Inflammation and Diet

This is a photo of Darby's smaller clothes that we retrieved from the attic after she lost 44lbs. with Take Shape for Life.  Her big-girl clothes just didn't fit her anymore.  Ok... some of the clothes were reminicent of the 80's but I didn't mind!  She looked cute in those little shorts!

 I tweaked by lower back this week at the gym and Ibuprofen became my new friend. This drug is used used to relieve minor aches and pains and it's also used as an anti-inflammatory. We all know that when you smash your finger with a hammer or tweak your back or shoulder while exercising, Ibuprofen is always an option.

However, did you know that aside from injuring ourselves on the outside (like with hammer), the food that we eat may also cause chronic inflammation throughout our bodies on the inside? This chronic inflammation is associated with two main killers: cardiovascular disease and cancer (yes, these are some bold killers...ok, bad joke). A link has been found between obesity, inflammation and disease. Page 35 of your "The Secret Is Out" book explains that ""visceral fat" is metabolically active tissue because it releases a variety of inflammatory molecules into our bloodstream". From here, the molecules target our various cells, body organs, joints and central nervous system. Mental illness can even become an issue! Basically every system in the body gets assaulted.

How do we fight this onslaught? Our diet. The foods that you choose to put into your mouth will either help or hinder. It's your choice. TSFL (Take Shape for Life) is about educating and reshaping the way we think about the foods we eat. The worst offenders are white flour food items, soft drinks, heavily sugar-sweetened items, processed meats and of course unhealthy fats. Next week we'll continue with a focus on the fats!  Joe, http://www.mojoefitness.com/
Take Shape for Life Health Coach, ID# 30174810