The Detox Summit - Free Online Event

The Detox Summit Free Online Event

The Detox Summit is a free online event hosted by Deanna Minich PhD in collaboration with the Institute of Functional Medicine.  "Detox" is a term that means many different things to different people, from drug and alcohol detoxification to nutritional detox, or cleanses using food, smoothies and juices.  The Summit brings together 30 experts in the areas of medicine, nutrition and personal growth to discuss all aspects of detoxification to help participants (listeners) return to a healthy state of wellness.  During this event, participants can expect a well-rounded, credible approach to a much-debated issue and to learn to navigate their way through today's toxic terrain by recognizing toxins, what to do about them and how to change their lives for a healthier lifestyle, as well as:

The Detox Summit - The Institute for Functional Medicine

• Learn about environmental toxins in food, air and water
• Understand internally generated toxins, like thoughts, emotions and behaviors
• Recognize toxins and eliminate them
• Focus on breakthrough solutions to gain more energy and vitality

The conference will be broadcast from August 4 - 11, 2014 and will feature the following experts who will discuss and address the following issues:
(For more information and to register go to The Detox Summit)

Jeffrey Bland, PhD - Father of Functional Medicine, Author

The Biochemistry and History of Detoxification

• History of detoxification
• Detailed description of how the body eliminates toxins, especially through the liver
• How nutrients improve detoxification

Mark Hyman, MD - Bestselling Author, Functional Medicine Expert

Metabolic Disturbances and Detox

• Relationship between chronic disease and toxicity "Diabesity"
• Health effects of toxins like sugar and food chemicals
• Power of a detox to promote health and healing

David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, ABIHM - Bestselling Author, Renowned Neurologist Brain Health Expert

Toxicity and Brain Function

• Relationship between diet and brain health
• Why carbohydrates, especially sugars, and toxic to the brain
• Why the type of fat you eat is so important for health and detox

Alejandro Junger, MD - Bestselling Author and Founder of the Clean Program

The Many Approaches to Detox and Coming Clean

• The necessity of detox for health
• Why detox needs to be personalized to the individual
• Juicing vs. food vs. supplements for detox

Martha Herbert, MD, PhD - Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston

Autism and Detox

• Toxic exposures of all types and their effect on the brain
• The emerging connection between autism and toxicity in pregnancy
• Overcoming chemical burden in the unborn and children

Elson Haas, MD - Practicing Physician of Integrated Family Medicine, "Father of Clinical Detoxification", Author

Staying Healthy with Nutrition and Detox

• Incorporating traditional medicine approaches into a nutritional, biochemical detoxification
• The importance of following the cycles of nature, seasons and the body's rhythm in detox and healing
• How to personalize a detoxification by becoming aware of the body's needs

Soram Khalsa, MD - Board Certified in Internal Medicine

The Environment is Toxic and It's Making Us Toxic:  Epigenetic Influences

• Sources of toxicity in our daily environment: focus on the home and food
• Importance of detox before conception and pregnancy
• Keeping our children free of toxins by taking everyday precautions in our environment

Kelly Brogan, MD - Boarded in Psychiatry/Psychosomatic Medicine/Reproductive Psychiatry and Integrative Holistic Medicine

Toxicity and Impact in Women and Children's Health

• How women can take precautions to become less toxic
• Dangers of inflammation to mother, fetus and child
• Top recommendations for cleaning up the womb

Kara Kitzgerald, ND - Faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine; Private Practice in Sandy Hook, Connecticut

Labs to Assess Toxin Load

• Best labs to assess your exposure to heavy metals and other environmental toxins
• Tests you can ask your doctor to run to see if you are toxic
• Compelling clinical pearls on how to address heavy metal and environmental toxicity

Aristo Vojdani, PhD, MSC, CLS - Professor of Neuroimmunology at the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies; Chief Scientific Advisor for Cyrex Labs, LLC

Cutting-Edge Diagnostics for Toxicity

• Environmental triggers and the effect on the immune system
• Understanding how the immune system responds to toxins
• Labs to detect the presence of autoimmune reaction

Michael Stone, MD, MS - Family Physician, Faculty for the Institute for Functional Medicine

Methylation and Toxicity

• Importance of methylation in detoxification
• How to assess with lab tests whether you are methylating properly
• Physical signs that your body is toxic

