Fat Loss Cleanse

I know I go on about body cleansing or detoxing constantly - but we honestly need a new way of thinking. You know, a new solution for fat loss.

Believe me, I've tried the old standard that is supposed to work; eat right for at least six to twelve weeks, exercise, drink lots of water, stay away from anything delicious including salt.

I've done these programs more than once with little success. And I'm not the person that gave up after a few days. I actually did these types of programs and stayed on them. I had love, support and money to buy what I needed. So what happened?

First of all, I have to say that I didn't come out of these without any benefit at all. I did learn some things about myself.

For example, I was shocked at how addicted to salt I had become over the years. When I first tried a diet that completely cut salt for the first two weeks, I became seriously angry as the days went on. I felt like throwing my food out the window! This couldn't be how we were meant to live, could it?

During this time I shrunk. But after a few weeks felt so out-of-control that I had to stop this program. Not only was I angry, but there seemed to be so much work involved to make food that I didn't even look forward to eating. I purposely stopped that diet out of rebellion.

I also learned that I loved to exercise. I love aerobics, lifting weights, running, rebounding, and kick-boxing. But they didn't do anything to help me lose weight. What kind of freak was I?

So I eventually began to believe I was destined to be a "big girl," as many had called me, which was weird considering I had tiny bones the size of a bird. But, at the same time, I must be a "big girl" because even when I exercised every day and followed my diet religiously with the help of my husband, I still could not lose the excess 35 plus pounds that had crept up on me.

Then I got sick. I had contracted Hepatitis C. The doctors wanted me to get sicker before they put me in the hospital. But I wanted to get well, so I tried the body cleansing and detoxification that friends had told me about.

Much to my surprise, not only did I feel better but I lost weight! What a nice side-effect, I thought. And to sweeten the pot, not only did I lose weight during my body cleanse, but it kept falling off over the next few weeks as I started going into a maintenance or health eating mode.

After I got healthy and more educated I eventually went from student to therapist to health center owner. I worked with hundreds of people, men and women, who had similar experiences. These people came in for various reasons and were surprised when excess weight came off, seemingly unexpectedly! Many of them asked me why. Why did the weight come off during a cleanse, yet never did with so many "diets" or weight loss or fat loss programs in the past? Why now?

I'm not sure for them. It could be that because of health issues they became more serious about the eating regimen. It could be that they were more focused on their health they didn't realize they were doing things, such as changing their diet, that would naturally cause their bodies to lose weight.

But I believe there is more to it, judging from my own experience. I believe that eating in a way that helps the body cleanse is different than dieting. Cutting out all spices, foods, dressings, sauces... and salt... to help you lose weight is not natural. Our bodies seem to prefer a slower, more gradual, more natural change. I mean, we didn't come out of the womb ordering cheeseburgers.

A fat loss cleanse diet should have allowances at first. Body cleansing is a natural process because your body has organs designed to detoxify and cleanse. The cleansing process will start when you alter your present diet.

A fat loss cleanse can help your body move out wastes that actually cause your cravings in the first place. This makes the eating regimen more tolerable as the program goes on.

A fat loss cleanse should incorporate herbs, and other foods that help your body cleanse, detoxify and adjust to getting waste out. Excess waste, as I've said in other posts, may be a storage house for environmental toxins that can do things like disrupt thyroid function. Moving toxins out may help your body balance once again to alleviate symptoms that may have stemmed from a thyroid that is not functioning properly.

The bottom line is that I believe many of us don't have to be destined to be "big." I believe that losing weight is hard, but I don't think it's because we lack willpower. I believe our bodies and minds need more help than a simple change in diet. And I think that help comes in the form of herbs, bodywork and knowledge.

I wrote the SpringClean Intensive to compete with another fat loss book on the market that I think falls short for the price. So I priced mine at about half of theirs but put in a lot more informative and professional information. I believe a body detox is an important missing link in weight loss and fat loss.

More "Secrets" of Fat Loss

Okay - I'm going to spill the beans about the big secret of fat loss. In case you didn't know, in a previous blog I talked about being fed up with the "secret" phenomenon, because there really are no secrets to fat loss. It really is a marketing strategy. However, there is one, common-sense tip that everyone needs to know up front about fat loss.... You Have to do Something.

The first few days of any program are exciting and difficult. It doesn't matter if it is an eating program or a workout program, or both. Lifestyle changes are difficult. Knowing this ahead of time, you can prepare for the days to come to help you stick with your program. Plan your meals and schedule your exercise.

Here's what helped me

The thing that helped me most was deciding to exercise at home instead of in a gym. I have three children, so going to the gym was an ordeal. It was hard to find the extra time. Plus - kids cost money and another monthly payment for a gym seemed too much to take on.

I started by buying exercise videos. I had about 6 of them and found 2 that I like best. They were easy and required minimal equipment (a stepper) and not too long. Now I use a Bootcamp workout CD. It requires no equipment and I can do it in 40 minutes.

I also have a mini exercise trampoline. My motivation for jumping is fat loss, it tones all my muscles, and I know it helps keep my face from sagging (I am 46, after all). And best of all - it's fun.

Another thing that helps is body cleansing. I owned and operated a holistic health center for 10 years where I taught clients how to do this every day. The results I saw right in front of me gave me constant motivation. I knew it worked to help people get well, stay well, and stay looking great.

You don't have to own a gym or health center to have it in front of your eyes. You can read the many programs out there and read the testimonials. Look at the before and after pictures if they have them.

As I said before - the information is out there. You have to find it. But at the same time, you will have to put out money - but not that much if you don't want to. You can find excellent fat loss programs to help you on your path for around $40-$60. In my case, my CD was about $40 and my exercise trampoline was about $250. I've had this trampoline for about 9 years and I can tell it will last me at least another 15 years - well worth the investment.

So - to help you start motivating yourself and learning, here is a small list of some of the various programs out there.

Turbulence Training - This is an at-home workout designed for fat loss. Good for saving time because this one understands that you don't have to workout for hours to lose fat. It also has good before and after pics.

Truth About Abs - Here is an excellent and motivating program using diet and fat loss exercise. Again - you don't have to put in loads of time. The eating plan is up-to-date with some of the best information you will find. I believe those who purchase this program will be positively changed for life. The principles that you learn will stay with you for the rest of your life. You may also learn how a healthy lifestyle change can be easier than you might think.

Fat Secret - I know, it uses the "secret" thing... but, although shocking, is a fantastic program. In fact, the "secret" may be appropriate since this is no mainstream fat loss program. And it does work.

UPDATE, March 25th, 2010
I have created my own ebook about the real "fat loss secret." I felt the above ebook was lacking in a lot of info for the money so I wrote a better one. It has more info, a way to tailor your own program, and is actually five cleansing programs put together to make the SpringClean Intensive Weight Loss Detox and Fat Loss Cleanse. I hope you go check it out.

I love this program since having been a Nutritional Counselor for the past 15 years. During this time, I've worked in the holistic health field. Holistic health is a far cry from traditional medicine so there are certain principles that might seem "crazy" at first. Since this program is based on holistic principles, you must read with an open mind.

Get started reading and motivate yourself. When you decide which program you are going to do - commit yourself to it. There is no magic pill for fat loss - although there are supplements that will help with fat loss. Nobody can come to your home to make you eat right or exercise, but others can teach you. Ultimately, it is up to you.