Weight Loss + Blog Posts

Top 6 Reasons You May Need a Doctor’s Help With Weight Loss

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:48:48 GMT

Top 6 Reasons You May Need a Doctor’s Help With Weight Loss

You’ve finally made the decision that it’s time to lose weight. Or, maybe you’ve been trying to lose weight and haven’t had any real success. Whatever your situation is, it’s possible that a doctor can help.

Medical experts agree that it is recommended to consult your doctor before starting any major diet or exercise program. In real life, however, many people do not get their doctor’s advice before embarking on a weight loss plan. For some people this may merely lead to a failure to lose weight. For others, though, neglecting to check with their physician may lead to a dangerous situation for their health. Even though you may feel confident that you can handle your weight loss on your own, there are several situations where you should definitely visit your doctor to get assistance with losing weight.

1. Your Body Mass Index is in the Obese Range

One of the measures of health that doctors use to determine whether or not a body is at its optimal weight is the body mass index or BMI. BMI is calculated by measuring one’s weight and dividing it by one’s height squared. Many websites can calculate your BMI and give you a score detailing your possible obesity risk. Here are the BMI ranges and how they correlate with weight status:

Lower than 18.5 – Underweight

Between 18.5 and 24.9 – Normal Weight

Between 25.0 and 29.9 – Overweight

More than 30.0 – Obese

Individuals whose BMI lies within the obese range are at a much higher risk of developing various chronic diseases and acute health problems. For those individuals, it is important for them to see a doctor, so that they can get started on the proper way to lose weight and get their health back.

2. You Have an Additional Medical Condition

When you are beginning a weight loss program, many times you have to drastically change your diet. For some people, this change can greatly affect them beyond just losing weight. For people who have other health conditions that affect their metabolism or their nutritional needs, it is imperative that they work with their doctor so that a proper plan can be designed specifically for their needs. For example, someone with type 2 diabetes may be more prone to being overweight due to the specific body chemistry issues that go along with a diagnosis of diabetes. A diabetic must work with his or her doctor to design a specific nutritional plan that works side by side with his or her health and blood sugar issues. Additionally, a person with heart disease may have different nutritional requirements that only a doctor or a registered dietician can specify, so that this person loses weight the right way and the healthiest way.

3. You Have a Problem With Appetite Control

For some people, self control and willpower around food is a problem. No matter their intentions and their effort, they can’t manage to stop overeating. Individuals who struggle with binge eating or other disordered eating behaviors should work with a physician or sometimes even a psychiatrist in order to lose weight the proper way. It’s not as simple as telling someone to stop eating if there is a history of an eating disorder or an unhealthy relationship with food. For these people, the struggle is beyond closing the pantry or the refrigerator. There is a necessity to get additional help, whether it is in the form of counseling or drug therapy, in order to guide them to the right path for weight loss success.

4. You Haven’t Seen Results

Another reason to visit your doctor when it comes to weight loss, is when you’ve been legitimately trying to lose weight for a period of time, and you haven’t seen any results. If you’ve significantly lowered your caloric intake and increased your exercise and you’re still not losing weight, it’s time to seek the advice of your physician. There may be a medical reason for your lack of success, and only a doctor can find out why. Maybe there is a hormonal imbalance that is sabotaging your attempts at a healthy diet. For some people who are experiencing symptoms of depression, it could get in the way of weight loss attempts. There are also certain conditions of the thyroid that may affect the body’s ability to metabolize food and energy. When you talk to your doctor, he or she may be able to run a battery of tests to determine the problem and give possible solutions that can help you begin to be successful.

5. You Take Prescription Medication

Additionally, those people who are regularly taking certain types of prescription medication must first ask their doctor before beginning any weight loss or exercise program. Depending on the medication, it may affect your weight loss efforts. Paxil, an anti-anxiety drug, is also associated with weight gain; however, there are several alternative medications to Paxil that can treat anxiety. Another type of drug that may result in weight gain is Prednisone, which is used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. Insulin, used to treat diabetes, has also been linked to more than average weight gain. Your medical team can work with you to adjust or make changes to medication to support your attempts at getting fit and healthy.

6. You’re Considering Weight Loss Surgery or Medication

Finally, the last reason you may need to see a doctor for help with weight loss is when you’re considering weight loss surgery or weight loss medication. Those individuals who are thinking about weight loss surgery can visit a specialist trained in the field of bariatric surgery. Your surgeon can give you a consultation and determine if you are a candidate for that type of surgery. Generally, weight loss surgery candidates often are in the obese BMI range and may have additional health concerns related to being overweight. Another reason to make an appointment with a specialist in weight loss is if you’re considering prescription medicine to assist with your journey to health. There are many types of medications available, including appetite suppressants, to help you achieve a healthy weight. The only qualified person that can lead you to the right medication is a doctor with specialized training in metabolism and body chemistry.

Many of us may have friends and family who have successfully lost weight and kept it off with various programs or diet plans out there. The most effective plan of action, though, is to consult with your personal highly trained health expert, your primary care physician.