Sayer Ji - Author; Educator; Founder of GreenMedInfo.com

Transcending the Detox/Retox Cycle through Radical Nourishment

• Simple yet potent diet and lifestyle detox tweaks to get you clean
• Health myths that lead to toxic overload
• Why we're in a post-organic era, and what to do about it

David Wolfe - Masters in Nutrition, Health, Eco, Nutrition; Natural Beauty Expert

Nature's Solution to Toxicity is Food

• Epigenetics of eating and connection to health
• Super foods for detox
• Impact your immune system through medicinal mushrooms

Jeffrey Smith - Author, Filmmaker, Executive Director

GMOs as Food Toxins

• Why GMOs are toxic to the body
• How to avoid GMOs in your food choices
• How to eat a low-GMO diet

Tom O'Bryan, DC

Gluten as a Toxin

• Why gluten is a toxin in the current food supply
• What is leaky gut and how does it relate to toxicity and gluten
• Eating intolerant foods and inflammation

JJ Virgin, CNS, CHFS - Author, Fitness Expert

The Virgin Diet: Lose Weight and Feel Better Fast When You Drop Toxic Foods

• How food intolerance is the real cause of weight gain and poor health
• Toxic foods and which ones are holding your health hostage
• Connect the dots between what you eat and how you feel

Marci Shimoff - Best-selling Author

Detoxing and Happiness:  How to Raise Your Current Happiness Level

• A powerful process to open your heart and dissolve pain, heartache and emptiness
• Take a fresh approach to deal with negativity in your mind, relationships and environment
• Take away tips on essential happiness habits to live a life of freedom, joy and ease

Thomas Moore, PhD - Bestselling Author

Detoxing the Soul

• Is there a role of toxins for the health of our body and soul?
• A call to look at toxins as a messenger of greater personal growth
• The toxicity of beliefs we choose

Char Sundust - Teacher, Healer and Speaker in the Native American Tradition, Founder, Sundust Oracle Institute

Living in Harmony with Nature as the Ultimate Detox

• Mentoring your mind by uniting with nature's rhythms
• Importance of recognizing the whole within the sum of its parts and within each other
• Ways to come into union with the spectrum of nature for greater happiness and soul satisfaction

Rainbeau Mars - Actor; Author; Health, Fitness and Beauty Expert

The Full-Spectrum of a SuperStar Cleanse

• How to do yoga without stretching: The importance of "being on the mat"
• Physical and mental ingestion is the key to living properly: beauty and food tips
• Tips to unleashing the SuperStar within to break through toxic habits

Mary Ellen Chalmers, DMD - Functional Medicine Dentist; Faculty for the Institute for Functional Medicine

Functional Dentistry: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Inflammation and Toxicity

• Your mouth is a telltale of your toxic burden and health
• Dental materials, disease and root canals can contribute to patient inflammation and toxic load
• Controversies around mercury amalgam and safe removal/replacement

Joseph Pizzorno, ND - Founding President of Bastyr University, the Leading Naturopathic University; Author of 10 Books

A Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Approach to Detoxification

• Detoxification is a foundational principle of natural and functional medicine
• Sources of toxic mercury in the environment
• A complete protocol for removing mercury

Garry Gordon, MD, DO, MD(H) - Co-Founder of the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM); President of Gordon Research Institute (GRI), Father of Oral Chelation

Survive and Thrive in a Toxic World

• Toxins are the single, most common, underlying factors contributing to ALL diseases
• The impact of the depletion of the earth's electromagnetic field
• Energy medicine therapies, daily oral chelation and detoxification protocols

Joel Kahn, MD - Clinical Professor of Cardiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Founding Member of the International Society of Functional and Metabolic Cardiovascular Medicine

Get Heart Smart Before Your Ticker Gets Sicker

• Heavy metal is for music not your heart: role of toxins in hypertension and cardiovascular disease
• How toxins make your heart unhealthy
• Tips to protecting your heart from the buildup of toxins

Kristi Hughes, ND - Associate Director of Education at the Institute for Functional Medicine

Sequencing a Detox

• How to do a detox safely
• Doing Detox in a functional medicine way: what does that mean and how to do it
• Using dietary supplements during a detox:  which ones and how to take them

Aviva Romm, MD - Board Certified Family Physician, Certified Midwife, Herbalist, Author

Toxic Shock:  How to Minimize the Risks of Living in a Chemical Stew

• Getting over your fear of herbs and how to use them safely in a detox
• Learn about key herbs that positively influence detoxification
• Minimize risks and repair the damage from environmental exposures with herbs

