How long is it since you felt comfortable to wear a bikini or swimwear to the beach?

Have you heard about the HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) eating program?

If you have I am sure you are as intrigued about it as we are. But if you haven’t here is some information about the program and how you can use it to regain your slimness and health.

Step Into Health Wellness Centre is an award winning weight loss clinic and we are currently promoting our ‘WEIGHT NO MORE’ 12 week challenge. We have learned over the years that one weight loss program, no matter how good; can never be successful for everyone.

They are definitely no one size fits programs no matter what professionals may try to tell you. As you would be aware there are many underlying drivers of weight gain especially in women, so we offer four different eating, supplement and exercise programs, ensuring one will be just right for you when you are ready to shed that weight forever.

HCG is the latest weight/fat loss program we have added to our challenge and we believe done properly will definitely change your life and the way you think about food. It reduces weight/fat quickly and efficiently, in fact it is the most exciting program I have ever seen in all my years as a practicing Naturopath, Nutritionist and Herbalist.

Results

I will mention that when I first heard about the program I was very negative, but as the results started rolling in with such a high rate of success for everyone, I took another look. We are seeing phenomenal losses of 2 kgs in 3 days – 4 kgs in 12 days – 12kgs in 21 days. However we must mention that it is not the easiest program, but truly worth the stretch for the allocated time. It is worth every minute of the highs and lows and that is one of the benefits of working the program as part of a challenge group. Permanent weight loss gives you the ultimate prize of knowing you have achieved something very empowering

HCG is giving clients the edge they crave to overcome their ongoing weight dilemma, their growing fat burden that is stealing their zest for life. The program when followed includes rapid and permanent weight loss, a feeling of wellbeing, increased energy, clarity of mind, a positive change in hormones, decreased aches and pains especially in arthritis. For many clients we have seen a reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels and research is showing promising results in diabetes, heart disease and many other chronic diseases.

What is HCG?

HCG is found in both men and women, but it is a hormone that is secreted in pregnancy and has the ability to protect the foetus from starvation in times of famine by liberating the long term brown fat stores of the woman’s body as a source of food.

Using HCG (rapid fat metaboliser) homeopathic drops during a 500calorie diet, triggers the body to liberate fat stores and reset the hypothalamus (body’s master gland that also controls weight) to assist in preventing rebound weight gain.

Because HCG causes the release of fat stores into the blood stream, most people report having little or no appetite on this protocol. It is common for people to experience pain reduction during this diet.

HCG is safe, has no contraindication or interaction, but is not recommended if you are breast feeding or pregnant. For clients taking medication,  we suggest you check with your health care practitioner or read the questions and answers in the HCG program manual.

How does the program work?

It is broken up over three phases: During phase 2 exercise should be kept to a minimum.

Phase 1 is called a loading phase where you get to eat anything you want to build up your fat stores. This when you start taking your HCG drops.

Phase 2 runs over a 21 day period and you would start out on your specific eating regime along with your HCG drops. We provide our clients with their meal plan, so planning and preparation is key to the success of this program. The meals for a day allow you 500 calories; however your stored fat is being released and will add approximately an additional 2,500 calories that your body can utilize. That is why most clients are not hungry. Drinking the required amount of water is very important as it aids the body in the removal of toxins flushed from fat cells.

Phase 3 also runs over a 21 day period. During this time you will start slowly back on to a diet of protein, low GI vegetables and fruits, salad, nuts and seeds. In this phase we encourage that our clients pick up their exercise programs.

Do you think this program could be the answer to your weight problems forever?Could you use it to ensure you are at your goal weight and look your very best on your wedding day?  If so, be proactive – contact our clinic on 3398 1977 or email us at stepintohealth@optusnet.com.au and check out our ‘Weight No More’ weight loss challenge. We guarantee you will find it the best program available anywhere and extremely affordable.

These are a couple of rave reviews you may enjoy:

Shopping for your wedding dress is something I thought every woman dreamed of, however my joy was being smashed by my ever growing weight. Most brides lose weight I’m told, but I seemed to growing daily with the stress. I saw the ‘Weight No More” challenge on f/b and decided I would join their program. I was losing weight, but I wanted to really take control quickly so Maxine (the naturopath) told me about the results they were getting with HCG  -  I decided it was for me. I weighed in initially at 72kgs and have lost 10kgs in 8 weeks, then in just the last 8 days on HCG I shed 3 kgs so I will be at my goal of  55kgs in 2 weeks time. I love the planned program – Anna L.