Sources:

1. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm

25 Tips for Making a Healthy Smoothie

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 19:35:50 GMT

25 Tips for Making a Healthy Smoothie

There are plenty of places where you can buy smoothies. However, it is usually better to make it yourself. When you make your own smoothies, you can prioritize your health and create the concoction that is best for your taste buds. For the best results when you are making healthy smoothies, try these 25 tips.

1 – Use Plenty of Ice

It is important to feel full after you drink your smoothie. In most cases, a thicker smoothie is more filling. Using more ice is a simple and effective way to increase the bulk of your drink so you have less of a desire to snack.

2 – Switch Up the Ingredients

Each fruit and vegetable used in a smoothie offers unique health benefits. This is why it is usually better to change up the ingredients regularly. If you eat the same one everyday, you may miss out on certain nutritional benefits.

3 – Sweeten With Dates

Looking for a great way to add sweetness to this healthy snack? Try adding dates. Remove the pits. Then, make sure to soak them for an hour before you blend.

4 – Use Fat Free Dairy

Using fat filled milk products in your smoothie can increase the caloric content. There are plenty of fat free yogurts, ice creams, and even cottage cheese that are great options for a healthier smoothie.

5 – Avoid Fruit Juice

The healthiest smoothies are made from whole fruit. While it can be tempting to use fruit juice instead of cutting up fruit, this is a less healthy alternative. It is much better to spend a few minutes prepping real fruit before you blend.

6 – Add Healthy Tea

Many smoothie recipes call for water, juice, or ice. For a healthier result, you can use a healthy tea instead. You can make a large pot of healthy tea once a week and use it daily for your smoothies.

7 – Make Your Own Juice

When the recipe calls for fruit juice, it might be smart to make your own. Juicing your fruit is a purer and healthier option, and your smoothie will still taste delicious.

8 – Choose Organic

For a healthy and tasty flavor, try organic fruits and vegetables. This is a great way to increase your nutrition and avoid consuming unwanted pesticides.

9 – Don’t Forget the Vegetables

Unless you regularly consume green juices, it may sound scary to add vegetables to your smoothie. However, adding vegetables like kale or spinach rarely affect the taste. Your beverage might look green, but it will taste just as good. Even better, you will get more nutrition from the smoothie.

10 – Add In Some Omega-3s

Another easy way to improve the health of your smoothie is to add in some omega-3s. Flaxseed is a great option that adds fiber to your diet and fights inflammation.

11 – Salt Your Smoothie

Most things taste better with salt. Adding a healthy salt like Himalayan Pink salt or Celtic Sea salt will not only improve the flavor, but also provide you with amazing health benefits.

12 – Try Kefir

For digestive health, try mixing milk with Thai coconut water kefir. This natural probiotic will help your body absorb nutrients better.

13 – More Spice

Certain spices can be used in a smoothie to improve the flavor and provide added nutrition. Try ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.

14 – Choose Healthy Fats

It is often smart to add healthy fats to your smoothie like hemp oil, coconut, avocado, and flax. Many of these foods will increase your energy.

15 – Add Protein

Adding protein to your smoothie can make it healthier. Proteins are particularly helpful at increasing your strength. There are several good sources of protein to choose from.

16 – Don’t Sweeten With Sugar

It doesn’t matter how healthy your smoothie is. If it doesn’t taste good, you aren’t going to drink it. While it may sound tempting to sweeten the mixture with sugar, try a natural source. Coconut, honey, vanilla, or unsweetened cocoa powders are all great options to consider.

17 – Use Superfoods

For the most nutritional benefits, make sure your smoothie contains some superfoods. Bee pollen, cacao, acai, goji berries, help seeds, coconut oil, and spirulina are great superfoods for your smoothie.

18 – The Base Matters

Sometimes it is tempting to skimp on the base of the smoothie to save money. Even if your smoothie calls for water, make sure to use filtered or spring. There are other high quality bases including raw milk, coconut milk, and almond milk.

19 – Try Mushroom Powders

For immune health, you can add mushroom powders such as Maitake, Reishi, and Cordyceps. Use one or two capsules for your entire smoothie.

20 – Make Your Own Ice Cubes

If you love adding ice to your smoothie, it might be a good idea to make your own ice cubes. You can use coconut water or make ice cubes out of bananas for added health.

21 – More Herbs

Several herbs are available to increase the health of your smoothie. Try Rhodiola, Ginseng, or Astragalus. Adding one of these herbs can improve the medicinal properties of your smoothie.

22 – Create a Good Texture

When the texture of a smoothie is bad, many people prefer not to eat it. You can add a little less of textural ingredients like spinach. This way you still get the health benefits, but it will probably have a better texture. Once you get used to the texture, add in more gradually.

23 – Get a Good Blender

You will have better results with your healthy smoothies if you have a better blender. This is a great investment that will make smoothie making easier.

24 – Keep Trying

If your first few attempts at making a healthy smoothie do not turn out like you expected, make sure to keep trying. Soon you will discover combinations you love.

