top of page
Search

February 2024 Newsletter


Important Dates to Remember:


***We will be CLOSED on Monday morning, January 29th due to the impending weather and we will be open from 3-6:30 PM after our parking lot is cleared.***


-We will be closed on Good Friday, March 29th.


**  Remember to check our website in the hours section, and our facebook page to find out if we are closing for inclement weather.  Facebook or Website


Navigating the Path to a Healthy Weight: A Chiropractor's Perspective

So, I had a great idea at the end of December.  I was going to do a 30 day juice fast (feast) and then document the journey on a Facebook group with daily videos and recipes to inspire you to make a healthy change as well.  I've done it before roughly 10 years ago and lost 30 pounds that I was able to keep off until the stress of all the things we went through following the release of the Corona virus in China from the Wuhan lab.  From 2019 to 2023 I ate my way back up to 201 lbs and I didn't feel like I was a good role model to be a healthcare provider that focused on wellness.  Last time I did a juice fast, it got published on the website associated with the movie Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and can be viewed HEREI only succeeded in going 14 days and I only took off 13 lbs and got down to 188 lbs.  Since then, my weight has gone back up to 191 after I put my juicer back into the cabinet.  I'm going to share the group page for that journey HERE, but I realized that any extreme diet or lifestyle can't be maintained forever and there has to be a better way to get to a healthy weight and keep it off long term.  So, you know me, I began a study of what works and what doesn't.  I'd like to share a little bit about what I found.  


It Can Be So Confusing and Overwhelming!

In the journey to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, it's not uncommon to feel like a sailor lost at sea, tossed about by the waves of fad diets and weight loss trends. As a concerned Chiropractor who's had thousands of conversations with patients about this topic, I understand the frustration and struggle that many individuals face in their pursuit of a balanced and sustainable weight. The constant battle with the scale can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being, so it's time to shift our focus from quick fixes to long-term solutions.  


Food Engineering- Creating Addictions- Crimes Against Humanity...

It's so important to acknowledge the pervasive influence of modern food engineering, which has transformed our diets into a landscape of highly processed, hyper-palatable options. Many of these foods are meticulously crafted to be addictive, making it challenging to resist their allure. That's right, I said ADDICTIVE and the research backs me on that (Food addiction, eating addiction and eating disorders - PubMed (nih.gov)). The combination of sugar, salt, and fat in precisely calculated proportions triggers pleasure centers in the brain, creating a cycle of cravings that can be difficult to break. Understanding this engineering is a crucial first step in regaining control over our eating habits. This was also a great article but the browser said it was an "unsecure site".  Though I didn't have any problems with it, that's a head up.  It is a great read... Food Engineering- An Addictive Science? – SQ Online (ucsd.edu)


What's The Common Denominator in All Weight Loss Success Stories?

Regardless of the many and diverse weight loss stories that arise from every fad diet known to man, there are common denominators that weave through each narrative. Successful individuals often share a commitment to making sustainable lifestyle changes, incorporating a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and mindfulness into their daily routines. While each journey is unique, these fundamental principles serve as pillars for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight in the long run. To embark on a successful weight loss journey, it's essential to start with a clear understanding of your personal motivations. Discovering your "why" can be a powerful driving force that propels you through challenges and setbacks. Whether it's improving overall health, increasing energy levels, or enhancing self-esteem, a compelling reason behind your weight loss goals will serve as a guiding light when the path becomes challenging.

 Numerous studies have been conducted on the rules of weight loss success. In fact, The National Weight Control Registry identified key habits of successful weight loss. These rules include:

  • An average of three hours per week of medium intensity exercise

  • Less than 10 hours per week of television viewing

  • Resisting the urge to splurge on holidays, weekends and other special occasions. Keeping a consistent diet is one of the keys to success.

  • 78% Eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast and other meals can put your body into starvation mode where it actually starts storing fat in anticipation of missed meals.

Unfortunately, rules without reasons will negate the best of efforts. Unless you find your deeper “why,” moments of weakness can quickly end up becoming days and even weeks of backsliding. 


So, how do you find your why?

What’s the secret power that weight loss success stories share? It’s easier than you may think, but it’s highly personal. Everyone has their own reason. Here are some considerations:

  • Health –  Anything, including bad eating habits, will gain a foothold in our lives if left unchecked. Decades of poor choices can result in a compromised state of health, a long list of symptoms and even diseases associated with the weight gain. People come to the office grossly overweight wondering why they have knee, hip and back pain, Fibromyalgia, fatty liver, insomnia, sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes and the answer is staring them in the mirror. Your health can definitely be part of your reason why. Instead of just thinking about feeling better, think about the things you will enjoy once you’ve lost the weight. Do you want to spend all day playing with your grandchildren? Do you want to enjoy New Hampshire and do hiking and mountain climbing without getting out of breath? Do you want to run a marathon? There aren’t any goals that are too far-fetched.