Lise Alschuler, ND - Board Certification in Naturopathic Oncology

Cancer Processes and Detoxification:  Focus on Glutatione

• The start of cancer and disease can come from oxidative stress
• Toxins and cancer: the connection
• How to increase better energy by boosting glutathione, the master antioxidant, in the body

Frank Lipman, MD - Founder, Eleven Eleven Wellness Center; Author

Building a Better Microbiome:  Gut Bacteria and Detox

• Optimizing your microbiome to prevent obesity and chronic diseases
• How to make the gut inhospitable to intruders
• Using a detox protocol to strengthen your digestion and boost your microbiome

 Amy Myers, MD - Practicing Functional Medicine Physician and Founder of The Myers Way

Thyroid Dysfunction, Autoimmunity, and Toxins

• The thyroid and its sensitivity to toxins
• Signs that the thyroid is sick and what you can do to help thyroid health
• How toxin load can lead to autoimmune conditions

Terry Wahls, MD - Board Certified in Internal Medicine; Physician and Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Iowa

Dietary Approaches for Autoimmune Toxicity

• Toxins can turn on or silence genes related to autoimmune diseases
• Food that can help lessen toxin burden in autoimmunity
• The Wahls Diet™ improves the detoxification enzyme efficiency and effectiveness

15 Foods to Include in an Everyday Diet [Infographic]

15 Foods To Include in an Everyday Diet
Infographic from FitnessHealthZone.com

There are certain foods that seem to be included on the lists of "the healthiest food to eat on a daily basis" of many nutritionists, functional medicine doctors and holistic healers.

This infographic, entitled 15 Foods That You Should Include in Your Everyday Diet, is a very fine representation and summary of what leading nutrition, health and wellness experts recommend.  The foods include:

✿ Yogurt
✿ Green Tea
✿ Dark Green Leafy
    Vegetables
✿ Black Beans
✿ Oats
✿ Berries
✿ Walnuts
✿ Oranges
✿ Cereals
✿ Carrots
✿ Tomatoes
✿ Spinach
✿ Bananas
✿ Olive Oil
✿ Almonds

Why are these foods considered to be so healthy by so many?

The fruits and vegetables are all powerhouses of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, having a high content of phytochemicals, dietary fiber and other important nutrients.

The cereals and oats are the whole grain versions, which represent slow-releasing carbohydrates and lots of dietary fiber, both of which help control blood sugar levels and aid in weight loss.

See:  Fiber for Weight Loss

The nuts and olive oil are excellent sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are considered healthy fats and which are needed by both the body and the brain.

See:  Healthy Fats for the Brain

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and boosts metabolism, helping with weight loss, including belly fat.

Related:
The Top 10 Superfoods for Exceptional Health
15 Foods That Boost Metabolism
15 Foods That Cleanse the Liver
9 Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

Infographic source and more health, diet, nutrition and fitness information from FitnessHealthZone.

Fat Burning: Eat (Real) Fat [Infographic]

Eat Fats to Burn Fat [Infographic}

The low-fat, no-fat diet is out.  Eating fats for optimal health, energy and weight loss is in.  But the nutritionists, fitness experts and diet gurus warn us that, just like calories, not all fats are equal!

Some fats, like transfats, are detrimental to health, promote weight gain, impede fat loss and contribute to a whole host of chronic diseases like diabetes, coronary heart disease and obesity.

On the other side of the spectrum, some fats - namely the omegas (Omega-6 and Omega-3), are now thought to confer a wide range of health benefits and to actually promote an efficiently functioning metabolism, increase fat burning and drive weight loss - as this short but sweet infographic so aptly points out:

✿ Helping the body absorb certain vitamins and antioxidants;

✿ Supplying the body with essential nutrients;

✿ Building lean muscle mass faster

✿ Preventing hunger and overeating by curbing cravings for snacks and junk food.

But before you go scarfing up on all kinds of fats, it is absolutely essential to understand the difference in the various types of fats, and how to shop, store and cook with each type.  Remember:  not all fats are created equal and different fats need to be stored, cooked and eaten in different ways.  The following links contain further useful information:

Healthy Fats:  Cooking and Storing
Fat Facts
Fats:  The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
The Benefits of Vegetable Oil

Infographic source and more information:  LoveandPrimal.com

Weight Loss - 5 Proven Ways to Lose Weight and Keep it Off [Infographic]

5 Proven Ways to Lose Weight and Keep It Off
Infographic by EatoHealth.com

 Dieting in the U.S. is at an all time low, according to data compiled and released by The NPD Group, a leading global information company that has been tracking Americans' eating habits for nearly 30 years.

