Fat Chick Says...

Fat Chick Says..."Many small steps lead to the completion of a journey". O.K, I have come to the conclusion that since my weight gain didn't happen overnight I am not going to lose it overnight. Trying to lose weight can be overwhelming so I have decided to make small changes that will completely change my diet and lifestyle. Change #1: taking vitamins and supplements. I know that I don't have the healthiest of eating habits and since I don't have the healthiest of eating habits I am sure that my body is deficient of certain vitamins and minerals which I'm sure is a leading cause of my weight gain. I have researched various vitamins,minerals, and supplements. I suggest that everyone researches vitamins,minerals, and supplements before taking them. I started to list the vitamins and supplements that I am taking but I felt that it would not be responsible so I suggest taking a multi-vitamin, calcium and b12 drops (you may want to consult your physician about getting b12 shots) and if you decide to add more vitamins and supplements do your research beforehand...know the benefits and possible hazards. Vitamin B12- Your body needs this vitamin, in combination with other B vitamins, to maintain a healthy nervous system, maintain energy levels and for production of good DNA. All very important processes to your everyday existence. The number one symptom for Vitamin B12 deficiency is feeling tired and lethargic. The B-Complex vitamins play an important role in carbohydrate digestion and energy production. Without all of the proper components Benefit #1 Calcium helps keep the weight off. Research suggests that if you don't get enough calcium in your diet, you're likely to be overweight. The reason has to do with your body's response to a calcium deficit. When you're low, your body thinks you're starving and enters emergency mode, releasing parathyroid hormone from four glands in your neck. This hormone stimulates your bones to release some calcium into your bloodstream. Your kidneys also deliver a dose of a hormone called calcitriol, a form of vitamin D, to increase your ability to absorb calcium. The trouble is that parathyroid hormone and calcitriol also stimulate the production of fat and inhibit its breakdown. As a result, your body stores fat and holds on to it stubbornly, even if you're on a low-calorie diet. Benefit #2 Calcium protects your heart. If you're low on calcium, researchers say, you're more likely to have high blood pressure. Your body releases the hormone calcitriol in response to a calcium shortage, and calcitriol acts on the smooth muscle walls of your arteries, constricting them and elevating your blood pressure Benefit #3 Calcium improves premenstrual moods. Benefit #4 Calcium protects against colon cancer. Adequate calcium intake may reduce your overall risk of colon cancer and suppress the growth of polyps that can lead to cancer. Benefit #5 Calcium maintains healthy teeth. [The phrase "Fat Chick Says" is said in jest and is not intended to hurt anyone; I am an overweight woman myself. If you were offended by the comment I am sorry and I mean that, but if a comment like that hurts you, then you probably have some emotional issues that need to be addressed, deal with them and join me in trying to do something about it]