The Kaizen approach to eating means no "dieting". Diets simply do not work to develop a healthy, sustainable body weight.  Diets are, by definition, temporary vs. long-term changes in eating behaviors, the only method which helps you gradually achieve your desired weight and keep it.  However, we all know that nothing is more popular in our culture than the latest fad diet. Many are dangerously restrictive or imbalanced and you should check with a dietitian or doctor before starting an extreme diet.  One of the most popular diets we have found which is not extreme, and is relatively healthy and effective for those looking for a short-term plan, is the South Beach diet.  The best part of that plan is it encourages removing refined sugar from your diet.  This should be a goal and permanent intention for anyone.   If you stick with their recommendations, you could also benefit from eating less saturated fats -- which you should avoid to help raise your 'good' cholesterol and lower your 'bad' cholesterol.   One problem with South Beach is that the first-phase menus are so restrictive they can lead to rapid weight loss, followed by relief-binge eating and rapid weight gain.  Often called yo-yo dieting, this process is very unhealthy and hard on your critical body systems.  Also this initial weight loss can be mostly water or even muscle mass.   It is much better to eat more of a variety of foods in smaller portions and thus avoid nutritional deficiencies.  Call the Kaizen Wellness Center (941-556-7788) if you would like a one-time complementary pass to attend the Kaizen Healthy Lifestyle Class, next Monday, 6 -7 p.m. at Dr. Mishner's office in Lakewood Ranch.   One of the topics will be the South Beach Diet. 

We are very proud to sponsor a community-wide health fair, the first annual Love Your Life Health Expo, on Saturday, March 26th, 2011 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Kaizen Total Wellness Center located at 11505 Palmbrush Trail, near the intersection of Lakewood Ranch Blvd. and Hwy 70.

Free and open to the public, “Love Your Life 2011” will feature a wide variety of health care, safety and educational booths, each of which will focus on one of the many ways a person can protect their family,health and home.

Kaizen Total Wellness will have a full schedule of brief classes every half-hour featuring speakers Dr. Harvey Mishner, Marissa M. Brattole, Ph.D., and Sue Fox, a representative with Alzheimer’s Association, to name just a few. Topics to be addressed include Kaizen‘s Total  Wellness Plan, ways to improve self-esteem and body image, dealing with mental illness, Alzheimer’s disease and several other vital healthtopics.