Let's face it, we earned our mark as the fattest nation in the world somehow, right?  Instead of getting into the politics and tactics of the FDA and Big Pharma, I think it is time to realize that is it all about our very own choices.  As individuals we actually still have the right to choose the food that goes into our bodies.  I do feel though that we have learned to make losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle HARD.  Please start to let go of the 'it has to be a struggle' mentality and actually listen to your body.  Truly listen.  We have become accustomed to numbing ourselves to our body's warning signals and signs.  If you start to pay attention to your body's needs and wants, the ability for you to stay fit and healthy can actually be EASY, and even FUN!!!  I have decided to go out on a limb here.  I want to tell you about a science called Applied Kinesiology.  I use this very scientifically based method for gaining more insight on my own body as well as my patient's bodies.  Brace yourself, this is not mainstream medical stuff here but I'd like to challenge your thinking and maybe even broaden your comfort zone a little.  Remember, when you are outside of your comfort zone, you are GROWING.  And, of course the definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again, while expecting different results.  So branch out and try something new.  There are several ways to practice Applied Kinesiology (also known as muscle testing), but the one I will share with you today is one you can do on your own wherever you are.  Pick up an item that you are about to eat.  It will work best if it is outside of its container (unless the container is glass).  Set your feet together and keep a slight give in your knees.  Hold the item up against your solar plexus (touching your breast bone on your chest).  Clear your head of all thoughts and close your eyes.  For most people, if you start to lean forward, your body is telling you YES, this is a good thing for me right now.  If you start to lean backward, typically this is a NO response.  Leaning to either side is basically an indifferent response (not a yes or a no, more like a maybe).  I say for most people, because there are a select few that will have the opposite response and there are some that will lean to one side for their yes/no.  As you practice, you will find out what type of 'sway tester' you are.  I challenge you to try this on yourself for the next few days.  This process alone will get you more in tune to you body and it's needs and allow you to remove yourself from the autopilot lifestyle.  When you're on autopilot, you don't think about things before you say or do them, you just do.  In my opinion, this can get dangerous.  Give your body the respect it deserves and allow it to tell you.  After a little practice (as long as you have an open mind and are not mentally resisting the process), you'll become a master at knowing what is just right for YOUR body.  Everyone is different.  What tests well for you might not test well for your best friend, mom, or sister.  And that's ok, that is what makes us all unique.  When you start to understand what is right for you, your body automatically starts to love you back and will start to perform the way you want it to.  You will notice your energy level increase, you will sleep better but need less of it, you will get to your proper weight with minimal effort and you will see aches and pains diminishing.

So whether you're at a grocery store, or deciding what to eat while standing in front of your own fridge, try this tool.  Once you get a feel for what your body likes and doesn't like, you will start to notice it's subtle clues even before you would have to test it.

My personal secrets for a lean, muscular, fit, healthy body.

1.  Eliminate processed sugars.

2.  Until you understand your own body's preferences, apply the 'sway test' on anything you are about to put in your mouth.

3.  If you're going to eat simple carbohydrates such as breads or crackers, be sure to eat them before 2pm.

4.  Eat your heavier good fats after 2pm.   Such as avocados, and grass fed red meats.

5.  Eat Consciously.  Get yourself off of autopilot and pay attention to every bite that goes in.

For more info. on how to reset your body's metabolism, remember to join Educating Wellness for their FREE Weight Loss Class (trust me, this is cutting edge stuff you have NEVER heard before) coming up at 6:30pm on Oct. 4.  Call or email for your seat:  1-888-220-2854, [email protected].