The old saying that “a calorie is a calorie” is completely false! Even if you only eat 800 calories a day, if those calories are from sugary, starchy foods you are going to gain weight. If your food intake comes primarily from fructose and grains, you are at increased risk for obesity and pre-diabetes, which includes both insulin and leptin resistance, fatty liver, high blood pressure and high triglycerides. Insulin and leptin resistance in turn form the foundation for virtually every chronic disease you can think of, including heart disease and cancer. The answer is to turn the food pyramid totally upside down. Dramatically reduce or, ideally, eliminate virtually ALL grains and sugars, especially fructose. This in itself will go a long way toward preventing excess fat. But to be truly effective, you want to be sure you are replacing those refined carbs with vegetables and healthful fats. NOW you are entering a diet that wil allow your body to shift from burning carbs to burning FAT as its primary fuel. At this point, weight loss is not the only benefit you’ll reap. Research has shown that this type of diet is an effective prevention and even treatment strategy for cancer.Intermittent fasting is another powerful key that will help you transition your body from obtaining the majority of its fuel from glucose stored as glycogen in your muscles and liver, to the fat stored in your tissues. This is one of the most effective ways known to burn off excess body fat and eliminate sugar cravings. Check with our office to find out about a variety of lifestyle wellness programs and dietary guidelines that we offer.