Healthy weight loss.

GOD AND NATURE never killed anybody on a weight-loss program. I can't say the same for man and medicine. There've been far too many lives damaged or lost due to harsh weight-loss procedures. Fen Phen--the once popular diet drug--caused serious health complications (including death) and was taken off the market. Read the warning labels on common over-the-counter weight-loss medicines and be prepared to be shocked: "Users may experience abdominal pain, pounding or irregular heartbeat, severe headaches, severe vomiting, severe nervousness, severe restlessness, convulsions, seizures, hallucinations, hostile behavior."

All of this begs the question: Which road should we choose when going on a healthy weight-loss plan: man and medicine's, or God and nature's?

Man and medicine often use synthesized and damaging components to force unnatural weight loss. Only recently have we begun to realize that proper diet, consistent exercise, healthy lifestyle, pure water to de-stress, and other simple elements are critical for anyone desiring to lose extra pounds. Man and medicine's approach has destroyed lives, organs, and even the spirit of its victims.

God and nature's approach, on the other hand, is filled with vibrant, live foods rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and thirst-quenching liquids; sunshine; plentiful rest; exercise; and nature's medicine chest containing nutritional and herbal elements.

The closer we live to nature, the healthier we become. The further we live from nature, the more toxic we become. Toxicity slows body functions and diminishes reserves. This contributes to weight gain.

As a nutritionist, my best results have always come by addressing weight loss from a comprehensive, natural approach. Consider this outline for an effective and healthy weight-loss program:

1. Digestion Is Key--Enhance digestion with digestive enzymes.

2. Ensure Proper Elimination--If you're not having 2 to 3 bowel movements every day, find a natural internal cleansing product and fix the problem quickly.

3. Drink Pure Water You need 12 to 13 glasses of purified water daily to flush the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. This is critical during weight loss.

4. Enjoy Exercise--Cardio (movements that increase heart rate) is critical for weight loss. Panting and sweating enhance mood, mind function, and memory.

5. Strengthen the Thyroid Gland--Make sure the thyroid gland is not slow (hypoactive). Iodine is the number one nutrient for our thyroid gland.

6. Cleanse the Liver--The liver is responsible for metabolizing fats. Most overweight people have liver overload and its accompanying toxic buildup. A clogged liver can also contribute to cellulite formation.

7. Systematically Undereat--One of the best exercises you can do is the "push away." Simply learn to push away from the table before you're full.

8. Get All Vital and Required Nutrients--What most people don't know is that their body can feel hungry continually because of malnutrition. Feed your body with fast foods and processed carbs and it will be starving for nutrients. Eating a large quantity of food does not equal eating a large quantity of nutrients. Good liquid nutritional supplements will fix this quickly.

9. Stop Eating Dead Foods--Junk, fried, and fast foods, fat, sugar, caffeine, processed carbs, dairy, cheese, and soda. Remember, the more live foods we eat (fruits and vegetables) the more alive we feel. The more dead foods we eat ... well ...

10. Balance Your Blood Sugar--Unbalanced blood sugar levels cause mental confusion and fatigue. Don't consume sodas, sugar, stimulants, candy, coffee, too many carbs (especially in the morning), or overeat. Do eat smaller meal portions throughout the day. Make sure you're getting enough B complex vitamins, chromium, and protein. (A good vegetarian diet provides all that's needed.)

11. Increase Metabolism--Age slows metabolism. Take natural nutrients to keep it running at full tilt. Iodine, kelp, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, mustard seed, and ginger enhance metabolism. Also, digestive enzymes are critical.

You have two choices for losing weight. You can choose the destructive way, or nature's way. Why not let the power of God and nature do their wondrous work in you?

Clients of Dr. Lindsey Duncan, N.D., C.N., have included film, music, television, and political figures. For a limited time, Dr. Lindsey offers a free health evaluation for Vibrant Life readers at his Web site: www.askdrlindsey.com. Dr. Duncan can be reached at 888-3BE-WELL, or by e-mail at [e-mail].