Before starting the HCG program I was overwhelmed, depressed and felt powerless to lose the weight I needed to be healthy. I am 51 years old with a ten year old daughter and am a sole parent, so it is important to be able to live a long healthy life. I found the program easy and was never hungry, in fact I had to force myself to eat at times. I feel happy and energetic and my back pain has gone. I no longer crave for sugar and carbs and now enjoy the healthy food I eat with a completely different attitude. The program has given me confidence that I can get to my goal weight and maintain it. I have lost a total of 31.5kg on HCG over the last 18 weeks and I feel like a different person. Laina W  (via Sunshine Coast clinic)

STEP INTO HEALTH WELLNESS CENTRE  -  967 Creek Road  CARINDALE. QLD. 4152

 Website : www.stepintohealth.com.au                           Phone 07 3398 1977

Today we are pondering the elusive ‘happiness’ factor.  Some people seem to always have an abundance of it in their personality and lives. Whereas the balance of the population, seem to seek it out forever. Do you believe that happiness is a state of mind?  Is it about making conscious choices to move towards a happier state of mind and awareness to focus on the positive aspects of our lives? Or as we are encouraged to believe these days, that unhappiness or depression stems from a chemical imbalance.

Whichever you believe, let’s check out both the” mental tool box”, full of keys to help change your attitude and move you towards happiness. And “nature’s kitchen” full of healthy foods and nutrients to help balance your brain chemistry,

I think most people have times when they are blue or a little depressed, it is really just a part of being human and real. However if you seem to be having more sad, gloomy days than bright positive days, it could be an indicator that you‘re missing out on essential mood-boosting nutrients. Rather than dashing off to get a prescription for mind altering drugs, as a first line of help, you may like to see a naturopath who will work with your diet and offer some natural supplements to help you balance your brain chemistry.

If you would like to try boosting your happiness levels yourself, here are some dietary choices.

1. Boost your diet with tryptophan rich foods. Tryptophan is one of the ten essential amino acids which helps our brain produce serotonin, and is considered to be the ‘ happy’ hormone. Serotonin makes us feel relaxed and in control. Foods that contain tryptophan can help fight depression, insomnia, anxiety , poor concentration and carbohydrate cravings. Some foods that yield tryptophan are

• Cashews, Peanuts, Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Bananas, Avocado, Beef, Cottage Cheese, Fish and Milk.

Fruit & vegetables  rich in anti-oxidants including vitamin C should be eaten daily.  Fruit such as:

• Prunes, Pomegranate, Raisins, Blueberries, Cranberries, Strawberries Raspberries, Plums, Kiwi fruit,  and Oranges contain high amounts of these nutrients and are helpful in reducing feelings of stress.  These vegetables are also rich in antioxidants and folic acid which works similarly to tryptophan

• Kale, Spinach, Asparagus, Brussel Sprouts, Broccoli, Alfalfa and dark leafy vegetables

One food that will need no encouragement for most of us to include in our diet when feeling blue

• Chocolate

It contains anadamine, a chemical naturally found in the brain that is known to brighten our mood and make us feel happier. Dark chocolate is the healthier choice as it is also rich in antioxidants as well.  The other benefit is that most of us find it harder to over indulge on the dark variety, so a little good quality dark chocolate is actually good for us.  Milk chocolate does contain anadamine, but the sugar you will ingest might contribute to other health issues like blood sugar imbalance which is actually a major cause of mood instability.

• Nuts

Nuts are a real boost to our health. They are rich in minerals, protein and essential omega 3 fats. These healthy fats are not only good for your heart and brain,including large doses of pure quality fish oil especially EPA have been used to treat clinical depression. Nuts also contain Vitamin E an antioxidant that combats stress. Brazil nuts, cashews, almonds and pistachios have been proven to lower blood pressure and calm our nervous system.

Blood sugar imbalance or hypoglycaemia/hyperglycaemia can have a huge effect on brain chemistry. The brain feeds on glucose so if you are going without food for long periods of time and then having a chocolate bar and a glass of coke it will be really spiking blood sugar, only to have it drop again quickly. This will be having a negative effect on your mood causing anxiety and depression.

Try having small healthy meals regularly. Healthy meals including many of the foods we have mentioned.

Breakfast with organic oats as porridge or muesli – load it up with some crushed nuts and prunes.

Snacks of crackers with avocado or hommos. Boiled eggs with carrot and celery sticks. Cashews and cranberry mix.

Lunch made with wholemeal wraps filled with fresh salad and chicken, sushi rolls, tuna and salad.

Dinner – try lots of vegetables and add them to stir-fried beef. Fresh fish with salad etc…..

Eating a diet like this every day will not only keep you healthy, slim and energized, but help keep your mood stable.

If after adding many of these foods to your diet, eating regularly and healthier, stimulating your mood with daily exercise and ensuring you have enough quality sleep, you still feel you need  more help,  try a serotonin enhancing supplement like SAME,  Proxan or St John’s Wort.  Please do not use these supplements with antidepressant medication.

