Lifelong Weight Control and Health Management Program
By Jackie Khor
21 April 2008
I’m very excited to write this article as I wanted you to be one of the first to know about Usana Health Sciences's new 12 week Lifelong Weight Control and Health Management Program. This program arrived in Australia and New Zealand in February 2008.
Three of my Business Associates are on the program when it was introduced. Guess what, they are losing 10kg, 15 kg and 18 kg each so far. I witness them with my eyes and they are still on the program to wanting to lose more weight. They are energetic, feel good about themselves and look healthy to me. They really surprise me. Being a skeptic myself, I took a pack of nutrimeal the next morning and I was not hungry at all till 1.00 PM. Usually I have to eat something for morning tea. It will work.
Have you ever or do you know of anyone who has ever wanted to shed a few kilos healthily rather than follow a fad diet?
Maybe you know someone who’s tried lots of different diets only to put the weight back on after they’ve finished.
This program teaches you to NOT aim for weight loss. Yep, I said NOT to aim for weight loss. Instead, if you aim for lifelong fitness and health you’ll win – Guaranteed.
So if you would like to know the secret to true anti-ageing; lifelong health and wellness and how to keep our weight right at the point we want it without the threat of disease, you can’t miss to try this program.
You probably have heard of many kinds of weight loss programs in the market. Do weight loss programs really work? Yes, most of them do work at least in the short term. Otherwise they would not exist in the market for long. Having said that, many of the weight loss programs can be quite dangerous to your health for they aim for rapid weight loss. Some consumers want to see quick results. By taking extreme measures, you will lose weight at a rapid rate for a couple of weeks. But then most people fail to lose weight on longer term for the following reasons:
1.The diet is usually so extreme that most people can only stay with the programs for a few weeks and then go back to their normal eating habits which puts the weight right back on.
2. The diet bears no resemblance to what you should eat after you lose weight.
3. The diet leaves you tired, hungry and cranky.
4. The food is unsatisfying and weird compared with what you normally eat.
5. The diet is hard to follow and even more so when you eat out, or socialize with friends.
6. The diet takes too much time to think about what to eat and prepare each day. This is very inconvenient for busy working people.
So, do you consider those weight loss plans successful? I think not so. I consider a successful weight loss program when it renders permanent, life long health and weight management changes.
In most cases, you may be overweight because you have been eating too much, eating the wrong foods and do not exercise enough. What is required is a change in lifestyle and a shift to better eating habits so that you keep the fat and high glycemic foods off long term. Many people diet for a while, shake off a few kilos, but slip up when they return to their 'normal' eating habits and not exercise enough. Ultimately, only you hold the key to losing weight and ensuring that it stays off long term.
Adopting a life long health and weight management program to lose weight permanently is to re-program your thinking to focusing on losing a kilo at a time rather than focusing on the total amount of weight you desire to lose. This will help you get motivated to keep going further along until you achieve your ultimate goal. An important point is to not think losing weight as a chore but rather have fun doing it. Keep the program simple, effective and safe.
Poor diet and lack of physical activity has dramatically decreased our sensitivity to our own insulin. Decrease in insulin sensitivity has literally "tipped" us over into an abnormal metabolic state that not only leads to an unusual metabolic state that not only leads to an unusual weight gain around our belly, but also significantly increases your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.
The real problem is when you are in this abnormal metabolic state you just can't lose weight, no matter what you try. You hold on to fat like a sponge holds on to water. This is one of the main reasons why diets fail most of the time.
Thus, the answer to the problem is establishing a triad of new, healthier lifestyles that can improve your sensitivity to your own insulin. When you combine a healthy diet that does not spike your blood sugar, develop a modest, consistent exercise regime, and take high quality, complete and balanced nutritional supplements, you can significantly improve your sensitivity to your own insulin. You never have to go hungry, you will feel great, you will have more energy, and you will begin to lose weight effectively. This offers you the best chance of getting back into a normal metabolic state which will allow you to establish a healthy weight for you and also significantly decrease your risk of developing both heart disease and diabetes.
Usana Health Sciences offers a 12-Week RESET™ Program. It is Healthy for Life Program based entirely on available scientific evidence. The program combines three distinct parts: healthy diet, a modest exercise program and high quality, complete and balanced nutritional supplements – the winning formula to a healthy lifestyle.