25 – Have Fun

Finally, make sure to have fun. Let your kid help you make smoothies and ask family and friends for their favorite recipes.

With these 25 tips, making a healthy smoothie is easy. You will love creating delicious and healthy snacks each day and these snacks can help you with weight loss.

How to Stay Motivated While Losing Weight

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 19:30:19 GMT

How to Stay Motivated While Losing Weight

It can be easy to stick to your guns when you first get started on your routine, but after a while all of that motivation can start to dwindle along with your progress. Following are some tips to help you stay motivated as you’re losing weight.

Keep Track of Your Progress

One of the absolute best things you can do while you’re losing weight is to keep track of your progress. Rather than only paying attention to the scale and the mirror, keep track of how many pounds and inches you lose a week, the number of reps you’re able to do from week-to-week, and how different your eating habits have changed from when you first started your weight-loss routine. Whenever you find yourself feeling discouraged, taking a look at how far you’ve come can give you the boost you need to keep going and work harder.

Look at Yourself

Rather than doing everything you can to avoid looking in the mirror whenever you aren’t feeling svelte, do the exact opposite. Instead of criticizing yourself for every roll and bulge, compliment yourself on the smaller and less noticeable gains you’ve made. While your stomach may not have changed much, you might have more muscle definition on your arms or legs. Recognize that fat on certain areas of the body is harder to get rid than other areas and is often dependant on your gender. Take pride on your progress, no matter how small and gradual it might be.

Lose Weight With Friends and Family

Exercising and losing weight is not only easier when you’re doing it with someone else, it can also be more enjoyable. See if any of your friends and family are interested in joining an exercise class with you. Having other people join you makes you more accountable for your actions and can help you stay motivated. While pushing yourself is all well and good, having someone else encourage and being able to do the same for them makes everyone feel good and stay the course.

Think Long Term

Rather than pay for exercise classes one at a time, you’ll be better off paying for an entire package. Instead of buying a few healthy meals, stock up and head for the wholesale stores if you have a membership and the money. While an entire exercise package and a large box or bag of healthy meals will cost you more, you’ll get more from them. You’ll be less tempted to skip out on exercising if you’ve already paid for a month’s worth of sessions, and you’ll be less tempted to cheat on your meals when you’ve got a half pound of veggies and fruits that are about to go bad in a week.

Talk Your Way to a Smaller Waist

If you like receiving your motivation face-to-face and you’re not able to make your session for some reason, you can always get your motivation fix over the phone. Studies have shown that people who receive assistance over the phone are able to lose just as much weight as those who get help face-to-face. Some weight-loss websites offer 15-minutes weekly phone sessions. You may have to pay as much as a dollar a minute, but you’ll still be getting the help and seeing the results you desire.

Start Lifting the Amount of Weight You’ve Lost

As you start losing weight, you should also start lifting the number of pounds you lost. Not only is this a good way to improve and tone your muscles, it gives you a solid idea of how much weight you’ve lost and how far you’ve truly come. Once you start lifting 50 pounds, you may start to wonder how you ever managed to live and move with that much weight on you. If you’re going to keep dragging around images and memories of who you used to be, you might as well put all of that baggage to good use.

Evaluate Your Goals and Keep Them as Realistic as Possible

Having goals is great, but making sure those goals are realistic is even better. As you’re deciding on your goals, keep your schedule, finances and reasons in mind. You may not be able to lose five pounds in a week if there’s a big project at work that will keep you at the office longer. Consider aiming for losing three pounds. Remember that it’s okay for you to change up your goals if you find you can’t reach them when you’d like. Do everything you can to keep from setting yourself up for failure and disappointment. The human body can only do so much.

Expect Delays

When you first get started with your weight-loss routine, bear in mind that you’ll more than likely slip up every now and then. There could be days where you simply aren’t motivated to finish your exercise routine, but take solace in the fact that you at least started your routine. You may give in to your craving to have something sweet, but don’t allow yourself to eat an entire bag of cookies. Plan for setbacks, but don’t let them spiral out of control and completely destroy all of the time, energy and effort you’ve put in.

Reward Yourself

When you do overcome those setbacks, reward yourself. This doesn’t mean having a cheat day or a day where you sleep in instead of heading to the gym. Reward yourself by going to see that movie you haven’t been able to check out because you’ve been so focused on improving your health. Reward yourself by buying that pair of jeans you said you’d be able to fit into two months ago. Reward yourself, but don’t jeopardize your efforts in the process.

Learning how to motivate yourself the right way is just as important as learning how to eat or exercise the right way. While you’re improving your physical self, make sure you don’t neglect to improve your mental self as well. Proper balance is essential in everything you do.

With Weightloss+ you will have the accountability of our staff to support you through your weight loss. You will stay motivated beacuse you have our weight loss doctor guiding you through the pitfalls of healthy weight loss in the real world through weekly follow-up visits.

GIVE US A CALL TODAY AT 502-244-8746 !

How Do Appetite Suppressants Work?

