Since the Focus28 office lines have been ablaze with phone calls over the last week relating to the recent publicity relating to the potential of obesity surgery being a potential cure for diabetes we felt it was most appropriate to reference an article published earlier this year by the Associated Press relating to the subject.

Obviously this news is monumental and could change the lives of many of those who have been battling both obesity and diabetes for years. Please stay tuned as we continue to report the latest news on the Focus28 expert blog and remember - everyday is a journey and is worth celebrating.

Be well,

The Focus28 team

www.focus28wellness.com

Obesity surgery seen as potential diabetes cure

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) — A small new study gives the strongest evidence yet that obesity surgery can cure diabetes

Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes; rates for both are climbing.

Patients who had surgery to reduce the size of their stomachs were five times more likely to see their diabetes disappear over the next two years than were patients who had standard diabetes care, according to Australian researchers.

Most of the surgery patients were able to stop taking diabetes drugs and achieve normal blood tests.

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Let’s lay down the fact. Yes, 70% of all bariatric patients do gain the weight back. The truth? You could become part of that statistic. It strongly depends on the direction you choose to take. Failing to fully understand the circumstances will strongly impact your path to recovery. You need to understand that bariatric surgery is not simply just a quick fix solution. It’s a lifetime commitment that only you yourself can be willing to make. Now that you’ve come this far, it’s time to take that road to recovery, towards success.

Trend diets aren’t cool
We know it, you know it. In some cases, eating has almost been brought down to a science. Unfortunately, bad eating habits have accumulated during those years and now it’s your turn to take responsibility and replace these habits with better choices. To put it simply, food can no longer be considered as “comfort food”.

Welcome to the world of smaller portions, nutritional supplements and strict dietary guidelines. In the beginning this may seem quite overwhelming but we cannot stress its importance enough. For example, your newly modified stomach can no longer absorb essential vitamins and minerals. That’s why you must take nutritional supplements for the rest of your life. Do your homework and talk to your surgeon and nutritionist. Together, they will build a personalized nutrition plan specifically for you. Now, instead of concentrating on trying to forget the existence of those famous “golden arches”, visualize a new life full of possibilities and rewards. Can you stomach that?

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Have you ever  wondered what Hypnosis can help with beyond smoking and weight management? Many don’t realize the broad spectrum of issues this much misunderstood modality addresses. Many athletes both amateur and pro use hypnosis. Tiger Woods is one well known example. He uses hypnosis to get in the zone which he achieves by relaxing both physically and mentally. Many Major League baseball teams use sports psychologists to induce this wonderful state. Hypnosis is defined as a state of deep relaxation coupled with powerful focus, so when the mind and body are loose and you couple this with concentration, performance at sports improves. I like to use creative visualization when my clients are hypnotized so that they can see themselves performing at their sport. We know that the same part of the brain that is activated in trance is used when actually doing the sport.
I have over the years, hypnotized athletes for baseball, tennis, gymnastics, billiards and quite a few golfers. I use it myself and it really helps my performance immensely. So how can this aspect of Hypnosis help Focus 28 readers? Well the same visualization techniques in sports performance can be used to help you see yourself healing faster ftom bariatric surgery and eating properly. The more you do it, the more effective it is. You can see yourself acting healthier and becoming slimmer. Many of my clients find themselves more motivated to exercise and eating healthy foods.

by Bob Pargament

Hypnosis Expert

www.focus28wellness.com

http://www.hypnosiswestchester.com/

Why is it that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer? Why are some people considered lucky while others suffer? How does one person have the ability to turn everything they touch into gold, while another can’t catch a break? The answer is very simple. It is all in our minds and where we focus our attention, either positive or negative.

There are laws that exist in the Universe and they apply to each and every one of us.  On Earth we have the law of gravity. It does not matter who you are, if you throw a ball up into the air, it will eventually come down. We are also governed by Universal laws. One of these laws is The Law of Attraction. Whatever we focus our attention on expands. We receive what we think about, whether we want it or not. Our life experiences are based on our thoughts and beliefs on any subject. The thoughts we think over and over again eventually become a belief and become evident in our daily experiences. So, it all begins with our minds.

Personal empowerment comes from knowing that you are the creator of your own experience. It is being in alignment with the Universal Law and allowing those laws to work with you to create your ideal life. It is having mastery over your mind. If it is true (and it has been proven that it is) that the thoughts you think will eventually create your reality, is it not vital to pay attention to your thoughts and change the thoughts that are disempowering?  You are the one in control of your own mind. By being in alignment with the positive aspects of your life and focusing on what makes you feel good, the Universe will bring you more positive life experiences. Think positive thoughts, and have positive feelings, and you will have positive experiences. Think negative thoughts, or feel worry, doubt, fear, resentment, jealousy, contentment, rage, anger, or disappointment and you will draw in more negative life experiences. If you feel fat, you can’t attract being thin. Is it really that simple?  Absolutely!  Don’t believe a word I say, just apply the law and experience it for yourself.

