Losing Weight and Feeling Great

Metabolic Syndrome X is kind of a catch-all term for a variety of small problems that can turn into one big problem — namely, diabetes.  No joking on this one, as it’s something that everyone over 30 who is overweight need to think about.

Another name you might have heard is Insulin Resistance Syndrome, which probably describes the situation better.  You see, Metabolic Syndrome X isn’t diabetes, but can lead to it if steps aren’t taken to reduce your insulin resistance.

Here’s an example that we can all probably relate to:

You used to be able to lose that extra 5 or 10 pounds quickly — just as fast as you put it on, you could take it off.  But these days, you put on 10 and take off 5…then gain that 5 right back, with another pound or two for interest.

You need lots of caffeine to get started in the morning (call that the "Starbuck’s Syndrome") but then skip breakfast to "save calories". 

Your mood keeps swinging back anbd forth between agitated and down, like a pendulum…and the only thing you can be sure of relieving the depression is…food.

Signs of Insulin Resistance — Syndrome X

So, what are some of the warning signs that you might be developing (or have) insulin resistance?

1. Fatigue — you need caffeine in the morning, snacks in the afternoon just to make it through the day.
2. You have a hard time focusing and feel like you’re walking around in a fog part of the day.
3. Blood sugar swings — going from feeling jittery to feeling depressed and/or headachy.  The depression and headache seem to be relieved by eating something.
4. Gas — from just a mild bloated feeling to full-blown painful gas, your body is having problems digesting food, especially carbs, properly.
5. Feeling sleepy or even nodding off after a meal, especially if it’s high in carbs.
6. Difficulty losing weight — you gain, lose, then gain back more.
7. Losing your waist — you gain weight around your middle instead of all over or just in your "trouble spots", like you used to.
8. Increased blood pressure and triglycerides.

Sound like you?

But there is some good news — Metabolic Syndrome X can be stopped and turned back before it becomes full-blown diabetes.  How?  The tried-and-true diet and exercise.

But you can make a big start by just giving up the "whites" in your diet — white sugar, white bread, white rice…you get the picture.  These foods send your blood sugar soaring.  And while you probably should just stay away from sugar, you can substitute whole grains.

If you are concerned about Syndrome X, let me make a suggestion — go down to the bookstore or over to Amazon or wherever and get a copy of the book Get the Sugar Out:  501 Simple Ways to Cut the Sugar Out of Any Diet by Ann Louise Gittleman.

No, you don’t need to implement all 501 ways — but even 10 can make a difference in the way your body handles blood sugar.

Diabetes is serious, and you don’t want to go there.  Give your body a break now, while you can.

Make the change, and feel all the better for it.