caveman days where we associated eating raw fresh kill with comfort. It is a very primal hard-wired urge that can help soothe us when we feel deprived. Many studies have shown that people who go on diets that are too strict do not tend to stick to themIn essence, you are an emotional eater if you find yourself using the eating of food (usually too much food or fatty, sweet and salty foods) to cope with the usual stresses of life. Many people eat every time they experience a rush in adrenalin.  They will give themselves the permission to break their diet because they associate the concept of celebrating with food with achievement.  This means that even extremely happy moments can lead a person to stray from their diet.Despite the fact that there are other ways of producing these feel good chemicals in our brains such as exercising, getting out to see friends and indulging in hobbies we like, many of us still become addicted to food.  Eating fatty, salty and sweet foods are there surest ways to change our brain chemical composition so that we feel  good” However the “high” does not last long and like an addict, we eat some more to get another hit of escapism through being a foodie.

By the way, meditation and exercise can go along way towards satiating the dissatisfaction that seems to come with going on a vegan diet at first.  .So if you can, it is best to try and deal with your emotional eating disorders and issues in other ways and consult with a dietician or naturopaathic doctor who can help you with this issue, which if left unchecked can lead to all kinds of health problems.For more information or to book a consultation about anti-aging, diet and weight loss programs or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Clinic website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.

Cooking Fish Without Oil

In order to benefit from the nutrients and Omega-3 acids found in fish, it is recommended by the Canadian Heart Association that you eat at least two to three servings of fish a week.   The best type of fish for you is fresh fish fillets, not the frozen battered ones, just simply because they are not coated in flour, salt, sugar, oils and chemicals that are not the best for your health. To fully reap the health benefits of eating fish try to choose organic items from your grocer’s refrigerator.

Many of us have been raised to believe that fish cannot possibly taste good unless it is fried or battered in some way.  However, there are healthier, quite tasty ways of cooking fish that do not up the calorie and saturated fat content of the meal.

Poaching Fish Without Oil

Poaching fish is one of the easiest ways to cook it without using oils.  You can poach fish in water, lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, milk, almond milk, fish stock, vegetable stock or white cooking wine.

Poaching fish in water and
lemon juice

1. Arrange the fish fillets in a shallow frying pan so that thy touch slightly without overlapping
2. Pour in your chosen liquid until the fish is barely covered.
3. Season the fish with salt pepper marjoram, garlic paprika, basil chilli powder, curry powder, chilli powder, lemon zest, dill and sage.
4. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 5 to 6 minutes.Be careful not to overcook it. Remove the finished fish from the pan and serve.

Baking Fish Without Oil 

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.Cover a baking pan or oven safe dish with aluminum foil. This is an optional step but it makes for an easier clean-up after the fish is done
2. Lay the fish in the pan but with the edges not touching
3. Season the fish to taste and add a small amount of vegetable stock, water, milk or almond milk. or white wine to the pan. 
4. Bake until fish is done, which is approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Make sure you don’t overcook it. 

Microwaving Fish Without Oil

1.      Place the fish in a microwave-safe dish with the edges of any filets not overlapping.
2.       Season the fish with spices.You do not need liquids to cook fish in a microwave, but if you do use them, be sure to use a lot less then you would normally so that you don’t overcook the fish. A teaspoon should do the trick. 
3.       Microwave the fish for a full three minutes and remove.

No matter how you decide to cook your fish make sure that it is completely done before you consume it. It should appear white and opaque when fully cooked. Uncooked flakes of fish will appear translucent.  When you test the flesh with a fork, it should flake apart easily.

These are very healthy and quite quick ways to cook fish, which is an excellent lean protein alternative to eating red meat!  Furthermore, cooking fish without oil is also a good skill to learn if you are planning to lose weight using our HCG program for weight loss.

For more information or to book a consultation about anti-aging, diet and weight loss programs or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Clinic website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.