  • Time – How much time and money do you waste on fad diets, lose weight quick schemes, medications, and other temporary solutions? The real answer lies in the habits that have become a lifestyle. Think about the quality of life you now live, compared to what you will enjoy when you are 20 or 40 pounds lighter. It is like a whole different world. This can be your why!

  • Relationships – Let’s face it, many of your relationships will improve with a changed lifestyle. Have you thought about what your love life will look like once you’ve reached and are able to maintain your goal weight and a healthy lifestyle?

  • 33 Other Reasons to lose the weight... 33 Convincing Reasons To Lose Weight | Eat This Not That

Begin by finding your “why!” Writing down your goals and keeping them somewhere where you can go over them often is a great idea. Start journaling about your progress, feelings, triumphs and reached goals to keep the vision of weight loss success fresh in your mind. 


Calories in/ Calories out

This concept really gets a bad rap but one of the fundamental principles that cannot be ignored is the concept of "calories in, calories out." While it's true that other factors, such as hormonal imbalances and metabolic differences, play a role in weight management, the basic equation of burning more calories than you consume remains a key element. This is not to oversimplify the complexity of weight loss, but rather to emphasize the importance of creating a sustainable calorie deficit through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.  It's said that you can't out exercise a bad diet but you also can't diet your way back to optimal health without exercising. Here's a great article that explains why Calorie Counting is vilified and why we shouldn't throw that baby out with the bath water.  It's worth a read. Calories in/calories out really is the key to weight loss. Here’s why. - The Washington Post


A Last Word On The Subject

Getting started on a weight loss program requires a holistic approach. Begin by gradually incorporating healthier food choices, adopting a balanced and sustainable diet, and engaging in regular physical activity that aligns with your preferences. Seek support from friends, family, or even professional guidance if needed. Remember, the journey to a healthy weight is not a sprint but a marathon – focus on making consistent, positive choices that contribute to a healthier and happier life. By understanding the basics, finding your "WHY" to motivate you, and adopting a sustainable approach, you can pave the way to a lifetime of wellness and maintain a healthy weight for the long haul.


PS- I bought a new scale for the office that weighs up to 400 lbs and does 20 Essential Measurements: Runstar smart scale shows not only weight but also BMI, body fat, subcutaneous fat, body water, protein, BMR, bone mass, body age etc., by electrical Bio-Impedance Measurement Technology.  Just let me know if you want to use it.  It's in the exam room.


PPS- full disclosure is that I only had a year of nutrition science in school, and I've attended less than 200 hours of continuing education in nutrition and supplementation so I'm no expert on this topic as you may have noticed by the Dunlap's disease that I currently suffer from.  For those of you that don't know, Dunlap's disease is when your belly done laps over your belt. :)  I'm working on it with you and for you though.  I hope this newsletter helps us both.


Let's Lighten This Topic Up A Bit...


Dear Heavenly Father,


As we embark on the month of February, I come before you with gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a chiropractor to these wonderful individuals under my care. Lord, in this season of love and compassion, let us reflect on the profound words of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."


Father, as we celebrate Valentine's Day, help us remember that true love extends beyond romantic relationships; it encompasses the love we show ourselves and our neighbors. Remind us to approach our health, including the journey towards a balanced weight, with the same love and patience. Let us not be envious or boastful in our achievements but be kind and compassionate, recognizing that health is a lifelong journey, a marathon rather than a sprint.

Grant us the wisdom to understand that all worthwhile endeavors require time and repetition. Just as with the adjustments we get to align our spines, let us be patient with ourselves and allow ourselves time to adopt new, healthy habits. May we not be easily discouraged by setbacks but persevere with the knowledge that each step, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goals.


Lord, instill in us the understanding that our bodies are temples, deserving of love, care, and respect. As we navigate the challenges of maintaining a healthy spine and a healthy weight, help us to appreciate the significance of consistency and repetition. May our actions reflect the love we have for ourselves and our commitment to the well-being of our neighbors.

In your merciful name, I pray for strength, perseverance, and the unwavering love that will guide us through this journey toward lasting health. Amen.


In Health and Faith,

Dr. Jay, Kim, Kerrie, Nastassja, Kaitlin and Lori

13 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page