The good part is you don't need to follow strictly the 12 weeks program. It is flexible and you decide what suits you best to vary from the program. For example, you may decide to add more variety of low glycemic foods in your daily diet instead of strictly taking shakes and bars. You only move to the next phase of the program when you are ready for it. This program will not leave you hungry or eating unsatisfying foods. After a while, your body is reset and you would not be craving for sweets and high glycemic foods. You will feel more energetic and less lethargic.
http://products.usana.com/en/products/au/macros/reset/index.shtml/
What is the USANA (ANZ) 12-Week RESET™ Program?
RESET is a holistic approach to setting you on the path to a healthier way of life. A science-based, nutritionally balanced program, RESET provides properly balanced carbohydrates, proteins, and beneficial fats, as well as essential micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants). There is no depletion of any particular groups of nutrients, and you will enjoy the benefits of the nutritious food that RESET has to offer.
Simple and convenient to follow, USANA's RESET Program takes the guesswork out of obtaining good nutrition and offers three core health benefits:
1. Discover Low GI Benefits
2. RESET Your Body
3. Enjoy Healthy Living
The 5-Day Jump Start is an intense phase program to kick off the metabolism of your body. It seems to be a necessary step to take to speed up your metabolic rate for successful weight loss. Follow with Phase 1 Transform for continued improvement, and then Phase 2 Maintain to help you consolidate your new, healthier lifestyle. With your purchase of a Phase 1 or 2 product pack*, you will receive member access to the Healthy for Life ANZ Program - a unique online tool that will support you on your journey to a healthy lifestyle.
How do I get started with the RESET™ Program?
There are three different phases to the USANA RESET™ Program. We recommend following all three phases, however each phase can be used separately to help with your journey towards a healthier way of life. The 5-Day Jump Start is an intense phase to kick off the program followed by Phase 1 Transform (4-8 weeks)* for continued improvement. Phase 2 Maintain (4-12 weeks)* will help you consolidate your new, healthier lifestyle.
*The duration of each Phase of the USANA RESET™ Program is a guide only and will be dependant on your personal wellness goals. During Phase 1 and 2 you are free to decide which meal will be your regular low GI meal depending on your personal schedule.
What is the difference between Phase 1 Transform and Phase 2 Maintain?
Phase I Transform is a more intense phase than Phase 2 Maintain.
Phase I Transform is a gradual transformation to help you achieve your personal health and wellness goals. During Phase I, you will introduce one regular low-GI meal, two Macro-Optimizer NUTRIMEAL™ meal replacements, one Macro-Optimizer snack, and one regular low-GI snack. You should avoid eating all breads, grains, cereals, rice, pasta, and potatoes.
Phase 2 Maintain will help you maintain your personal goals. During Phase 2, you will introduce two regular low-GI meals into your every day diet. You will continue with one Macro-Optimizer NUTRIMEAL™ meal replacement, one Macro-Optimizer snack, and one regular low-GI snack. In this phase you are now able to begin adding whole grain cereals and whole grain breads along with some rice, pasta and potatoes.
What is the Healthy for Life ANZ Program?
Healthy for Life Australia & New Zealand (ANZ) is a program that USANA ANZ developed in partnership with Dr. Ray Strand M.D., as an online support program for RESET™. The Healthy for Life ANZ Program is derived from Dr. Ray Strand’s original Healthy for Life Program, however has been modified to comply with government regulation in Australia and New Zealand. People who have purchased RESET™ product packs for Phase 1 and Phase 2 will have member access to the Healthy for Life ANZ Program**. This Program offers invaluable personalised online support, educational materials, low-GI meal recipes, to help you achieve healthy living and long-term weight management.
Why do I need a valid email address as a member of the Healthy for Life ANZ Program?
When you become a member of the Healthy for Life ANZ Program (by purchasing either a Phase 1 or Phase 2 product pack) you will be asked to input your email address when you first log onto the site (www.healthyforlifeanz.com). By entering your email address you will then proceed to receive the daily motivational emails and weekly trainings from the USANA ANZ Reset Support Team that are a critical part of the program. Should you not have a valid email address at the time of purchase, you can access the full Healthy for Life ANZ web site, but will not be able to receive the emails or trainings.
Can I consume alcohol during the RESET™ Program?
We recommend you limit your alcohol intake during the RESET Program. Alcohol contains empty calories and will increase your blood sugar. We encourage you to be aware of what you are using as a mixer in alcoholic drinks. Most mixes are loaded with sugar. Beer is high-glycemic; therefore, we recommend ultra light beers.
Is the RESET™ Program suitable for everyone?
In general, the RESET ™ Program is suitable for most people who want the confidence of a nutritionally balanced diet, nutritional supplements and exercise program.