The Skinny on Eating Oats

Oats are a super food that even those with gluten sensitivities can generally eat because the gluten content is so low.  Oats can provide a healthy alternative to refined cereals that are packed with gluten. In addition to naturally being a whole grain, meaning that they have an almost full amino acid profile that can help your body build protein, oats provide a variety of weight loss and health benefits.

Oats Help With Weight Loss

For example, one study conducted at Vanderbilt University showed that reducing your calorie intake by 500 calories per day and eating two servings of oats for 12 weeks caused people to lower their LDL levels and decrease the circumference of their waist.

However, oats can do much more than that. Their high fiber content and filling quality makes them a choice food that will lower blood pressure, improve your heart function, and promote weight loss. Because of the soluble fiber, they slow digestion and increase the time for nutrients to absorb into your body, allowing you to get more nutrition from the foods you eat.

When people eat oat bran consistently, their blood sugar levels become lower overall. The slowing effect on the digestive system causes blood glucose levels to stabilize without the spikes or drops that can increase cravings.

Oatmeal is an excellent source of manganese and contains more than half of what you need in a day. One cup of oatmeal cooked in water also contains significant amounts of thiamin, iron, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and magnesium.

Fortified, Instant and Steel Cut Oats

Steel Cut Oats Before Cooking

Oatmeal contains protein and can be an excellent way to start your day. It provides you with long-term energy and makes it easy to incorporate fresh fruits into your diet. Some studies even claim that oatmeal in your diet will improve your mood.

You should purchase “rolled,” “old-fashioned,” or “quick” oats. “Instant” oats have been prepared once and have lost some of its nutritional value from processing. If you purchase “instant” oats, make sure they are “fortified” so the nutrients have been added back to it afterward. “Instant” oats contain different levels of nutrients than the other forms of oats.

How to Prepare Oats

Most people prepare oatmeal for breakfast. For a change, try “steel-cut” oats. These are oats that have not been pressed or “rolled.” They tend to take longer to cook, but they have more texture.

Instead of buying instant oatmeal that contains fruit or spices and high amounts of sugar, buy the plain variety and add cinnamon and nutmeg, blueberries, or even semi-sweet chocolate pieces. Prepare it with milk and drink coffee or green tea to have a complete breakfast.

Although frequently people think of oat cereals as a breakfast food, they can also be eaten before a workout for a sustained energy boost. For snacks, sprinkle some oatmeal over your yogurt or muffins. Or, when you are craving something late at night, munch on a handful of homemade granola to help curve your hunger.

Make tasty chicken by processing oatmeal with whole-wheat flour and seasoned salt in a food processor until well combined and then coat your chicken with it before broiling or baking.

For more information or to book a consultation about anti-aging, diet and weight loss programs or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Clinic website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.

Goji Berries – The Mighty Anti-Aging Cancer-Fighting Superfruit

The Goji berry goes by many names including Wolfberry here in North America and gou qi zi in China.  The majority of commercially produced berries come from Asia, but especially China. As they are grown so far away, they often arrive to us here in North America in a dried form.

Dried Goji Berries

When it is not dried, the fruit is a bright orange shiny berry with a taut skin. Each berry is about half an inch in length and slightly oval shaped.  The dried ones look like very large raisins and they can vary in hue from bright gold to dark red.

The raw berries have a very tangy, sweet and sour taste that is a bit like lemon. However once they are dried the fruit loses its sharpness and tastes like a very tasty raisin.

The Nutritional Benefits of the Goji Berry

Goji berries are called the anti-aging superfruit because they contain selenium, which is so nourishing for the skin and nerves and also a potent nutrient for skin regeneration. 

Goji berries are also a rarity nutritionally because they are an excellent vegan source of high protein. Protein, in fact, makes up almost 16 percent of the fruit’s composition making this an ideal snack for dieters. Goji berries are also rich in other nutrients and phytochemicals like amino acids, carotenoids like beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, polysaccharides, antioxidants, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and riboflavin.