Currently, only about 20% of American adults report that they are on a weight loss diet, as compared to the 31% who reported being on a diet in 1991.

According to The NPD Group, their data suggests that dieters are giving up on diets more quickly than in the past.  Their data also suggests that while Americans still want to lose weight, they are changing their attitudes about being overweight.  That is, fewer Americans are viewing being overweight as unattractive.

The waning interest in dieting might also be attributed to confusion about weight loss foods, programs and strategies brought about by so much conflicting information and claims.

Also, many of the most popular fad diets are very extreme, leaving out entire food groups and/or severely restricting intake of calories. Good examples of these are Atkins, Raw Vegan Food, and the HCG Diet.

For the majority of people, these types of diets are too difficult to follow and maintain over the long-term.  Additionally, the effectiveness and even safety of some of these diet plans has been the subject of much controversy.

So, its easy to see why Americans are getting tired of following a specific diet program or not buying into the latest weight loss craze.

The good news is that its very possible to lose weight and maintain that weight loss by making some relatively simple lifestyle changes.

This infographic illustrates five common weight loss challenges and provides solutions, tips and information for each.  They are:

1.  Limit calories and fat

2.  Eat five small meals a day, starting with breakfast

3.  Monitor food intake

4.  Eat consistently throughout the year

5.  Limit restaurant meals

Related:
10 Tips for Guaranteed Weight Loss
5 Weight Loss Mistakes
Portion Control
Women are Dying to be Thin

Infographic source and more weight loss, nutrition and health information and tips at:
EatoHealth - 5 Proven Ways to Lose Weight and Keep It Off

Supplements vs. Food Visual Guide [Infographic]

Supplements vs. Food Visual Guide [Infographic]

Health, wellness and nutrition experts generally advise for individuals to try to meet their nutritional requirements from food rather than from supplements.

However, in our world of nutritionally bankrupt commercially grown, packaged, processed, frozen, fast and junk foods, this may prove to be very difficult.

Even certain individuals who otherwise consistently eat healthfully may not be getting all of the daily recommended vitamins, minerals, fatty and amino acids and other nutrients.  An example of this are vegans, who do not consume any animal products, and may become deficient in Vitamin B-12 and may be challenged to get all of their Omega-3s.

Other individuals who follow certain weight loss diets, such as low-carb, high-protein diets like Atkins, Dukan, Protein Powder or Ketogenic diets and/or severely restrictive calorie intake diets like the HCG diet, are in danger of not consuming enough dietary fiber and not getting essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals that are found in fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes and other carbohydrates.

For these reasons and due to other factors, sometimes the only way to ensure that one has all of the bases covered is to take appropriate supplements.

This infographic entitled "Supplements vs. Food Visual Guide" illustrates the amounts or portions of various foods that are equivalent to certain dosages of various supplements.

It should be noted that the supplement dosage amounts set our in the infographic do not necessarily correspond to the recommended daily amounts (RDA) guidelines.

Furthermore, the RDA differs from individual to individual, depending on many factors including age, sex, sedentary level, medications, as well as pregnancy, lactation and post menopause in the case of women.

For accurate RDAs, review the current table of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs):  Estimated Average Requirements published by the Nutrition Board, Institute of Medine, National Academics.

Nonetheless, this infographic aptly demonstrates the potential important role of supplements in health, particularly for certain individuals, and is a fun and informative way to compare food and supplements equivalents.

Related:
10 Daily Nutrients
6 Food Based Medicines That May Save Your Life


Infographic Source:  HealthPost - Supplements vs Food - A Visual Guide

Garcinia Cambogia vs. Green Coffee Bean Extract [Infographic]

Garcinia Cambogia vs. Green Coffee Bean Extract [Infographic]
from HealthPost

Both garcinia cambogia and green coffee bean extract have been touted in weight loss circles as the ultimate fat burners - helping one to lose weight more easily and faster than just dieting and exercising alone.

For example, Dr. Mehmet Oz did a three part video series on garcinia cambogia and a five part video series on green coffee bean extra.   Other diet, fitness and nutrition experts have also spoken out in favor of the potential weight loss and other health benefits of both garcinia cambogia and green coffee bean extract supplements.

