Heber explained that our bodies are designed to hold on to fat. It goes back to the days of infectious diseases and the advantage fat had on keeping them at bay.  Fast-forward to modern times and our bodies still react/act in the same manner.  More genes in our body work to hang on to fat than to get rid of it.  Our bodies also store fat the longer we go between meals. Another after-effect of the old days when as hunters and gatherers our bodies needed to store fat for energy as we searched for food.

Obesity causes inflammation in our bodies, which breeds disease. Fat in the liver and Asthma are two diseases that stem from inflammation. Heber suggests getting plenty of Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil and Flaxseed) and broccoli to help balance inflammation.  People are eating too much of the other one: Omega 6 Fatty Acids that come from vegetable oil, french fries, chips etc. Farm fed Salmon (farm fed trout and catfish too) are high in Omega 6 therefore should be avoided.  It may go under the name “atlantic salmon” in restaurants. (Seems that India, China, and Southeast Asia are becoming extremely susceptible to obesity as more and more western style restaurants and customs are making their way there.  We’ll have to wait and see on that one.)

Environment and not just genes has quite a bit to play in the big picture of obesity trends.  Recent studies on “developmental programming” suggest that when there is a mismatch between the nutritional environment, either high or low, during critical developmental periods of pregnancy, disease will develop. For example, studies show that perinatal nutritional deficiencies predispose adult offspring to metabolic syndrome, including obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.

It’s important to take control of your food environment. Prepare more meals at home, stock up on healthy snacks for your car, office, etc. and eat healthy before going to social engagements, parties, and entertainment events where food choices are typically poor.  And don’t forget you must exercise in addition to food management to burn calories and keep your lean muscle optimal for metabolism effects.

Heber mentioned more than once a favorite mantra of his: “Psychology trumps physiology”.  Stress is always the cause of overeating.  Discover your stressors and the key to success is right at your doorstep. 

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