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 19:24:56 GMT

How Do Appetite Suppressants Work?

Most people understand the important of a healthy diet and regular physical exercise, but may struggle to lose weight even while counting calories and putting in time at the gym. Appetite suppressants can help users to lose weight rapidly and to keep it off over the long term, but how do they work?

The benefits of maintaining a healthy weight are innumerable. Even losing just ten percent of your body weight can decrease your risk of having a stroke or a heart attack. Losing weight improves your mobility, energy level and quality of sleep. It can reduce pain and potentially reverse type 2 Diabetes. Over half of Americans admit that they’d like to lose weight, but many are not actively working toward this goal because they think it’s unattainable or they don’t know how. Most people understand the important of a healthy diet and regular physical exercise, but may struggle to lose weight even while counting calories and putting in time at the gym. Appetite suppressants can help users to lose weight rapidly and to keep it off over the long term, but how do they work?

Types of Diet Drugs

The health market is full of products that can help users to lose weight, but most prescription weight-loss drugs fall into two categories; appetite suppressants and fat blockers. One works to diminish your appetite, helping you to decrease the amount of food you take in. The other decreases the amount of fat the body absorbs from food that has been consumed. Each patient is different, and weight loss doctors can help individuals identify which drug will be most effective for them.

How Do Fat Blockers Work?

The main fat blocking drug is called Orlistat, and it is often sold under the brand name Xenical. This drug attaches to the enzyme that facilitates fat absorption and deactivates it. Instead of absorbing the fat the body excretes it. Patients who take this drug may continue to enjoy fatty foods without adding excess fat to their waistlines. While over-the-counter versions of this drug are available, it is uncertain whether they are as effective as the prescription drug.

How Do Appetite Suppressants Work?

Many dieters fail to lose weight because they grow tired of feeling hungry all the time. In some cases, poorly adjusted brain chemistry can lead to a feeling of hunger even when the body does not require additional calories. This causes the person to overeat. Appetite suppressants alter brain chemistry by stimulating the nervous system. They alter the chemical and hormonal processes responsible for hunger pangs and the feeling of being full or satiated. Hunger pains are reduced by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure and by interrupting the signal that the brain sends to the body telling it when to feel hungry. The drugs can also help the body to feel satiated by increasing the sense of well-being, which reduces the need to overeat for physical or emotional satisfaction.

The result of these chemical and hormonal alterations is a diminished appetite and elevated metabolism. The diminished appetite keeps users from feeling hungry when they don’t really need to eat. This helps users to consume less food and therefore fewer calories. The elevated metabolism enables the user to burn more calories each day. The combination of fewer calories consumed and more calories expended leads to weight loss.

Appetite suppressants come in many forms. Phentermine is often sold under the brand names Adipex-P, Fastin or Ionamin. Phendimetrazine may be called Bontril, Plegine or Prelu-2. Tenuate and Tenuate Dospan are both types of Diethylpropion. While the drugs differ slightly, they all work in basically the same way. A doctor can help you to determine which drug and dosage are right for you.

Aren’t Appetite Suppressants Dangerous?

Many people are hesitant to use appetite suppressants because they remember the class action suite against Fen Phen, a controversial diet medication that was rumored to have potentially serious side effects, including an increased potential for heart valve disease. However, the FDA requested that the drugs responsible for these problems be removed from the market, and the products available today have been used safely for years. Most prescriptions drugs have minor side effects, and diet drugs are no exception. Users may experience increased blood pressure and heart rate, headaches, dry mouth, insomnia and constipation. However, these effects are generally minor and subside over time. They are also much less serious than the consequences of obesity. Patients who are apprehensive about the use of diet medications should speak with a weight loss doctor to discuss their concerns.

What Are the Benefits of Weight Loss Drugs?

Weight loss drugs can help patients to lose weight more quickly and easily than may be possible with diet and exercise alone. Losing even a modest amount of weight can decrease your risk of getting diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and even some types of cancer. It can diminish the chance that you’ll have a stroke or heart attack. It can improve the quality of your sleep as well as your sex life. It can alleviate joint and back pain and improve mobility. A healthy lifestyle can add years to your life expectancy and increase the quality of life you experience now and in the future.

In addition to the health benefits of losing weight, many people experience lifestyle benefits as well. With increased energy and the boost in self-esteem that often comes with a slimmer physique you may find yourself with greater confidence, less stress and a better body image. You’ll feel more alert and mentally sharp. Your relationships may improve and you may enjoy a more active social life. You may experience less anxiety and depression. It is likely your overall mood will be much more positive and upbeat as you enjoy your new sense of health, strength and vitality.

A nutritious diet and adequate exercise are central to any weight loss plan, but for many people they are not enough. A weight loss specialist can work with you to formulate a health and fitness plan that may include nutritional coaching, physical activity and weight loss drugs so you get the results you’re working for. They can also supervise your weight loss efforts over time, helping you to move past plateaus and make the changes necessary to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Louisville’s Complete Guide to Outdoor Activities

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 19:22:15 GMT

Louisville's Complete Guide to Outdoor Activities

Louisville, KY is a great place to get outdoors and have some fun. Check out this guide to outdoor activities in and around Louisville.