Certain studies suggest that taking either of these while on a healthy diet and fitness plan promote loss of additional pounds.

This wonderful infographic, entitled "Garcinia Cambogia vs. Green Coffee Bean Extract", compares these two fat burners by explaining and describing each of their historic use, active ingredient, mechanism of action, potential benefits, time frames for results, clinical trial results and how and when best to take each for maximum effectiveness. It also contains precautions for certain individuals.

Related:

10 Tips for Guaranteed Weight Loss

5 Proven Ways to Lose Weight and Keep it Off

15 Foods that Boost Metabolism

Eat These Foods to Help Get Rid of Stubborn Belly Fat

Fat Burners

How to Lose Belly Fat
(Part 1)

Infographic source and more informations and tips at:
Healthpost - Garcinia Cambogia versus Green Coffee Bean Extract

10 Tips for Guaranteed Weight Loss [Infographic]

10 Tips for Guaranteed Weight Loss
[Infographic from Health Me Up]

As the end of the year approaches, many people begin thinking about their New Year resolutions.  For many, at the top of the resolution list is to lose those extra pounds "once and for all".

Unfortunately, for most dieters, this is not the first time they have resolved to make a big weight loss effort in a new year.

Sure, a new year feels like an excellent opportunity to start a new diet, to join the gym, finally sign up for that yoga class, or take up another type of exercise or physical fitness program.

But for many people struggling with obesity or being overweight, past experience demonstrates that it is often very difficult to stay on a diet plan or with an exercise program, despite the best intentions and initial firmest resolve.

This may be because most people do not make adequate preparations before beginning a new weight loss program. Many experts in the field agree that certain preparations and planning are the key to success in losing the extra weight.

This infographic entitled "10 Tips for Guaranteed Weight Loss" outlines some of the important and useful ways to prepare and plan, including:

1.    Deciding how much weight to lose
2.    Managing one's time
3.    Stocking the kitchen
4.    Eating healthy home cooked meals
5.    Starting a cardio and weight training workout
6.    Altering snacking habits
7.    Having at least one active hobby
8.    Finding a solution to combat stress
9.    Drinking plenty of water
10.  Planning healthy vacations

These are all really great tips for starting and maintaining a weight loss program successfully.  Other suggestions include:

❤ Making sure to get enough sleep
❤ Joining an online or local weight loss support group
❤ Adopting a regular meditation practice

So regardless of which weight loss or exercise program you choose, be sure to plan and prepare ahead using as many of these tips as possible.

Related:

10 Common Weight Loss Mistakes
Top 10 Foods for a Speedy Metabolism
Stress Relief Activities
Anatomy of Walking
Vegetables and Physical Activity - the Ultimate Way to Fitness
hCG Weight Loss - Rapid and Long Lasting

Infographic source and further information at:
Health Me Up - Weight Loss

East vs. West Medicine [Infographic]

In the West, we are obsessed with dieting, as evidenced by the sheer number of diets, dietary supplements, weight loss and physical fitness programs and exercise equipment.

Although the desire to be thin often stems from societal pressure to look good, there is a more important reason why we should worry about being overweight, particularly if we have a big waistline and lots of belly fat - obesity and being overweight is linked to many chronic, debilitating and even life-threatening diseases and medical conditions.

Yet, it is thought that various diseases and chronic illnesses (as well as certain "modern" medications) actually cause weight gain and/or impede weight loss.

Hence, in the West, an overweight or obese person who also suffers from certain illness or chronic medical condition is sometimes trapped in a vicious cycle.  This may be because Western medicine often seeks to treat only the symptoms of each condition separately with a prescription for drugs for that particular condition.  When the drugs stop working, or complications due to drug interaction or other reasons arise, the next step is often invasive surgery.

In contract, Eastern medicine (such as Ayurveda) seeks to address and treat the underlying causes of the illness or medical condition, taking into consideration each individual's unique physical, mental and emotional constitution.  By treating the cause (rather than just the symptoms), the symptoms resolve once the cause is discovered and treated.

Eastern medicine also typically relies on only natural courses of both internal and topical treatments, such as proper nutrition, herbal preparations, acupuncture, acupressure and massage, meditation and yoga, detoxification, lifestyle modification and other holistic remedies.