Christy Whitman is a bestselling author Perfect Pictures, An Inspiration Book for Those Who Like it Perfect. She is also a certified Light Body Instructor as well as Law of Attraction Coach. She is also the founder of The Mother Daughter Empowerment Summit, and Christy’s business, Personal Empowerment, specializes in helping people let go of resistance in order to create what they desire in their lives. Christy is also a captivating and dynamic speaker. She consistently gives keynotes and speaks to large groups nationally. She speaks on how to attract anything and anyone by using the Law of Attraction at the Learning Annex across the US. Visit www.7essentiallaws.com for free special reports on the Universal laws.

by Christy Whitman

Focus 28 Empowerment Expert

www.focus28wellness.com

www.christywhitman.com

I am so excited to be checking in from time to time in the areas of interest that have made a difference in my life and those individuals that take my fitness classes on a daily basis.

I will never forget in the early 1980’s I read several health and wellness books by Dr. Andrew Weil that really changed my understanding of food, fast food and the unhealthy ingredient traps. After reading about the harmful affects of trans fat I shared these information with all the members at the health club where I teach fitness  classes. Some of the side affects, on a per-calorie basis, trans fats appear to increase the risk of coronary heart disease. At the society for Neuroscience’s conference in San Diego researchers presented several studies demonstrating that a particular trans fat attacked brain tissue, muddying thought and destroying memory.  Trans fats and high fructose were in at least 40 percent of foods Americans eat. So, as new laws go in to affect to change the standards of ingredients we must take full responsibility for the fuel we put in our bodies. Most people that I shared this information with in the 1980″s were not really interested and made comments like “you are just a health nut” and if it is on the shelf it must be ok for me”.

Anyway, I decided to take action. So, on a famous brand breadcrumb box there was a hot line for questions and comments. I was so excited to actually call with my big important question- (a time in our history when a human actually answered the phone) and away I went—They answered the phone……….Can I help you? Yes, I said,” is your company aware of the side affects of trans fats. The woman on the phone practically laughed out loud and said I have never heard a complaint before. Then I said this is not a complaint it is a concern. I asked her if they could possibly offer one without the trans fats. This is the only brand that my grandmother will use. She said she would check with the department and call me back. She did and here was her answer “I am sorry it would change the flavor an and we do not have a substitute in our warehouses. Further there was not enough evidence that proved my information. And lastly, she said the products shelf life would be compromised so, the price would then be higher, making it cost prohibitive for the average person. I hung up confused and frustrated. Thank goodness for homemade, organic, Whole Foods and google. I was able to seek out companies that did not use trans fats in the past 20+ years.

I believe that my energy soared when I made changes in the food/fuel I put in my body. All the members that participated in my classes over the years still thank me today. They got a jump-start on important information. As you probably already know the laws have recently changed. New York’s law went into affect and all fast food chains had to make serious changes in the ingredients they use.  While many fast food restaurants stopped using trans fats in mid-2006 (Mc Donald’s), Burger King said they wouldn’t make the switch until the end of 2008. I hope these fast food brands will not advertise that these fast food choices are now healthy for you.

One of the reasons I joined the team at Focus was I knew that fitness was only one part of the whole person in balance equation; empowerment, image and nutrition are just as important. Many of my clients working hard and multitasking still craved healthy nutrition, but they wanted it fast and on the go. So, now I recommend always have a Ready To Drink healthy protein shake, bar or snack at your desk, in the car or anywhere. Exercise, movement, dance, working out–my areas of expertise. But, in order to move the body requires nutrient dense food-good fuel to move well. So, the next time you need a quick pick me up, think twice about the fast food you put in your body. It’s worth it and you are worth it!

Lisa Avellino
Focus 28 Fitness Expert

When exercise or just the thought of it seems overwhelming, it is time to hire a personal trainer.  A trainer is not really a luxury item anymore. The truth is, it is really a customized crash course in exercise education. Just be sure that the trainer you hire has at least 10+ years experience and credentials. I also recommend interviewing a client that the trainer currently trains. If you believe that you cannot afford it, I suggest you rethink the investment. I am not suggesting that you compromise basic living budget, but I do want to stress the real savings and benefits.  When you work with a trainer, they not only maintain your accountability record, they also create new cross training fun workouts, but most importantly, they teach you proper form and alignment. When you learn these lessons, then you can continue your training at a higher level.  Understand, it is not just the duration of your workout and the intensity that counts, — IT IS WHAT YOU ABSORB.  By absorb I mean resistance, oxygen and focused motivation with mindful movement.  May I suggest sharing a session with a friend? It is important that the friend is in a similar weight and level class. For example, if you weigh 250 pounds it is recommended that your friend be in the 220-260 ranges. Another benefit is it is an instant 1/2-price sale and you will add to the motivating aspect of the check in system. On a night that you are just not in the mood, your friend may get you focused. On a day that your energy level is very low or you may feel down, your friend will pick you up and say “Just get in the car, we will tell the trainer to just stretch today”. The point is you can each write down the exercise routine after every session and then rotate the workouts on alternate weeks to come. If budget is still a factor, just do a follow up session once a month for an update.  Understand, it is often not what you can afford-it is really what you value. If you pass up the expensive coffee on your way to work at almost $5 a cup, that equals $130 a month. If you split an average session at $75, you would be able to train with a friend 4 times a month or once a week. I also recommend using online recording tools to further reinforce the workouts that you do with the trainer. The tools at www.focus28.com are free and of course, the best. Many weight loss sites charge for the use of their tracking tools. Go check out your BMI and start today!   This is the best weight loss tip I can give. An online tracking at a price you can definitely afford–free!!! We all love free!! Good luck!!!
 