Louisville is a great place to get outdoors and have some fun. Residents enjoy hiking and biking trails, golf courses, pools, ponds and nature centers. It has the greatest amount of parkland per capita in the nation, with over 120 parks covering more than 15,000 acres. Check out this guide to outdoor activities in and around Louisville.

Swimming/Boating

Jeffersonville Aquatic Center – Work on your breaststroke, ride a waterslide or splash in the play pool at this fun aquatic center, then enjoy the walking trails and skate park just outside.
Louisville Dive Center – Take a trip underwater and learn to scuba and snorkel at this highly rated local dive center.
Atlantis Water Park – Swim, surf the wave pool or hike the stairs to the four thrilling water slides at this fun family park. It’s just over the border but well worth the trip.
Jefferson Memorial Forest – Rent a kayak or canoe and head out on the lake in one of the largest urban forests in the nation.
Metro Parks & Recreation Pools – Beat the heat and work on your laps at one of the city’s four public swimming pools; Algonquin Park, Fairdale, Norton and Sun Valley Park.
Clarksville Family Aquatic Center – Cross the river and enjoy lap swimming, splash zones and water slides in this family friendly water park.

Hiking/Biking

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest – Enjoy paved bike paths and hiking trails in this beautiful forest and arboretum. The preserve also has picnic areas, lakes and the Canopy Tree Walk that allows visitors to explore 75 feet above the ground.
Jefferson Memorial Forest – The largest municipal urban forest in the nation is located just 15 miles from downtown Louisville and offers fishing, canoeing, horse trails and over 35 miles of hiking.
The Parklands of Floyds Fork – The urban and water trails of these beautiful parklands all follow the picturesque stream of Floyds Fork.
Tom Wallace Lake – There’s something for everyone in at this beautiful lake, which features wheelchair-accessible hiking trails and a children’s playground.
Waterfront Park – Fly a kite, walk the riverfront or rent a bike and explore this scenic riverside park.
Wheel Fun Rentals – Choose from a variety of fun and quirky bikes and cruisers to pedal through the park or along the many trails near the Big Four Bridge.
Louisville Loop - Enjoy a bike ride along the Ohio River and around the city on this scenic loop that, once completed, will be 100 miles long and wind through five regions.
Shawnee Park – This riverfront park features an athletic complex and extensive hiking and biking trails.
Louisville Zoo – Take a walk and observe the 1,300 animals living in the naturalistic habitats of this municipal zoo.

Walking Tours

The Louisville Quest – Race around the city seeing the sights, learning the history and searching for clues in this fun walking tour of Louisville.
Ghosts of Old Louisville – Be prepared to be scared on this semi-historical walking tour of an old Victorian neighborhood.
Louisville Historic Tours – Enjoy a daytime stroll around the city with a knowledgeable guide.
Horseback Riding
Louisville Equestrian Center – Sign up for individual or group lessons at this popular equestrian center.
Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area – Outdoor enthusiasts will love Otter Creek’s 12 miles of equestrian trails as well as its hiking and biking paths, gun and archery range and hunting and fishing grounds.
Parklands of Floyds Park – In addition to the hiking and biking trails, the Parklands feature horseback riding trails and dog parks so you can enjoy the outdoors with your favorite animal companion.
Iroquois Park – Equestrians will love riding through this ancient forest with its rare plants and animals. The park also features a golf course and is a popular location for runners and disc golfers.

Golf

Bobby Nichols Golf Course – Bring your clubs to this 9-hole course and enjoy its tree-lined fairways, rolling terrain and large, bunkered greens.
Charlie Vettiner Golf Course – Get ready for a challenge when you visit this gorgeous green, which was rated the 7th most difficult course in Kentucky.
Cherokee Golf Course – This is one of the oldest municipal courses in the nation and is rumored to be a great place to work on your short-iron game.
Quail Chase Golf Club – Voted one of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play”, this club boasts 27 holes of tough water hazards and white sand bunkers.

Sports

Louisville Tennis Center – At least 25 champions have competed at this historic tennis facility, which features 11 clay courts and offers camps, clinics, leagues and lessons.
Cherokee Park – While visitors can hike the gently rolling hills of this popular park, they can also enjoy the tennis courts, ball fields, archery ranges and fishing holes.
Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park – This waterfront park features walking trails and boats for rent, but is truly distincive as one of the few city parks with a cricket pitch.
Charlie Vettiner Park – This park is a mecca for disc golfers and also features ballfields, horseshoe pits and tennis and volleyball courts.

Adventure

Go Ape Treetop Adventure – Make fitness fun with this interactive outdoor adventure that features treetop obstacles and breathtaking ziplines.
Louisville Mega Cavern – This amazing underground adventure tour will test your balance, brain and grit with its racing ziplines and challenging bridges.
Louisville Extreme Park – With its awesome features and 24 foot full-pipe, this is one of the best parks in the nation for skateboarders, in-line skaters and bikers.
Red River Gorge – Rock climbers come from around the world to test themselves here on some of the world’s most famous routes. Located in Daniel Boone National Forest, the area is a geological marvel.
Louisville Segway Tours – Master your balance and strengthen your legs as you zip around the city, enjoying the sights and the freedom of this unique conveyance.

