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4 Hidden Reasons Why We’re Not Losing Belly Fat

4 Hidden Reasons Why We're Not Losing Belly Fat

Physical form is not just a direct result of what we put into our bodies and the exercises we do – it is also affect by our thoughts and beliefs and the tension we carry on a day-to-day basis.

Our physical form is not just a direct result of what we put into our bodies and the exercises we do – it is also affected by our thought and beliefs and the tension we carry both energetically and physically on a day-to-day basis. While we might be hyper-focused on trying to work on so-called “problem areas” like the belly, why is it that often we don’t see the results we want? The reason belly fat can be so hard to lose it because it requires a shift in focus from the usual routine of starving yourself and doing crunches or planks to a more evolved version of the mind-body connection that helps us shred stress and emotional baggage, release toxins, and cleanse and rejuvenate the body from the inside out. 

The body responds to ‘issues in the tissues’- in other words, we hold emotion in our bodies 

In other words, the reason you aren’t losing that belly fat is because there’s a lot more to belly fat than meets the eye which means we need to think about it in a new way. Lets start with the way the environment and your emotions impact your body, to reframing your connection to your deep core, and also-in many cases-forgetting what you know about exercise.

Key ways to ditch that extra belly fat

Stress and Emotional Baggage- When we’re stressed out, our body releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol forces immature fat cells to become mature (not that immature, or “baby,” fat cells lurk in the walls of the blood vessels that nourish fatty tissue, just waiting for excess calories to help them grow into the adult monsters responsible for packing on the extra pounds). These cells are often centred around belly which leads to belly fat. In time of high stress, cortisol is also like the devil on your shoulder, causing you to reach for not-so-good foods that are high in sugar or refined grains. When you eat sugar or refined grains-which turn into sugar-with spiked cortisol levels, you experience a sensation that tricks you into thinking you have found temporary relief from the stress you are experiencing. 

Chronic stress has been called “the silent killer” because it causes inflammation and compromises the immune system, leading to some of the most chronic and persistent disease, including obesity. Many of us are stressed about relationships, money, work, forcing our adrenals to work overtime causing our systems to become sluggish and ran down by toxins and blocked energy. 

The pelvic floor is also an area where the body holds stress, which can cause major tension or misalignment in the hips, pelvis and spine and that disconnects from our deep core, creating compression in the body and making belly fat more prominent.

The good news is that we can shift our perspective and channel the energy we’ve been dedication toward stress in an entirely different, more joyful, and more beneficial direction. When we are in an optimal, balanced state our bodies kick into rest and digest mode, which I believe is the fountain of youth. 

Practise Good Sleep Hygiene – You might be wondering what sleep has to do with belly fat and the answer is A LOT. Sleep is nutrition fro the brain and not getting enough triggers a cortisol spike, which makes your body more susceptible to holding on too fat. In fact, sleep is just as beneficial (and vital) as diet and exercise when it comes to maintaining a healthy body. Research has shown that lack of sleep can have an enormous impact on the body as sleep influences the body’s neuroendocrine function and glucose metabolism. Without a good night’s sleep, this influence can lead to increased cortisol (there’s that stress hormone again!), decreased glucose tolerance, as well as increased hunger and appetite. All of this can lead to belly fat. 

Make Fat Flushing Food Choices – Two other bodily systems that play a role in how much fat we store on our bodies are our digestive and lymphatic systems. And these systems are largely affected by diet-so choosing healthy, ‘high vibrations’ foods are a must. One reason why you might be stuck with some stubborn belly fat is because you are eating too many processed foods and not enough fibre and antioxidant-rich foods. Even if your diet seems healthy, those healthy packaged snacks are hardly doing anything to help your cause, especially if they contain refined grains or sugars. Swapping out the bad stuff for natural foods – such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains – can actually have a reverse effect as they are anti-inflammatory and may even help prevent belly fat in the first place.

