Popular But Dangerous Ways People Are Losing Weight This Summer

Summer is here, and everyone is scrambling to find an "easy and quick" weight-loss fix. Unfortunately, many of today's popular weight-loss methods come with significant risks.

GLP-1 : Famously Known as Ozempic

According to statistics, 1 in 8 Americans is taking a GLP-1 medication, whether Ozempic or Wegovy. That is approximately 12% of the U.S. population, and the number of Americans using GLP-1 medications for weight loss has more than doubled over the past three years.

What started as a medication for type 2 diabetes has become the latest quick weight-loss trend. While people are experiencing weight loss and achieving their desired appearance, it often comes at a cost.

Though rarely talked about, GLP-1 medications come with serious risks and potential long-term side effects, including:

• Pancreatitis
• Kidney damage
• Bone loss
• Muscle loss – Up to 40% of the weight lost on GLP-1 medications can come from lean mass, including muscle.
• Digestive issues, including stomach paralysis and intestinal blockages
• Nutritional deficiencies.

Gastric Sleeve

Another, more invasive, yet still popular weight-loss method that has become normalized is gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery.

These two procedures are performed on approximately 250,000 Americans each year—around 157,000 gastric sleeve surgeries and up to 63,000 gastric bypass surgeries.

In a gastric sleeve procedure, approximately 80% of the stomach is surgically removed, creating the well-known banana-shaped stomach. This permanently reduces the stomach's size and lowers hunger hormones by as much as 80%. This surgery is permanent and cannot be reversed.

Gastric Bypass

While considered a similar procedure, gastric bypass surgery is performed differently. During gastric bypass, surgeons create a much smaller stomach pouch using staples and reroute part of the small intestine. Unlike a gastric sleeve, most of the stomach remains inside the body but is bypassed during digestion.

Both procedures reduce calorie intake, but they also reduce nutrient absorption, which can lead to malabsorption and serious nutritional deficiencies.

Besides surgical complications such as infections, both procedures can also lead to lifelong risks, including:

• Ulcers and intestinal blockages
• Nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12 and iron
• Dumping syndrome
• Internal bleeding
• Staple leaks
• Stenosis(stricture): an abnormal narrowing of the new stomach opening, causing nausea and vomiting
• GERD

...just to name a few.

All of these weight-loss methods have two things in common. First, they deliver results quickly. Second, they can come with a long list of serious and lasting side effects.

Losing weight in a healthy way should be the goal because healthy weight loss is more stable, safer, and easier to maintain long term. To lose weight in a healthy way, there must be a sustainable lifestyle change.

The Diet Scientifically Proven to Help You Lose Weight

Research shows that a plant-based diet is one of the most effective dietary approaches for weight loss.

In a recent study known as the VEGPREV study, researchers followed 90 overweight or obese participants for 12 weeks. Each participant was assigned to one of five diets: a vegan plant-based diet, the Mediterranean diet, the EAT-Lancet diet, a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, or a standard healthy diet based on World Health Organization recommendations.

Out of all five diets, those following the vegan, plant-based diet experienced a 6.7% decrease in body weight which is significantly greater than participants following the other dietary protocols.

Research is clear that sustainable weight loss doesn't have to involve injections or surgery. The challenge for most people isn't knowing what diet works—it's knowing how to follow it consistently.

If you're looking for a simple, plant-based weight-loss plan that takes the guesswork out of healthy eating, we've created one that's easy to follow. You'll receive structured meal guidance, practical food recommendations, and personalized support to help you stay on track every step of the way.

To learn  more about our Weight Loss Diet Plan/ testimonials, click here.

Top 6 Foods for Weight Loss

1 ) Eat this Bread and Lose Weight:

How Wholegrain Ancient Grain Breads are key to weight loss

If our diet doesn't contain adequate nutrients, even if we are eating a lot, the body will still think it's starving. And we continue to overeat to try to compensate for that lack. For many, it's not about how much you eat, it's what you eat, that determines if you feel full and satisfied.

Only when the food we consume contains adequate levels of fiber and nutrients then the stomach sends signals to the brain to stop eating. If we consume food devoid of nutrients, we will never be satiated and the vicious cycle of overeating continues.

Fiber from real whole foods is the only healthy way to consume fiber to maintain gut health.

Wheat bran is one of the best sources of fiber. However, its not recommended to take it as a separate supplement. It's best to consume wheat bran from real bread that contains all 3 parts of the grain including the fiber rich bran.

For Proper bread made from real 100% wholegrain, ancient grain flour try the Einkorn Bread  from Josephs Organic Bakery. Our breads are not refined at all, meaning we don't separate the 3 parts of the grain and we never use white flour.

Modern Commercial Bread causes inflammation and weight gain. At Joseph's Organic Bakery, our breads are made with ancient anti-inflammatory grains and our special preparation process ensures that our breads are full of fiber and nutrients which keep us satiated. When the body receives the nutrients and fiber it needs, toxic cravings and overeating stops.

   The complex starches and intact fiber in wholegrain einkorn are digested slowly. Instead of causing a rapid glucose spike, it delivers a steady stream of nutrients to the distal intestine, which triggers sustained GLP-1 release.

Since our Einkorn sourdough breads are high in dietary fibers and resistant starches - they provide fuel for beneficial bacteria in the gut. This supercharges SCFA production, which stimulates natural GLP-1 secretion

Our ancient grain sourdough breads are ALKALINE superfoods. Unlike toxic and acidic modern GMO wheat, ancient grains are non-GMO and actually have anti-inflammatory effects.

To learn more about our Ancient Grain Sourdough Breads click here

2) Green Tea-

Boost Metabolism & GLP-1 the Natural Way with an ancient drink

Research shows that catechins in green tea help increase metabolic rate and fat burning, and additionally it actually strengthens bones (and even gums).