Whether you’re looking for a stroll in the park or a hearth-thumping adventure, Louisville has something for you. Grab your shoes, bike, horse or canoe and enjoy the city’s abundant outdoors.

Five Benefits of a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 19:13:55 GMT

Five Benefits of a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program

A healthy weight loss program means you can still eat what you want in moderation, while becoming more active and actually enjoying life. However, making this important change can be hard to do on your own. This is how a medically supervised program can make all the difference.

If you feel like you need to lose some weight, you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim that over a third of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. This equals more than 78 million people throughout the country.

Obesity creates more problems than just not looking good in a swimming suit – there are serious health risks associated with being chronically overweight. According to the National Institutes of Health, having a high BMI (otherwise known as your body mass index, a possible indicator of unhealthy body fat) can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. You may also be at risk of other complications, including some types of cancer, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. Many obese people suffer from a condition called obesity hypoventilation syndrome, which means there is too little oxygen and too much carbon dioxide in the blood.

It’s good that you’ve decided to do something about your weight. Shedding the fat and increasing your physical fitness can add years to your life, not to mention improve your appearance and self-esteem. But what if you’ve tried diets, exercise programs and other methods but keep putting the weight back on again and again? The key to banishing those extra pounds once and for all is to make healthy eating and fitness choices that last a lifetime. No, this doesn’t mean going on a crash diet or severely limiting your food choices so you’re miserable and hungry all the time. A healthy weight loss program means you can still eat what you want in moderation, while becoming more active and actually enjoying life. However, making this important change can be hard to do on your own. This is how a medically supervised program can make all the difference. Here are the top benefits you would get from such a program:

1. Customized Doctor Assessment and Diet Plan

With a medically supervised program, you start out by having a certified medical professional evaluate your current physical condition, the typical food choices you make each day and your activity level. Your doctor will then create a custom plan that’s easy for you to understand and adhere to. Worried that making a lifestyle change will deprive you of your favorite foods? This is a mistake that people wanting to lose weight often make when they begin the venture on their own. Your doctor should be able to reassure you that you’ll still be able to enjoy food, while making changes to your diet plan that show you a better way to make use of the calories you take in.

2. Exercise Tips and Instruction Suited to Your Individual Needs

Whether you’ve been a couch potato for years or if you’re active but not taking full advantage of a comprehensive diet and exercise plan, your doctor will be able to structure a fitness program that will be both challenging and possible for you to complete. For example, if your weight is a major issue and you don’t really get around much, your doctor might start you off with a slow walk around the block or on a treadmill. As your lung capacity and endurance improve, you may be advised to increase your walking speed and distance. If, on the other hand, you’re used to walking or running, then your doctor might suggest other workout strategies to keep things interesting, such as swimming, cycling or weight training.

3. Complete Medical Workup

The truly great thing about a medically supervised program is that you don’t go into it guessing – or hoping – that you’re not making choices that can be harmful to your health. As outlined in the point above, you’ll want to exercise, but you don’t want to start something your body isn’t ready for and put yourself at risk of an injury. Before you begin your program, your doctor will screen you for existing conditions that you might not know about, such as pre-hypertension. Then you’ll be given diet and exercise suggestions tailored to your current fitness level and medical needs. As you start to lose weight and your health improves, your doctor will make changes to your program as necessary, while at the same time keeping you up to date on your overall health.

4. Forming Healthy New Habits

When you begin any weight loss program, the initial changes to your diet and activity level may seem overwhelming. Whereas before you might have been too strict with your diet, or allowed yourself to eat as much and whatever you liked, making a permanent lifestyle change can be difficult to implement on your own. However, it doesn’t have to be hard to develop good habits, and it can take less time and effort than you’d think. The key is in the support and instruction you receive from a knowledgeable diet and health professional. “Falling off the wagon” often happens when you don’t have someone to hold you accountable. Even well-meaning friends and family members might inadvertently contribute to unhealthy choices you make. Your doctor, who is committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals and keeping the weight off, is the accountability partner you need to make your new habits permanent.

5. Health and Aesthetic Results

The final – and perhaps most exciting – benefits you’ll get from a medically supervised program are those that you can see and feel. You may not notice your physical weight loss results at first, but within a few weeks, you’ll begin to feel healthier and have more energy to do the things you want to do. Once your new habits become an ingrained part of your everyday life, you’ll start to notice how much better you look as you shed the pounds. Clothes will fit better or may start to get looser. Friends and family will complement you on your weight loss. Best of all, as you continue to work with your health professional on your diet and exercise plans, you’ll know that the positive changes you’re making are likely to be long-lasting and result in a greatly improved quality of life.