Forget What You Know About Exercise – Choose quality over quantity when it comes to building a strong confident body. Moving with integrity – in other words moving with awareness and mindfulness as you work out – is very important no matter what your health goals might be. But you don’t have to overdo it to get the results you want. The best workouts for ditching belly fat are ones that are gentle yet effective with a focus on a deeper layers of the core, pelvic core and creating space in your waist area the helps improve digestion and overall body detoxification. Instead of logging miles on a treadmill, ditch your sneakers and have some fun on a rebounder or with a jump rope – both being 50% more effective at burning fat than running.

Getting rid of belly fat is all about a shift in perspective and awareness – and sometimes forgetting more of what you thought you knew about belly fat and Abs.

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All-Natural Cures for PMS

All-Natural Cures for PMS

As hormones rise and fall, some women and people who menstruate experience PMS, a group of physical and emotional symptoms such as abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, changes in appetite, fatigue, depression, and anxiety in the week or two before their menstrual period.

Menstruation makes life possible. “That time of the month” is a beautiful thing, but for most women, it can come with unpleasant side effects – cramps, cravings, moodiness (you know the drill). Rather than popping a couple of Advil or Midol to control pain and discomfort levels, we encourage you to explore some all-natural remedies. We at Flourish Health want to share a few alternative ways to combat PMS symptoms – keep these tips in mind the next time you want to raid your medicine cabinet for a quick fix.

We at Flourish Health want to share a few alternative ways to combat PMS symptoms.

Tips and Tricks for PMS Alleviation

  1. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea – You may have heard of this tea because it’s mainly known for its benefits during pregnancy, but it’s nutrient profile and hormone-balancing powers make it a great natural source to ease PMS symptoms, too. It’s high vitamin and mineral content helps balance hormones, and it’s also thought to strengthen the walls of the uterus. We recommend steeping a large pot of it and drinking one or two cups a day before and during your period.
  2. Balance Your Blood Sugar – When we’re PMS-ing, a lot of us tend to reach impulsively for all things chocolatey or sugary, but sometimes giving in to your cravings makes the situation worse. When you’re expecting cramps, mood swings, and acne, eating poorly will only cause your hormones to become even more imbalanced, so try sticking to clean protein, healthy fats, and lots of vegetables to calm your hormones and help with your PMS. You can still satisfy your cravings in a clean way.
  3. Reduce or Eliminate Caffeine Consumption – Considerable evidence suggests that caffeine consumption is strongly related to the presence and severity of PMS. Therefore, caffeine must also be avoided by women with PMS. The effect of caffeine is particularly significant in the psychological symptoms associated with PMS, such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and depression. Caffeine also has an adverse effect on the way estrogen stimulates breast tissue, which may contribute to breast tenderness.
  4. Cut Back on Salt – Excessive salt consumption, coupled with diminished dietary potassium, greatly stresses the kidneys’ ability to maintain proper fluid volume. As a result, some people are “salt-sensitive,” in that high salt intake cause high blood pressure or, in other cases, water retention. In general, it is a good idea to avoid salt if you have PMS. If you tend to notice more water retention during the latter part of menstrual cycle, reducing your salt intake is an absolute must.
  5. Supplement the Diet with Key Nutrients – Vitamin B6 is critical to maintaining hormonal balance. Vitamin B6 supplementation has shown to exert positive effects on all PMS symptoms (particularly depression) in many women. The improvement is achieved via a combined reduction in mid-luteal estrogen levels and an increase in mid-luteal progesterone levels.

    Magnesium –  Magensium deficiency is strongly implicated as a causative factor in premenstrual syndrome. Red blood cell magnesium levels in PMS patients have been shown to be significantly lower than in subjects without PMS. As magnesium plays such an integral part in normal cell function, magnesium deficiency may account for the wide range of symptoms attributed to PMS.

    Calcium – It is theorized, that calcium improves the altered hormonal patterns, neurotransmitter levels, smooth muscle responsiveness noted in PMS. Further support for the importance of calcium supplementation in soothing PMS symptoms was the finding that women with PMS have reduced bone mineral density.