Green tea can increase production of GLP-1. Green tea contains epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol that supports GLP-1 production. A 2014 study found that green tea extract increased GLP-1 in patients with type 2 diabetes and lipid abnormalities. Another study found that green tea showed the highest level of GLP-1 after 120 minutes of in vitro digestion.

Drinking even 1 cup of green tea daily has a lot of health benefits. To get the full benefits drink 3 cups per day (combined with Cistus tea). Avoid green tea at night, you can drink just the cistus alone or in combination with ginger root.

But not all green tea is created equal. If the soil is contaminated with heavy metals, the tea leaves absorb it, and instead of being a health food it becomes a source of toxins.

For high quality green tea grown in pristine soil with high antioxidant levels click here

3) Fermented Vegetables

If you're on a weight loss journey, fermented vegetables can be a valuable addition to your diet. These nutrient-dense foods offer several benefits that can support your weight loss efforts.

Firstly, fermented vegetables are low in calories while providing a satisfying and flavorful eating experience. They can add a burst of flavor to your meals without significantly increasing your caloric intake. This allows you to enjoy a variety of delicious foods while staying within your calorie goals.

Secondly, the probiotics in fermented vegetables can help optimize gut health, which is linked to weight management. A healthy gut microbiome is associated with improved metabolic function and reduced inflammation, both of which play a role in weight regulation.

Lastly, fermented vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, which promotes feelings of fullness and aids in digestion. By incorporating fiber-rich foods like fermented vegetables into your meals, you can curb cravings, regulate appetite, and support a healthy weight.

Probiotic Strains in Fermented Vegetables heal the gut, enhance digestion, and promote fat loss
3 Common Beneficial Probiotics found in fermented Foods:

4) Stress Relieving Herbs

High cortisol levels from chronic stress can lead to abdominal fat (it's a survival mechanism) that incredibly hard to lose.

High cortisol levels can lead to stubborn belly fat due to several mechanisms. Cortisol stimulates fat storage , in the abdominal area, slowing metabolism and making it very difficult to lose weight , despite diet changes in many cases because as long as cortisol remains high the stomach will persist. Additionally, it can increase cravings for sugary foods and disrupt hunger hormones, leading to overeating.

If you suffer from chronic stress, then consuming relaxing herbs as teas or in supplement form can really help to stabilize cortisol levels and replenish the adrenal glands (where cortisol is produced).

For stress relieving herbs try our Calm & Tranquil. This liquid herbal tonic relieves anxiety, balances emotions, supports brain function, improves focus, and protects against stress. It helps the brain work at its best by giving it the right nutrition and clearing out toxins.

It helps restore important minerals and antioxidants, reducing brain inflammation. For Anxiety & Depression Relief.

To learn more click here Calm & Tranquil

5) Plant Foods: Load up on these Vegetables

Eat as many vegetables as you want and you won't gain weight!

(This doesn't include potatoes- which should be avoided)
A good example is cucumber, one of my favorite foods. Cucumbers are made up almost entirely of water (97% water content). This fluid helps you feel more full. And along with their fiber content and electrolytes, cucumbers also contain vitamin K to help maintain strong bones. They are the perfect filling hydrating snack.

Try to eat salads 1-2 times per day- add red bell peppers, green peppers, romaine or green leaf lettuce, add basil, green onions, wild arugula, or cilantro for flavor.

The fiber in vegetables keeps things moving and prevents constipation. Constipation adds to belly bloat and excess weight around the waist, so keeping things moving is important.

Cooked vegetables are often easer to digest - make soups with zucchini, squash, onions, broccoli, Cook till just soft (try not to overcook, keep the color- so you don't destroy the nutrients)

Incorporate the full color of the rainbow when it comes to vegetables. Opt for non-GMO.

6) EVOO Olive Oil- (MUFAS)

People often wonder whether they should be consuming fats avocadoes particularly when they are trying to lose weight loss. I believe that avoiding all fats is a mistake

Not all fats are alike.  Our bodies react differently to different types of fats.

Saturated Fats- are inflammatory and lead to weight gain

Unsaturated Fats  Unsaturated fats like the fats in Olive oil and avocadoes, are the healthier fats , liquid at room temperature and come from plant sources such as olives, avocados, and nuts. Consumption of these unsaturated fats has been linked to lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

People living in the Blue Zones and Mediterranean regions of the world have been found to have lower rates of obesity and heart disease, despite eating a diet high in fats. That’s because they’re consuming unsaturated fats which help to lower a person’s levels of LDL cholesterol and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that consuming healthy fats are beneficial for reducing a person’s risk of obesity-related diseases and helping them get to a healthy weight.

• Reducing appetite: Oleic acid promotes fullness, helping control calorie intake.
• Boosting metabolism: Monounsaturated fats (MUFAS) enhance fat burning and energy use.
• Improving health: Packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, it aids metabolic health and reduces inflammation.

1-2 tablespoons of olive oil daily is optimal for weight loss when paired with a balanced diet and exercise.

For the highest quality extra virgin Olive Oil from Ancient Trees 300-1000 years old click here

Joseph’s Weight Loss Diet Plan

Our Weight Loss Diet Plan is a pathway to weight loss. But the benefits don't end there, by adopting our healthy protocol the body will rejuvenate as a whole, experiencing renewed energy, improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and balanced insulin levels.

To accomplish this, we take a holistic approach by incorporating our ancient grain breads, various teas, herbs & superfoods to offset the years of abuse and toxic overload.

Choose one of our 3 Weight Loss Diet Plans that suits your needs and

TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH TODAY!

 Click here to learn more