Dynamics of Bioanalogics Body Composition.

The Illusion of "Dieting"

Traditional "diets" define their success by weight loss, as measured by the scale. They go to great lengths to convince us that weight loss constitutes a loss of body fat. Therefore, any weight decrease must be good, and be evidence of the "diet's" success. We believe ourselves to be more fit. A calorie-deprivation diet will result in the breakdown of lean tissue and loss of water. That registers as a loss of weight on the scales. And, since you have been conditioned to think of weight loss as fat loss, you are pleased with the results. But have you truly been successful?

Traditional dieting programs focus on caloric deprivation and food restrictions, with little or no emphasis on exercise. They prey upon the individual's vulnerability and desire for rapid weight loss, the "quick fix". The body, however, makes a number of physiological adaptations in response to the "stress" of dieting. Any caloric deprivation will be interpreted by the body as a threat to its survival. To protect itself and prolong survival, the body will initiate the following responses and adaptations:

Increases Appetite - This causes the dieter to consume any food that might be available to meet immediate energy needs. The body will crave high-sugar, high-fat foods to meet both immediate and long-term energy requirements. These cravings continue to intensify as the deprivation continues. The body will not crave complex carbohydrates and high fiber foods that require a significant amount of energy to digest.

Slows Metabolism - To prolong survival, the body will decrease metabolic activity in an effort to conserve energy. This will cause the dieter to become sluggish, tired and lack normal energy. In its efforts to conserve valuable fat stores, the body will then burn lean tissue for fuel.

In the short term, the dieter is forced to endure deprivation, hunger, fatigue and frustration. The temporary glow of "weight loss" success will soon fade as the dieter returns to previous habits, no longer able to endure the deprivation. Regaining the lost weight is now inevitable. However, everything is not as it once was. While the dieter's body may have returned to its "pre-diet" weight the following significant changes have occurred:

Failure to Reset Weight Regulating Mechanism - Research indicates that the human body utilizes a weight regulating mechanism to manage energy requirements and overall body mass. When weight is altered via deprivation the body can't adjust its weight regulating mechanism. As a result, the body will continue working to regain the lost weight.

Decreased Lean Muscle Mass - Muscle is the furnace in which the body burns fat. Muscle tissue consumes energy even at rest. Therefore, the loss of muscle tissue which results from dieting reduces the body's ability to burn fat.

Reduced Level of Fat Burning Enzymes - An unfit, sedentary body is conditioned to conserve fat, and is deficient in enzymes that promote the conversion of fat to usable energy.

Loss of Confidence and Self-Esteem - Failure to achieve personal goals, particularly those that affect your appearance and self-image, erode self-esteem and break down your confidence. A loss of confidence hinders your ability to set and aggressively pursue goals.

The consequences which result from "dieting" can be long term and may carry serious health implications. It is unwise to continue the same ineffectual behaviour ("dieting") again and again, expecting a different outcome. A lifestyle built upon a foundation of sound principles and scientific technology allows a person to break out of this vicious cycle of failure.

BODY COMPOSITION IS THE KEY

Body composition refers to the proportions of fat and lean tissue (muscle, bond, water and organs) that make up your body. Some individuals have a low percentage of body fat and a great deal of lean muscle, yet weight enough to be classified as "obese on standard height/weight charts. These people are most certainly not "obese" - they just weigh a lot. Also, there are some "skinny" people who are out-of-shape and have too much body fat to be healthy and fit. A body carrying too much fat is both unhealthy and inefficient. Fat is easily maintained with little energy expenditure. A body with a greater proportion of lean, toned muscle will burn more fat and energy throughout the entire day - even while at rest!

As you exercise, your body will begin to burn its fat stores as fuel, reducing the total percentage of body fat. Through regular exercise, your muscles will tone and enlarge, increasing your percent lean body mass. Your bones will increase in density. You will become a more efficient and constant energy burner, helping you maintain and improve your new body composition. Periodic checks of body composition will provide benchmarks for tracking progress.

THE TECHNOSYSTEM SOLUTION

In contrast to a typical "diet" program, whose focus and primary measure of success is weight loss, the Technosystem is a comprehensive lifestyle program consisting of proper nutrition, regular exercise, counselor support and positive lifestyle habits which assist you in achieving your optimum level of health and fitness. Body composition, fitness and overall health status - rather than weight - are the true measures of success. Being a healthy fit person will improve your quality of life and enable you to get the most of what life has to offer. The principles of a healthy lifestyle are for everyone, regardless of health status or current body composition. The Technosystem program includes the following:

A Personalized Nutrition Plan - Your nutrition plan supplies you with a fat gram limit, recommended food group servings and fibre recommendations. The principles used to structure your plan include: a varied intake from the basic food groups, decreased fat consumption, decreased intake of refined carbohydrates and an increased intake of fiber and complex carbohydrates.

Exercise Recommendations - Your report includes a plan for incorporating regular exercise into your life. Recommendations for achieving total fitness include strength development, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.

These lifestyle adjustments, along with others provided in the Technosystem program, bring about positive changes in the way nature intended. You will now be working with your body, not against it. Your body will make a number of positive adaptations, which work toward achieving and maintaining a healthy body. These changes include:

Lowering of the Weight Regulating Mechanism - Regular exercise and a healthy diet adjust the body's weight regulating mechanism and promote the burning of excess fat. This increased metabolism gives your body more energy and works to maintain your new body composition.

Increased Level of Fat-Burning Enzymes - A program of regular aerobic exercise which continues for approximately four to five months will double the amount of fat burning enzymes in your body. This allows your body to access and burn fat more efficiently. These benefits are magnified during periods of sustained aerobic activity.

An increase or Maintenance of Lean Tissue - Lean mass is the primary component of your metabolic rate. The greater your muscle mass, the greater your metabolic rate. In addition, lean mass will affect your energy, strength, aerobic capacity, glucose metabolism, posture and physique.

Increased Endorphin Levels - Regular aerobic exercise stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain. These natural compounds enhance feelings of well-being and improve your ability to effectively deal with stress.

Improved Utilization of Stress Hormones - Certain hormones, released in response to stress, are broken down in the body during periods of physical activity. Metabolic processes which provide energy during exercise consume stress hormones, which when left to circulate in the body can damage vital tissues and organs.

The Technosystem program recommends that your obtain a bioanalogics body composition reading every four to eight weeks. Use your body composition data to set realistic, health-promoting goals. Continue to exercise regularly to improve or maintain your body composition. And, rather climbing onto the scales each day, take waist, hip and thigh measurements every two weeks to monitor change.

Body composition, fitness and health are dynamic processes, rather than static events. A body's fitness deteriorates with lack of exercise. An unfit body is more susceptible to sickness and disease. Fitness is more a journey than a destination. As you continue to exercise, the improvements continue. Body, brain and attitude respond to exercise and proper nutrition, and you will soon develop a new way of life. The fun and enjoyment of your life increase; and you are better able to relax, relieve stress and sleep. Your body will become accustomed to receiving the exercise it needs, and will prompt you to continue your workout session.

Should you lapse in your exercise regimen, you'll probably find you miss the time you spent working your body and you'll want to resume the routine. When you do, your body can continue to improve and function efficiently. You'll find you enjoy eating fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. High fat, processed snacks won't hold much appeal. You can look better and enjoy your new clothes while in your healthy lifestyle. You'll discover new skills that you never had before, and find that your brain works more effectively. This wonderful cycle will continue upward and will never stop if you continue your exercise routine. After a while, giving up and returning to your old habits will be the furthest thing from your mind. Welcome to the Technosystem.