However, children and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers have special nutritional needs, so please consult your healthcare practitioner before starting yourself or your child on RESET ™ Program. If you have special dietary needs, taking medications, or have specific medical conditions, you should consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning this program.
How important is it to take nutritional supplements during the RESET™ Program?
It is very important to take nutritional supplements during the RESET ™ Program. It compliments a healthy diet to provide optimal nutrition. Our bodies are made up of many intricate and sophisticated systems in order for us to perform daily functions. Stressful lifestyles, poor eating habits, and environmental toxins, all put greater stress on our body. A healthy diet combined with exercise and quality nutritional supplements offers you the best chance for optimal health.
How long will it take to receive my RESET™ product order?
Orders are sent by courier and usually arrive between 24-48 hours after order is placed (excluding weekends). If the courier company is busy, orders may take up to 5 days to arrive.
Who can I contact if I have a question about the RESET™ Program?
The USANA ANZ Reset Support Team is on hand to provide you with lifestyle, dietary and nutritional support throughout the program to help ensure your long-term success. The Support Team is available to answer any questions you might have as you make the change to a healthier way of life. Email resetanz@usana.com
Are there any side effects when I begin RESET™?
Most people are able to commence RESET without difficulty. However, for some this program represents a significant lifestyle change that may result in some minor side-effects, including headaches, fatigue, lightheadedness and/or gastrointestinal discomforts. It is highly recommended that you consult your doctor before beginning RESET if you have specific medical conditions, are taking medications, have allergies, and/or have special dietary needs.
Headaches and fatigue are fairly common in many weight loss and exercise programs during the first two or three days due to adjustments in calories, carbohydrates, blood glucose levels, caffeine intake, or simply the nature of making sudden drastic lifestyle changes. If you experience headaches, fatigue, lightheadedness or extreme hunger, eat an additional serving of fruit or vegetables, or a low-GI meal.
Gastrointestinal may be related to an increased intake of fibre and/or soy. The 5-Day Jump Start phase provides approximately 30 grams of dietary fibre daily. For some, this may be a drastic increase in their overall intake of dietary fibre. Since fibre requires an adequate intake of water and other fluids to move through the gastrointestinal system efficiently, it will be helpful to increase fluids while on RESET.
If any side-effects do not disappear within 24 hours, the program should be discontinued and a healthcare professional should be consulted before continuing the program. Some people may need to skip the 5-DayJump Start phase altogether, and begin directly at Phase 1 or Phase 2.
The RESET Program may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have concerns about following this program, have allergy or special dietary needs, are taking medications or have specific medical conditions, you should consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning this program.
Can I drink diet soft drinks (or other non-caloric beverages) while using RESET™?
Yes, in moderation, as long as it does not stimulate your appetite and you are still able to drink the amount of water recommended during RESET.
Can I drink coffee or tea while using RESET™?
Yes, as long as it does not contribute additional calories to your daily intake (meaning no sugar or cream) and you drink the required amount of water.
Can I mix the shakes with skim milk or soymilk instead of water?
During RESET, it is recommended that you mix the shakes with water. Milk or soymilk will increase the caloric level by 250-300 calories per day.
How often can I repeat RESET™?
You may use RESET once every three months to recommit to your new lifestyle. Keep in mind that the purpose of RESET is to help you change your unhealthy eating habits. After you complete the five days, you may choose the Phase 1 or Phase 2 follow up program, depending on your health and weight control goals.
Can children follow RESET™?
No. The caloric level of RESET is not sufficient to support normal growth and development in children. Children under the age of 18 should not participate in the program unless directed by their healthcare practitioner.
Can I follow RESET™ if I am taking medication or have a health condition?
We suggest you consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning RESET if you are taking medication, have a specific health condition, or are on a diet specific to certain medical conditions.
Can pregnant and lactating women follow RESET™?
No. The caloric level of RESET is not sufficient to support normal foetal growth and development during pregnancy or breast milk production in lactating women. Pregnant or lactating women should not participate in the program unless directed by their healthcare practitioner.
What if I mess up, what should I do?
If you can't resist the temptation and end up eating or drinking something that is not on the RESET Program, there's no need to give up or start over. Just start where you left off and move forward.
To find out more about the USANA 12-Week RESET™ Program and what steps you can take to improve your health, visit http://www.vitaminprotection.com/?/Safe_Weight_Loss
Call Jackie at 0413 342 967 or email her at jackie@besttruehealth.com