Are you gaining weight because you're hibernating?

Great article by Doc Gurley

What if the real reason Americans are gaining more and more weight is because we, as mammals, are unintentionally putting ourselves into hibernation mode? That's a theory that's being thrown around. So how does this work?

There are (at least) two common types of fats in our diets - omega-3s and omega-6s. Well, those and what I think of as the Frankenfat, called transfats - those are fats that have been chemically altered to make them less biodegradable (think of them as a sort of burned, charcoaled fat). Omega-3s occur in leafy greens, flax seeds, and fish (among other foods). You can think of omega-3s as "spring" fats. Omega-6s, in contrast, occur mostly in fall-harvested foods - corn oils, grains, soybean and cottonseed oils, among others. Some decent animal research shows that the signal to hibernate in mammals occurs when the diet shifts from mostly omega-3 ("spring") fats to mostly omega-6 ("fall") fats.

Our industrialized human diet has changed dramatically in just a couple of generations. Omega-3s are almost non-existent in the average American diet. We've not only got omega-6s saturating our diet everywhere, 24/7, season after season, but we've also got the technology to dunk anything we want, any time, in a hot vat of omega-6s. If you believe the omega-6 hibernation theory, that means we're giving ourselves a depth-charge signal to hibernate every time we order "fries with that."

What's more, we've changed equally dramatically the way we raise our meat in the same time-frame. Instead of grass-fed meat, we're now gorging our livestock year-round on omega-6 packed grains. That means that, instead of eating the spring lamb or the fatted calf - which were meant to help us survive the last gasps of winter - we're eating, year round, what was supposed to be rare, fall-slaughtered meats. Are we all chowing down all the time on hibernation-signaling omega-6-marbled roasts?

Although it's not part of the original hibernation theory, I would add the potential role of vitamin D. Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, drops as the seasons change. Vitamin D is associated with weight gain, and - independent of weight - also associated with higher blood pressure and diabetes. Our lifestyles also have changed dramatically in the same few generations until almost all of us are now living completely indoors and behind glass. Most of us are now low on vitamin D year-round - and some of us dramatically low, which may be a double-whammy of hibernation signals.

Sheesh - so what's a person to do? Even without hard science to prove the theory, even just as a way of thinking about what we eat, the hibernation-signal theory can be a good motivator to make some positive changes for our health. For many MANY health reasons, it's important to make the shift to more omega-3s. It's time we all treat our body like a valuable car and ask ourselves - have you changed the oil lately? You can think of trans-fats as a kind of gritty, cheap oil that can clog your engine. Omega-6s are like a cleaner oil, but still thick and sluggish. Omega-3s, in contrast, are the premium-grade, light and lubricating stuff - worth the extra money to keep your internal engine running smoothly. Keep in mind, however, that our fish are often contaminated with mercury, so - especially if you're pregnant (or wanting to become pregnant), you want to limit your fish intake.

And, for many MANY other health reasons, it's also important to get your blood vitamin D level checked - and to keep it in the normal range.

Those simple health moves will do your body some good. And I, for one, don't want to hibernate my life away...

Omega-3 Deficiency Causes 96,000 Deaths a Year

Find out why these polyunsaturated fats are so important to your health.

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By Carey Rossi
Staff Writer
About the Author
October 14, 2009
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How important is getting enough omega-3 fatty acids? Very, according to a report in the Public Library of Science Medicine Journal. Harvard researchers looked at twelve dietary, lifestyle and metabolic risk factors such as tobacco smoking and high blood pressure and used a mathematical model to determine how many fatalities could have been prevented if people took control of their health. Amazingly, they found that between 72,000 and 96,000 preventable deaths each year due to omega-3 deficiency. (Danaei G et al. PLoS Med. 2009 Apr 28;6(4):e1000058.)

We think we know why. The scientific community continues to find good stuff that omega-3 fatty acids do for our bodies. Just take the following latest findings that have been published:

Omega-3s Decrease Inflammation

Researchers from the Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics Group at Wageningen University found that after six months of fish oil intervention, healthy elderly subjects had less inflammation markers in their blood. The study is said to be the first to show that DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) can affect gene expression to a more anti-inflammatory status. (Bouwens M. et al. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 90:415-424. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.27680.)

Omega-3s Could Save Your Eyesight

Researchers from the National Eye Institute in Bethesda found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids could help prevent age-related macular degeneration. Omega-3s were shown to retard the progression of lesions in a mouse model of age-related macular degeneration. The omega-3s were also associated with an improvement in some lesions. (Tuo J. et al., American Journal of Pathology. 175: 799-807, doi:10.2353/ajpath.2009.090089.)

Omega-3s Keep You Thin

New findings reported in the British Journal of Nutrition indicate that overweight and obese people have blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids almost one percent lower than people with a healthy weight. (Micallef M., et al. British Journal of Nutrition. Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1017/S0007114509382173.)

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Why become a statistic? Take supplemental omega-3s to keep you living a long and healthy life. In addition to the research presented here, scientists have found that omega-3s also have brain and heart benefits. To make sure that you’re reaping their rewards, take at least 500 - 800 mg of omega-3s daily.

I thought this article was really interesting and she referenced where she gathered her info. As always, take a look at MILA, the best Omega 3's from a plant source, no fish oil no flax seed, sugar and gluten free. Amazing product, you can find out more info at www.lifemaxtammy.com or www.whatiflifemax.com Enjoy!