In no way is this meant to be a remedy for Clinical Depression, but adding these foods along with a healthy diet and exercise can only have a positive effect.

Here are some simple truths that provide thought provoking challenges from the ‘Mental Tool Box’ that may help you start thinking happier thoughts.

1.  Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.   YOU CAN CHOOSE!!!!
Abraham Lincoln

2.  Very little is needed to make a happy life, it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

You can choose to find happiness in small, everyday things. You can choose to interpret what happens in a positive way – or in a negative way.

And your choices control much of how much happiness your will find and create in your life.

3..  When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
Helen Keller

You only have now. Yesterday is a memory and you cannot change it. Tomorrow is just a fantasy in your mind right now. So live more in the now, focus on the present moment and today. Think and worry less about yesterday and tomorrow. Otherwise you might miss a great deal of happiness that is available to you right now.

4.  We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.
Frederick Keonig

One of the simplest and quickest ways to turn a negative and sour mood into a more positive one is to be grateful.

A few things you can feel gratitude for are for instance: The sunshine and the weather –  Your good health – A good TV-show – A movie or a song – Your friends, family and co-workers.

Just try for a minute and see how it changes how you feel. And it’s a win/win solution. You feel great because you are grateful about your world and the people you are grateful for feel great too because they feel appreciated. So don´t forget about gratitude or you may forget about the happiness that is already in your life.

5. Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.
Eleanor Roosevelt

If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day — go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.
Chinese Proverb

6. Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
Albert Schweitzer

7. Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
Benjamin Disraeli

8. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.
Mark Twain

Unhappiness is created by holding yourself back and doing nothing. Seldom showing up and being involved. By paralysing yourself through over analysis. It’s not always easy to take action. It can be scary, hard and difficult. But if you don’t take action you’ll be missing out on life. Involving yourself with people and life’s activities will bring happiness.

Here is a little exercise that will help you start thinking about gratitude and happy positive things in your life. You can then reflect on the outcome of this exercise to bring some waves of happiness flooding back to you.

I want you to think back over your life and list little things that you like to do such as

• Walking your dog
• Reading a book
• Watching TV
• Having a massage
• Going to the movies

Now allocate 10 points to each of the little things you enjoy – then write a list of the exciting things or places you have been to such as

• To Melbourne
• To Hong Kong
• To Africa on safari
• To a great concert
• Parasailing

Now allocate 50 points to each of these things on your list – then write a list of the important people in your life such as

• Your Wife or Husband, Children & Grandchildren, Mother, Father, Brother, Sister or best friends
• The person who inspires you the most.
• Your minister/pastor, boss, positive supporter

Now add things that are important to you – gives you pleasure and you are grateful for them

• Your job
• Your car
• Your stereo system
• Your computer
• Your garden
• Your pet

Allocate 00 points to each of these – finally list out anything that was absolutely amazing that has happened to you

• Your graduation
• Meeting the Queen
• Having a child
• Having a conversation with one of your idols?

Each of these things should be allocated 1,000 points.

There is no right or wrong to doing these lists. It is all about what is important to you. You may want to transfer things I have put in one section and move them to another. It is all about capturing the richness of your life and its experiences. The more you can write and score the easier it is to focus on how blessed you are.

Keep the list safe; in fact put it up somewhere you can see it often. Being able to reflect on all the wonderful things, memories and people you have in your life will bring you HAPPINESS.

All it takes is some focus!

We challenge you to learn more about the law of attraction – it goes like this. We become what we concentrate on – what we concentrate grows – these words and thoughts are very powerful so think carefully about what you want more of in your life and choose HAPPINESS every time…..

(c) Maxine Wright:  Advanced Dip Naturopathy – Medical Herbalist – Nutritionalist – Iridologist – Hemaview Tech - Health Coach – Weight Loss counsellor – Massage Therapist – Beauty Therapist – Speaker.  Step Into Health Wellness Centre - facebook - twitter.

Tia and Nicky Dixon

‎”What I love about Step into Health is that they suggest a wide variety of products from different manufacturers, each which they deem to be the best in its field. The discerning nature of the products makes me very confident in their recommendations. Laurie has a fantastic manner and goes above and beyond, making you feel that your health is really important. He is a great example of recovery and regeneration. Maxine is astute and professional and is wonderful in her ongoing post consultation support. Together, they make an outstanding team who are always available and willing to offer support.

After a very painful fracture and months on heavy prescription pain medications, I sought Maxine’s help as I was concerned about the long lasting effects these may have on my health. Maxine introduced me to a safe herbal pain reliever, Kaprex, which to my amazement, replaced all the previous medications, to greater effect, and greatly improved my wellbeing.

By Tia and Nicky Dixon