Lisa AvellinoFocus 28 Fitness Expert

      I was shopping in a mall yesterday when I bumped into a former member of the fitness center that I own.  The woman said  “Hi Lisa, how are you?– you look exactly the same!”.  I suppose that is a compliment.  I knew it was a compliment when I realized I had no recollection of who she was.  Gaining weight can significantly distort one’s face, not to mention the burdon on joints, stress on the heart and the investment in many different sizes of clothing. Often individuals get frustrated when they are on a nutrition and fitness program and they don’t see significant weight loss on the scale. That is why I was compelled to share this story.  Maintenance is an amazing goal.  It is incredible just to maintain ones weight and fitness level.  When you are super motivated and can focus on a controlled calorie intake and a focused exercise program, then you can slowly deplete your body of stored fat.  The same woman that I bumped into also had a soft pretzel with artificial melted cheese sauce in her hand when we met.  After a brief conversation she said “this is not really for me you know-I bought it for my kids”.  I never want my personal stories to seem insensitive to those that struggle with the emotional connections and chemical imbalances from the foods we eat.  Of curse, it is one of the most challenging things to control and BALANCE-ONES WEIGHT AND DAILY FOOD INTAKE.  Understand that in order to lose only 1 pound you must burn or deplete 3500 calories.  In order to lose 10 pounds one must deplete 35,000 calories from the body.   That is why this equation is often overwhelming.  This process is easier when a complete support system is in place before you say go!!!  I recommend a 4 prong approach rather than excuses.  The nutrition, fitness, image and empowerment information and motivation is the key.  Also, to speed up the results even more, write it down.  Studies show that a SORT OF PERSONAL CONTRACT WITH ONE’S SELF CREATES FOCUS  AND ACCOUNTABILITY.  When you break things down to many parts it is easier to connect the dots and get to the finish line.  Don’t be hard on yourself if you are stuck in a plateau–surround yourself with positive people and seek a solid program that supports the entire self -not just the physical.  And lastly, congratulate yourself often. When you realize that you are in your best weight and well being assessment, you should say that it is the best for right at this moment.  There is no benefit to self sabotage or feeling bad. The idea is to stay focused on 1 day at a time or even 1 moment at a time.  The point is that taking action is the key-so, always take action—never allow the excuses dialog to get the best of you.  It’s worth it!  you are worth it!!! –May it be a 5 -500 pound loss-  Good Luck!!!

Lisa Avellino

Focus 28 Fitness Expert

Certain foods have fat-promoting actions, causing changes in hormones and metabolic activities that increase the risk for fat accumulation and obesity; whereas, other foods have fat-fighting actions. Fat-promoting foods, if avoided and replaced with items that reduce the risk for fat accumulation, would help to maximize weight loss success and long-term maintenance post-surgery. Over the next several issues of the Silhouette, the research section will examine foods that promote fat and those that may help to reduce the risk for obesity. The first of this series of articles discusses why processed grains increase the risk for obesity and why, calorie for calorie, processed grains are so much more fattening than whole grains. 

Whole Grains vs. Processed Gains
Do you know the difference between the terms ‘whole grain’ and ‘processed grain’? A whole grain is the seed of the plant and consists of 3 major components. The first of these is the bran or outer layer of the seed, which is high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. The center of the seed is the germ and it, too, is high in vitamins, minerals, as well as protein and fat. The third part of the seed is the kernel and consists primarily of carbohydrate. Whole grains, then, contain all the components of the plant seed, along with its high fiber content and nutrients.

Refined or milled grains are those that have had the bran and germ removed through high-heat roller mills. Such processing removes the nutrient and fiber content of the grain, leaving behind the carbohydrate kernel. The advantage to refining or milling is to increase the shelf life of the product. Processed grains vs. whole grains have a much longer shelf life and are resistant to pests, such as rodents who prefer to eat the nutritious parts of the grain. To increase the nutrient value of the processed grains, manufacturers ‘enrich’ or, in other words, add back to the refined grain some but not all of the lost vitamins. Until recently, most grain products in the grocery market were processed or refined including bread and baked goods, cereals, crackers, and rice products. 

Calorie-for-calorie processed grains are more fattening than are whole grains and for several reasons. First, processed grains contain mainly carbohydrate and, when consumed, are rapidly absorbed, resulting in an increase in blood sugar. The rise in blood sugar results in a concomitant increase in the production of insulin, the hormone that regulates sugar in the body. Insulin lowers blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of sugar into tissues and by stimulating its metabolism or storage. However, insulin can also increase body fat. 

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