Drink the water!

Water is so important to proper weightloss and weight maintenance, as well as good health, that a water drinking regime is outlined in Water and Weight Maintenance. Putting water in your life is essential to losing that fat!

Did you know:

• 75% of American are chronically dehydrated
• In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger
• Even mild dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%
• One glass of water shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a U-Washington study
• The digestive tract can hold up to 50 lbs of fecal matter! Water is the No. 1 cleanser! Drinking sufficient water decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45% (and keep the scales down too).

Fiber Essential!

Fiber does more than just help you keep "regular." We will devote a series to examine fiber in more depth, but here we will deal with how it can help with fat loss.

There are soluble and insoluble fibers. They perform different functions in the body.

Soluble fibers tend to slow down the absorption of sugars, thus requiring less insulin to maintain safe blood-sugar levels. Insulin is an efficient storer of fat; therefore, lessening the body's need for insulin is imperative. Whole grain and roughly milled products should be used instead of highly processed and "instant" grain products. Cholesterol levels also improve. We invite you to check out our CarboGuard that is specially treated fiber that slows the absorption of sugars. It expands when taken with a full glass of water to give a feeling of fullness so you eat less too. It also has properties that keep the blood sugar level.

Some soluble fibers will prevent the absorption of ingested "bad" fat. Fat on the lips IS fat on the hips! We have two formulas:

• Our ThermoBond binds to ingested fat, whisking it out of the body and is formulated for those who tend toward constipation (since 75% of Americans are dehydrated, this product is best for most). When taken with a full glass of water 30 minutes prior to eating, it also gives a feeling of fullness.
• Our Activated Fiber is formulated for those who have looser bowels, binds to fat and also gives the feeling of fullness when taken with a full glass of water prior to eating.

Quality Protein a MUST

Protein breaks down into amino acids. These amino acids are the building blocks of the body. Targeting the body fat requires the maintaining of muscle. Sufficient quantities of quality protein is essential to maintain muscle mass. The average person needs a minimum of 50 to 75 grams of protein daily to maintain proper function. For those who wish to restore muscle, gain muscle or lose fat, adding more quality low fat protein is essential. The body cannot absorb more than 30 grams of protein at one time, so intake must be taken in at least three times a day.

Protein stimulates the pancreas (the same organ that produces fat-storing insulin) to produce glucagon which stimulates the utilizaton of fat into energy (burns fat). It also stimulates serotonin production in the brain which not only improves mood but metabolism. Sounds pretty good, right? Check out our MentaBalance , a great way to get the amino acids to improve mood and metabolism without the calories or fat!

We'll examine protein in depth later, but for our purposes here we want to briefly point out that there are animal and plant proteins. Both are accompanied by some form of fat. As we have already seen, we want to lessen our intake of "bad" fat. We do that by purchasing lean cuts of meat and poultry, cutting away all obvious fat and eliminating fatty skin, broiling or baking, not frying, and using fiber to "sop up" what we can't see.

Plant proteins are accompanied by fat, carbohydrates and fibers (in varying amounts). Legumes (beans) are high in protein and fiber but have to be combined with other plant proteins to be considered "complete."

The digestion of protein is a major obstacle for many. If not digested properly, protein can be in the stomach too long, and rot. That produces gas and discomfort. We want the benefit of protein (it's "fat burning" ability) so we can help it along by taking the time to chew the food! There would be less gas and heartburn if only we would chew, chew, chew! Secondly, limit drinking fluids while eating. Fluids dilute the digestive juices so important to break down the food. Protein and starches (breads, potatoes, etc) require different - and opposite - fluids. There really is a good reason for proper food combining. Meat and potatoes means indigestion and weight gain! An important product we have that aids digestion of protein and enhances muscle mass is Aminogen . This is a patented enzyme that won't be destroyed by digestive juices and brings amazing comfort to the process!

Adding very digestible and absorbable protein that is low in fat is ideal. Isolated soy protein has been shown to be the best utilized protein for the human body. Our Formula 1 is a proven (time tested over 23 years!) and delicious way to give your body the correct balance of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Our High Protein Low Carbohydrate Shake Mix cuts the carbos and "beefs" up the protein. Another easy way to increase the protein without adding calories, fat and carbos is our Performance Protein Powder, a tasteless, odorless protein that can be added to virtually any dish or drink.

Next, The Skinny on Fat, Part 5 will examine the role of exercise in the "fat burning" process.

Your health is our concern at http://www.BTrim4Life.com