    Zinc – Has been shown to be lower in women who have PMS. Zinc is required for proper action of many body hormones, including sex hormones, as well as in the control of the secretion of hormones.

  6. Add in herbs – Certain herbs, like chasteberry, may help lessen PMS symptoms. Several studies have shown that women who have used chasteberry extract reported less breast pain, and it’s been shown to help with swelling, cramps, and food cravings.
  7. Exercise – Sticking to a regular routine may help improve PMS symptoms. Regular aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin (chemical messengers that can boost mood) and has positive benefits on energy and sleep.
  8. Stress Management – Breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga are some natural ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Many women feel more assertive and attend to their needs in the weeks before menses. This can be used constructively by allowing for personal time to relax, expressing emotions, and giving priority to your needs and what nourishes you.
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Your Starter Guide to Food as Medicine

Your Starter Guide to Food as Medicine

Good nutrition and what you put into your body is the foundation of good health.

Healing from the inside out is multidimensional. It means something entirely different for each of us. For many, it’s crucial to have Western Medicine. For others, it’s in herbs, movement, and rest. For sure, we all need to eat, but we can choose to eat medicinally. If food has the power to prevent much of the chronic illness we experience today, then it makes sense to alter our diets to use it to our advantage to heal and restore the body but also to prevent illness. Although taking pharmaceutical drugs for aliments may be useful, they often come with short-and long-term effects and contribute to our bodies’ toxic build-up. In contrast, medications can be necessary for life-threatening situations. If long term conditions can be managed with diet and lifestyle changes, then using food as medicine must be considered an initial way of tackling the issue and preventing future health problems.

Being healthy means outing the right duel into your body and having your internal engine run smoothly. Every meal that you consume influences how you feel one way or another, so the most nutritious foods you choose, the healthier you will be. Whole foods act as a medicine to help protect your body and give the immune system a break from dealing with toxins, preservatives, additives, and chemicals that are included in so many of today’s processed foods.

“Let food be thy medicine,
and let the medicine be thy food.”

The earth has supplied us with a renewable source of wisdom and medicine to nurture and lovingly prepare as often as possible if we choose to do so. Medicinal food is rich in nutrients that promote a healthy immune system and protect my body from pathogenic infections. The reason I say ‘my body’ is because each of us is different. This is the truth about all thing’s wellness. Not all herbs, vitamins, supplements, food, exercises, and remedies are right for everyone at any given time. It’s mostly intuitive, and it takes studying and tuning into what our bodies require. When it comes to boosting our body’s natural immune response and strength, you are encouraged to be aware that although supplementing can be crucial in many circumstances, getting your vital nutrients from food will serve the most medicinal purposes. Some necessary vitamins are apparent, like vitamins C and D, but it’s easy to overlook other crucial nutrients, like the trace minerals zinc and selenium. Here is a list of foods that best support these health-boosting efforts:

Vitamin C – It is a powerful antioxidant, as well as a building block of collagen. It’s crucial for bone health and immune strength. Examples: Kale, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Lemons, Oranges, Strawberries.

Vitamin D – Helps us regulate calcium and phosphorus, so it’s a vital component of healthy bones, teeth, hair, and nails. It also builds our resistance against certain diseases. Studies even show it is essential for our mood and mental well-being, warding off depression. Examples: Tofu, Fatty fish, Mushrooms.

Trace Mineral Zinc – Zinc is essential for immune and metabolism function, as well as helping us maintain proper skin health. Examples: Chickpeas, Lentils, Almonds, Chia seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Kidney beans.

Trace Mineral Selenium – Selenium is also a superhero antioxidant and fights against early signs of aging. It’s essential for heart health, thyroid health, and some studies even note it can potentially prevent cognitive decline. Examples: Whole-wheat pasta, Oats – all varieties, Sesame seeds, Shiitake mushrooms. 

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