This Infographic entitled "East vs. West Medicine" illustrates some of the key differences between the two approaches, including the history, basic theory, examination and diagnosis, and the duration of treatment for certain ailments and conditions.

Insofar as obesity and being overweight is concerned, most functional medicine physicians and holistic health practitioners agree that any weight loss effort must first begin with a healthy physical, mental and emotional constitution.

The idea is that with a proper diet, program of physical activity, lifestyle changes and natural treatments specific to the individual person, the underlying causes of the illness will be address and weight loss will occur naturally and more easily.

Luckily, in the West, we now live in an age and time when we have access to both systems of medicine.  If we are doing something that is not working, we can become informed and educate ourselves concerning all of our available options.***  A good place to start is by reading some of the books suggested below.


***Nothing in this post should be interpreted as medical advice or a suggestion to stop using currently prescribed medication or other courses of treatment without the supervision and oversight of a qualified medical professional.

Infographic Source:  HealthExecNews.com

Infographic: Fountain of Youth (22 Ways to Live Longer)

Did you know that if you drink six cups of coffee, shop and party a lot and use Twitter and Skype, you will potentially live longer?

This really fun infographic explores some unusual and off-beat ways to slow down aging and maintain youthful vitality and vigor in various areas of your life.

Although some of the tips are pretty well known already (like cooking with turmeric, including sweet potato, tofu and asparagus in your diet, walking and owning a pet), a few are surprising. And, what is really interesting is that a study is cited for each tip.

Related:
10 Superfoods that Make You Look Younger

Infographic Source:  Bittoper.com

Infographic: World's Healthiest People

This really cool infographic examines and answers the question of who and where are the healthiest people in the world and how they got that way.

According to the infographic, the top five healthiest countries are:

1.  Iceland
2.  Japan
3.  Sweden
4.  New Zealand
5.  Finland

The infographic also spotlights the world's oldest man and woman and provides some tips on healthy lifestyle habits such as:

❤ Engaging in some form of daily activity or exercise, such as walking

❤ Knowing one's purpose to reduce stress and lower risk of disease

❤ Managing stress levels through meditation, bathing, vacations and engaging in hobbies

❤ Prioritizing sleep and getting enough rest

❤ Eating less processed food and instead, eating a diet rich in natural, fresh and locally grown or sourced foods

❤ Following the 80% eating rule

❤ Drinking plenty of clean water and herbal teas

❤ Drinking antioxidant-rich red wine in moderation

❤ Belonging to a healthy social network, one of the keys to reducing stress and healthful living

Related:
Why Eat the Ugly Apple?
Stress Relief Activities

Infographic Source:  Best Public Health Schools

Free Diet Coaching from TV Fitness Trainer

New Diet App has TV Fitness Trainer, Transformation Specialist, Chris Powell Move in with YOU! (via PR Newswire)

The free Vemma Bod-e app coaches dieters through a 12-week body transformation program. Download image Download image The first of 84 daily videos in the newly launched Vemma Bod-e 2.0 app featuring Celebrity Transformation Specialist and best-selling author, Chris Powell. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 2…

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Infographic: Women are Dying to be Thin

This infographic entitled "Women are Dying to be Thin" provides some interesting statistics about the influence of the fashion industry and the media on women, their weight and body image and how mannequins, models, publications and advertising may lead to dangerous (and sometimes deadly) eating disorders, including anorexia.

Some highlights from the infographic include:

90% of women overestimate their body size

80% of women responding to a survey said images of women in movies and in ads made them feel insecure

4 out 5 U.S. women are dissatisfied with their appearance

The average U.S. woman is 5'4" and weighs 140 pounds, whereas the average U.S. model is 5'11" and weighs 117 pounds

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness

Infographic Source:  Radar Programs via Bliss Tree

2013: Focus on Health, Not Another Diet, to Lose Weight

For many Americans, losing weight is at the top of their New Year's resolutions list.  Unfortunately, most overweight people choose the latest trending diet - one that promises quick results with mimimum effort.  Although many individuals will initially lose some weight on a fad or trending diet, studies have repeatedly shown that the weight lost from these diets almost always comes back. 

Lifestyle Changes For Natural Weight Loss

These simple lifestyle changes have very good, even excellent, proven results in helping you to lose weight naturally. You need not incorporate all of them at one time. Instead, set small goals and integrate them slowly and consistently into your daily life until such time as they automatically become a part of your day-to-day routine: