Q: What are toxins? What are antioxidants? How do these affect weight loss?
A toxin is a chemical or poison that is known to have harmful effects on the body. We accumulate toxins in our body from the food we eat (processed products), the air we breathe (pollution), alcohol, cigarettes, or even simply from our own stress and/or lack of sleep. While the body can eliminate some toxins on its own - it has its limits. This is where foods which have natural antioxidants come in: antioxidants help clear the body of the harmful free radicals that are produced as a result of natural metabolic processes as well as exposure to environmental toxins.
Based on LeLab research, as well as studies published by the American Journal of Medicine, the Russian American Medical Association, and the American Cancer Society, LeBootCamp features a unique protocol for detoxification which you can easily follow on your own and which prepares your body for initial weight loss. Moreover, all LeBootCamp meal plans integrate antioxidant-rich foods which help strengthen the body in warding off toxins on a daily basis.
How does all of the above affect weight loss? Simple: research studies prove that with a detoxified body, it becomes easier to lose weight. A toxic body makes you lethargic, and incapable of moving around and exercising. Once you begin eliminating toxins under the guidance of your private coach, you will shed your excess weight a lot faster!
Q: I've been told that I must consume dairy to avoid calcium deficiency. Is this true?
Dairy is not the first source of calcium. The best sources are dark green vegetables, dried figs, sesame seeds, sardine bones, some waters, calcium-fortified soy milk etc. There is, in fact, more calcium in a tin of sardines with bones than in an entire liter of milk!
Dairy is not mandatory in LeBootCamp, though many Western doctors still believe we should consume at least three portions of dairy a day. We now know better; in fact, entire nations have thrived without a drop of milk (think Hindus). There are many research studies proving that dairy is not indispensable, which is great for those 65% of the Western population who are allergic to dairy on some level. As far as osteoporosis is concerned, the need for dairy to fight osteoporosis is a true myth! If this claim is still alive, it is only so thanks to the powerful dairy lobbies.
So here are the hard and fast facts on the subject:
- Dairy is not the #1 source of calcium. In fact, it’s not even in the top 3!
- Countries with zero dairy consumption have no osteoporosis.
- Countries with a high dairy consumption are the #1 countries plagued by osteoporosis.
- Serious research studies show that bone density is not necessarily linked to a higher risk of fracture. What matters is the way the bones are “formed” (how the bone fibers interlace).
- Countries with high dairy consumption usually have a higher obesity rate.
In conclusion, it is not the absence of dairy products in a diet that causes calcium deficiency. To avoid calcium deficiency, consume the sources listed at the top of this article on a daily basis.
Q: What is body pH and how does it relate to my weight loss?
pH is the abbreviation for potential hydrogen. The pH of any solution is the measure of its hydrogen-ion concentration. The higher the pH reading, the more alkaline and oxygen-rich the fluid; the lower the pH reading, the more acidic and oxygen-deprived the fluid. The pH range is from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral. A body pH level of 7.3 is an indicator of good health. A body that is overly acidic (low pH reading) causes you to feel lethargic, hinders weight loss, and yes, can even cause weight gain!
What negatively impacts the body's pH level? Stress, lack of exercise, certain rich foods, too much meat, illness, etc. However, there are foods which help improve body pH by lowering acidity levels. Here are some solutions to maximize your intake of alkalizing foods on a daily basis:
- Start your day with a freshly squeezed lemon in room-temperature water.
- Add cucumber slices to your water pitcher
- Snack on raw sprouted almonds
- Alkaline Lemonade Recipe: 1 serving = juice of 1 lemon, 1 glass of semi-sparkling water, Truvia to sweeten as desired.
At LeBootCamp, your coach will guide you to restoring a balanced body pH, coupled with creating a nutrition plan where you can eat all your favorite foods, without deprivation.
Q: Is coffee a help or a hindrance to healthy weight loss?
In general, LeBootCamp does not support the absolute elimination of any foods or beverages. The reason for this approach is that when a food becomes forbidden, we crave it even more, and this can lead to obsessive and compulsive behavior. That said, while caffeine is not detrimental, if you go overboard with your daily coffee - as with many other things - the good can turn bad.
Serious studies actually prove that one coffee a day can bring several benefits to the drinker. Of course, we are talking about a cup of coffee that you take the time to enjoy...not one that you gulp down while running to the office. Make sure you distinguish between the pleasure you get from actually drinking the coffee, and which sends a message that says "now that I'm awake, I can work", and the real impact caffeine can have on our body/brain. If you have the immediate feeling of "now I feel good", you belong to the category of "psycho-dependence" (very common). In this case, you should be able to replace your coffee with a cup of tea, and slowly but surely get the exact same feeling. However, if the feeling of being truly awake takes some time to set in, then you are truly feeling the caffeine's chemical effect on your body/brain, which suggests a more serious dependence on the caffeine.
It's also important to be aware of how you prepare your coffee - for example, if you like it white and sweet, opt for skimmed or soy milk and avoid sugar and aspartame, choosing instead stevia or Splenda. These sweeteners aren't toxic and are low in calories and GI. In conclusion, if you follow a generally healthy and active lifestyle as offered by LeBootCamp, you can enjoy 1 or 2 small cups of coffee per day!