Call 502-244-8746 to schedule an appointment with one of our weight loss doctors at Weight Loss +

Top Reasons People Give Up on Diets and How to Avoid Them

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 18:07:01 GMT

Top Reasons People Give Up on Diets and How to Avoid Them

Every year people make New Year’s resolutions to eat better, exercise, and lose weight. Most people quit trying in February or March after hitting the gym hard throughout January. There are many reasons why people give up, and you need to know what these reasons are so you can avoid doing the same thing. Here are top reasons why people give up on their diets.

1. Unrealistic Expectations

Having unrealistic expectations is a major reason why people give up on their diets. They spend a week eating better an exercising and expect to be able to fit into smaller jeans. A safe and reasonable weight loss goal is about two pounds per week. If you weight more, you might see a larger amount of weight loss in the beginning, but you can’t expect to lose 10 pounds right away. Many people will step on the scale after a few days and give up if they didn’t lose any weight yet. Recognize that weight loss takes time, and you need to be patient and diligent. If you don’t give up, the weight will come off.

2. Changing Too Much at Once

A completely overhaul might work for some people, but for most, it will only make things more difficult. If you’re used to sitting around all day and snacking on chips and cookies, doing a complete 180 on your lifestyle one day can cause you to get overwhelmed and give up. Start out by substituting your unhealthy choices and incorporating a 20 minute cardio workout every other day. Once that becomes a routine, increase how often you exercise and learn some more healthy recipes. If you start with baby steps, you’ll be more likely to succeed.

3. Looking at Changes as Temporary

Making temporary changes is one if the biggest diet mistakes that people make. They think of the term diet as a temporary eating plan while they lose weight. The word diet is a term that means what type of food you put into your body. Your diet can consist of cookies or it can consist of salads. Your diet changes need to be a permanent lifestyle change, not a temporary change. If you make it temporary, you will find yourself snacking on unhealthy foods more often, or you will lose the weight and then gain it back after all of your hard work.

4. Using Food as a Reward

People rewarding themselves with food is another big problem that causes people to revert to bad choices fairly quickly. For example, some people will say that after they lose five pounds then they will reward themselves with fast food or cake. So once the five pounds are gone, they order a pizza and then it’s difficult to go back to eating healthy, especially if the diet changes were difficult in the first place. The fish and salad the next day won’t look as appetizing with memories of extra cheese pizza from the night before. Don’t reward yourself with food, you’re not a dog. Reward yourself with stuff like a new shirt, getting your hair done, or a new pair of shoes.

5. No Support

Not having moral support is another big reason why people can’t stick to their diet. If your spouse is stuffing their face with fried chicken and pasta, it’s hard not to grab a small plate of what they’re eating. No support also causes you to have no one to check in with. There isn’t someone there making sure you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. You don’t feel like you’re letting anyone down besides yourself, which can be a lot easier than letting down someone else. Find someone who will join you on your journey, even if it isn’t in person. You can join weight loss groups on social media and even special websites with message boards.

6. Slip-Ups Are the End-All

Many people give up after a slip-up. They catch themselves eating a donut or some French fries and then all bets are off. They decide that they don’t have the willpower to change their eating habits and just like that, they lose every bit of motivation that they once had. You can’t let yourself think like this. If you eat a donut, spend an extra 20 minutes on the treadmill. Decide that you aren’t going to let a donut dictate your future. Enjoy the donut and then continue with your healthy eating lifestyle. If you decide that you will never allow yourself to have a small cheat on occasion, it will only make you want the snacks more.

7. Skipping Meals

Skipping meals seems like the quickest way to lose weight for some. They can just eat once a day and let their body work off all of that stored fat. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. When you skip meals, your body goes into starvation mode. This is where you aren’t getting the nutrients you need, and your body begins to panic because it doesn’t know when it will receive proper nourishment again. The panic causes your body to store all of your fat and make it more difficult to burn off. Think of your body as putting your fat in a vault to keep it safe. Your metabolism slows down to keep it from burning and you stop losing weight. When you do eat your once-per-day-meal, your body will store all of that food as fat as well, because it’s still in starvation mode. Therefore, you can actually gain weight by skipping meals. Of course, skipping one meal won’t cause any major issues, but starving yourself on a daily basis will. You need to stop thinking of food as something that will make you fat and start thinking of it as fuel. If you eat small meals throughout the day, your metabolism will get better and you will lose weight faster. Eat when you are hungry. Stop eating when you aren’t hungry anymore, not when you’re full.

8. Emotional Eating

Emotional eating is a serious issue with many people. Just because you don’t eat cake when you’re sad, doesn’t mean that you’re not an emotional eater. When you grab a bag of chips because you are bored or just feel like eating something salty, or you grab some ice cream because you’re stressed out, you are eating with your emotions. Comfort food is a term that panders to emotional eating, which seems to peak around the holidays. The only reason that you should ever eat is because you are hungry. About 75% of people who overeat, do so because they are emotional eaters.

There are many reasons why people fail at losing weight, but these 8 reasons are some of the most common ones. Make sure you have a support system and you change the way you see food. It is fuel for the body and nothing else. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you treat yourself to an unhealthy snack, just pick yourself back up and get back on the wagon.

Sources:

http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/c/92/2982/meals-wont-lose/

http://www.today.com/id/15720217/ns/today-holiday_guide/t/are-you-emotional-eater/#.Vq1EvPkwiM8

Why You Shouldn’t Give Up When You Hit a Weight Loss Plateau

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:24:15 GMT

Why You Shouldn’t Give Up When You Hit a Weight Loss Plateau

Just about everyone who has ever lost weight has experienced the dreaded weight loss plateau. This is where you lose weight at a steady pace for a while, and then the weight loss seems to come to a stop.

The weight loss plateau causes a lot of people to get frustrated and give up. The plateau is normal and it is just a bump in the road on your journey. If you work hard, you can get past it. You can overcome your weight loss plateau with some work and adjustments. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t give up once you’ve hit it.

Your Body Has Changed

There are many different reasons why people hit a weight loss plateau. One major reason is that they don’t change up their exercise and eating habits after losing weight. If you lost 40 pounds, you need to eat and exercise differently than you did when they were heavy. You might need to decrease your calorie intake, or you might even need to start working out harder and increase it a little. You can use a weight loss calculator to configure your calories with your current weight. You should be proud of the plateau. Your hard work has paid off, and your body has changed so much that you need to adjust the way you are doing things. That is a really big deal, and it should be celebrated, no matter how frustrating it can be.

You Need Rest

Another reason why a weight loss plateau occurs is because the body is overworked. It can be possible to over-train. As you work out, your muscle fibers break down and rebuild. If you don’t get enough rest, they don’t rebuild; they just continue to break down. If you have hit a weight loss plateau, your body might be breaking down more than it is rebuilding. Try taking three days off from training. It might sound scary after all of your hard work, but you’ll happy you did it. You can still go for a walk if you feel like you need some exercise, but don’t do anything more strenuous than that. After your three days, get back to work.

Try New Machines

Trying new exercise machines is a great way to get passed a weight loss plateau. Your body may have gotten use to your routine, and it’s making it more difficult for you to lose weight. Try going out of your comfort zone. Get off the treadmill and jump on the elliptical of vise versa. Try some different weight machines as well. Your new body needs a new routine.

Don’t Skip Meals

It can be tempting to skip a few meals throughout the day to try and jump start that weight loss again. However, skipping meals is only going to further hinder your progress. Eating right has worked well so far, and that isn’t going to change. Try to sneak in more healthy snacks and cut out any unhealthy options that you are still allowing yourself to eat. Cut the bread completely an only eat natural cabs such as fruit. Replace the empty carbs you were eating in those sandwiches with some green, cleansing vegetables.

Create a Reward Program

You shouldn’t give up on your weight loss because you need to meet your goals. A reward program might help you get there. Tell yourself that after 10 more pounds, you can buy yourself that new swim suit that you have been dying to own, or maybe you can get your hair died a different color. New hair is a great way to celebrate a new body. The extra reward incentives might give you that last burst of energy and focus you need to break through your weight loss plateau.

Be Honest With Yourself

You have to be honest with yourself about what you are actually doing to lose the weight. Did you get frustrated when the scale didn’t change and go to Taco Bell? Did you eat a cupcake while binge watching your favorite show on Netflix. You can’t do those things and then get mad when the scale doesn’t change again. Keep a food journal and write down everything you eat. The next day, go over it once you have a new perspective. If there is something in there that is holding you back, you can change it and get past your weight loss plateau.

Do More Strength Training

If you have been doing a lot of cardio and only a little strength training, this could be a big part of your problem. When you lose weight, your metabolism actually slows down. Your body doesn’t think it needs to burn calories as quickly because of your smaller size, compared to someone who is overweight. One way to speed your metabolism is to do strength training. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories your body will burn at rest. Strength training doesn’t mean that you need to bulk up like a body builder. Most body builders focus on strength training for hours per day and they take supplements to help their muscles get larger than average. If you are doing strength training for 30 minutes per day, your muscles will tone and not bulk to an unnatural size.

Get More Sleep

Not getting enough sleep can hinder your weight loss progress. A lack of sleep will slow down your metabolism and it will stop your muscles from properly repairing themselves. Use an app or watch the clock and see how much sleep you are getting each night. If you can’t seem to get to sleep early enough to at least land 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep, try a natural sleep supplement like melatonin or ask your doctor for a prescription sleeping pill. A sleep aid could help you get the rest that your body needs to break through your weight loss plateau.

If you hit a weight loss plateau, don’t let that make you give up on your weight loss journey. You have worked way too hard to throw in the towel now. Try each of these things to see if it helps you get through it. If you still have an issue, ask your doctor to take some blood work to check for a hormonal imbalance. Chances are, however, you just need to change up your diet and exercise regimen.

Sources:

https://www.fitwatch.com/calculator/weight-loss-target-date

http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ije/2010/270832/