However it is really Goji berries turn to shine when it comes to polysacchrides.  These are agents that are an exceptional source of essential cell sugars that can help your cells communicate more effectively with each other. This helps slow down the aging process. These polysacchrides also lower blood sugar and blood pressure and reduce inflammation.

The Health Benefits of "Going Goji"

Goji berries have been used for 600 years by herbalists in China and Tibet to protect the liver, improve eyesight, improve sexual function, sustain fertility, strengthen the legs, boost immunity, boost circulation and restore youth.

The high antioxidant content in Goji berries supports brain function. Compounds in Goji berries fight narrowing of the arteries and supply the body with generous amounts of choline, which is an essential nutrient that combats Alzheimer’s disease

It is the beta-carotene and zeaxanthin that are of particular benefit to the eyesight as both compounds prevent macular degeneration which is the leading cause of blindness in people over 65 years of age.

It is a great idea to snack on Goji berries in the winter during cold and flu season.  Yet another benefit of the high protein content is that it boosts the functioning of white blood cells by 300 percent making it more difficult to catch the flu or other air or water-borne viruses.

How to Find and Prepare Goji Berries

Whole Goji berries can be found at Chinese herbal shops and health food stores. The dried berries can be found in most grocery stores nowadays. The reason they are sold mostly dried is because the raw berry is very delicate and sometimes does not survive shipping.

The raw berries may be sold on branches or with stems to preserve their freshness in which case it is suggested you separate the fruit from the stem and wash very carefully.

For more information or to book a consultation about our restorative Healthy and Active diet and  HCG weight loss programs, restorative IV therapy  or any health issue you may be experiencing, visit the Pinewood Natural Health Center website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.

Good and Bad Cholesterol Demystified!

Cholesterol is a soft substance, almost like wax found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all the cells of your body. Although the word cholesterol has come to have negative connotations, the fact is that is essential to health. Despite all of the bad publicity it gets, the fact is that you need cholesterol, because your body uses it to form cell membranes, manufacture hormones, and maintain health in general.  However, a high cholesterol in the blood—hypercholesterolemia— is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack. At Pinewood, we have strategies for helping you deal with this problem, which can become an escalating risk to your health.

The Sources of Cholesterol

Your body has two ways of getting cholesterol. The liver produces about 1,000 milligrams a day when it is healthy. But when you eat too many foods high in saturated fats, your body starts overproducing this waxy substance.  Foods that are high in cholesterol are egg yolks, meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products. 

Cholesterol is removed from your body through the liver, but if your liver is working overtime, then it loses the capacity to process all of the cholesterol that you consume every day. The cholesterol combines with other substances in your body and forms plaque that hardens on your artery walls. This narrows the arteries and makes it harder for your heart to pump blood through the circulatory system and the result is that your blood pressure goes ups. This makes you heart work a lot harder than it should have to. Plaque can also break off into the bloodstream and cause a heart attack or stroke.

That is why a naturopath prescribed detox plus program of weight loss can help lower your cholesterol. The intention of naturopathy can be to clean out your liver so that it works more efficiently and so that any fatty deposits that are in your liver can be eliminated. This in turn, helps your body process the cholesterol that you take in every day.

Good and Bad Cholesterol

Inside your body there is both good and bad cholesterol and like most things to do with health, it is all about balancing one off against the other.

Good cholesterol, also known as HDL cholesterol, the ability to pick mop up cholesterol deposits and carry it back to the liver so that it can pass out of the body.  This slows the growth of plaque on your arteries and prevents against stroke or heart attack.

It is the bad cholesterol also known as LDL cholesterol that sticks to your artery walls and causes atherosclerosis, a condition where the plaque build up on your walls.

At the Pinewood Health Institute we can help you cleanse and restore your liver as well as give you a great diet that helps you choose just the right foods to lower the levels of bad LDL cholesterol in your body.

For more information or to book a consultation about our restorative diet and weight loss programs  visit the Pinewood Natural Health Clinic website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services.