Thanks for the support on my daughter

How time flies when you are having fun and/or dealing with a child who has an accident. It is amazing how fast a week can go by when your life is turned upside down. Many of you know that my daughter had an accident at work and broke her jaw in two places. She works at at an ice cream parlour ( I know!) and got hit in the face with a spring loaded handle the size of a baseball bat on a walk in freezer. I tell you that is not a call that you want to get at midnight on Friday night nor do you want to spend Friday night at the emergency room, we were the last ones to leave at 5am. She had surgery 4 days later and had two plates put on each side of her jaw and her mouth wired shut well almost she can open it about an inch. She has 6 weeks of this and then a whole year until her jaw is fully recovered. The first 48 hours after surgery were horrible for her and for me, it was like having a newborn baby, every 3 hours she needed to be fed something so she could take the pain medication. She is doing much better a week later and got to drive for the first time in over a week so she is happy.

On a happy note Lifemax is going well and we are in the home stretch for our big convention coming up in November. You may want to check out our new site www.whatiflifemax.com that explains more in detail about the Lifemax product Mila which has the highest form of Omega 3's from a plant source. Because the product is tasteless and orderless it makes a great alternative to fish oil and/or flax seed. Also helps reduce inflammation which was a big help in getting my daughters face back to normal.

Mila compared to other Chia products: All Chia is not created equal

Mila compared to other Chia products: All Chia is not created equal. It
matters where it is grown, the altitude, the rainfall, the climate, soil, etc. Mila is the only Chia product providing a blend of seeds, each grown in the most nutritious areas of the world. No one strain on Chia offers high amounts of all of the nutrients - Omega 3s, antioxidants, phytonutrients, fiber and protein. By creating this blend of seeds, grown in multiple countries, you are ensured that Mila offers the highest amount of each vital nutrient. No other Chia on the market provides this quality. Equally, our seeds are sliced through a patented process available only to Lifemax, developed by Dr. Wayne Coates, “The Father of Chia”, who works exclusively for Lifemax. Slicing makes the nutrients more bio-available.

Grinding actually damages the oil in the seed. Dr. Coates is responsible for having planted every commercial crop available today. He knows personally which locations are the best and which seeds are the most nutritious. All other brands available on the market today did not meet his standards for quality. No other company on the market today guarantees the nutrition provided in their seed through outside independent laboratory testing. No other company offers the blend and slicing and thereby the nutrition and bio-availability provided by Lifemax. If you want to
put the best-available quality into your body, Mila by Lifemax is the only choice.

When comparing brands, ask the other companies for the proof of outside laboratory
testing, verifying that their seed has been tested for quality, nutritional content and cleanliness. They cannot provide it. It matters who you trust and what you put into your body. Trust the only company paying to have the outside testing and nutritional quality verified. Trust Lifemax.

I just booked my dream vacation!

I just booked my trip to Orlando for the Lifemax convention in November! We are actually going to stay for a week and take the kids to Walt Disney world and Sea World. I know a lot of families who are not taking vacations this year because of loss of job or their income being way down, so I feel fortunate that Lifemax found me so I can provide for my family for years to come.

It is really interesting to me how ignorant some people still are about the network marketing industry. I was just talking to a past coaching client of mine who is dead broke, looking for a part time job, and doesnt even have enough money to put gas in his car. I presented him this opportunity a few months back and he said it wasnt for him. I can respect that but here we are two months later and he is still struggling financially. My attitude is okay maybe Lifemax isnt for you, but there are a ton of great companies out there that are promoting a product or service thru network marketing.

I have personally met some of the most amazing individuals in this industry, and I can tell you if is not what it used to be. Everyone is looking to make extra money these days, heck the guy that got me involved in Lifemax was a self made millionaire at 32! He said to me "you know what Tam, the biggest mistake I made these past few years was not working on my passive and residual income and putting all my eggs in one basket, that would be real estate!"

Possibly you are in the same boat. Lifemax provides an amazing product that everyone needs. It is a front runner in the industry being a whole raw food. If you are looking for another source of income with great leadership go to my personal website www.lifemaxtammy.com for more information.

Lifemax just launched in Oct 08, and there is lots of room for growth. We are currently looking for fun, energetic, happy people that want to make a difference in the lives of others. I look forward to talking with you soon!

Jennie and I in the kitchen!

Finally took me forever to get this video uploaded on youtube but now I get it and will do more video posts and how to get your family healthier through a product called Mila from Lifemax. I love this product, so easy to use and I can give to my baby and my 50 year old husband LOL!

Here it is!

http://www.youtube.com/user/TammyBurnell

Jens MILA chocolate Protein Pudding

1 1/2 cups Raw Artisana Coconut Butter
1/2 cup Raw Cacao Powder
Full scoop of MILA
2 drops Chocolate Liquide Stevia
3 Tbsp. Agave Nectar
1/4 cup raw walnuts

Jim and Sherri Wear-who they are and why you want to know them!

I had the opportunity to meet the founders of Lifemax this past weekend! What a dynamo pair they are, and probably one of the most humble couples I have met. First I met them at a BBQ at John Tuckers home in Encino which is just amazing. There was only about 30 people there but it was great to see them in a social setting, they are as normal as any of us an it is hard to believe that such a young couple could start up this company! Jim and Sherri come from a real estate background so we ofcouse instantly hit it off. Jim is super funny, charming and willing to share his knowledge of what he knows about MILA and his and Sherri vision. Sherri could not be any cuter and any more genuine.

The next day I got meet with them privately. Since our meeting was in LA and I was headed to the beach I had my 19 yr old daughter and two year old with me. We met in the lobby of their hotel as my 19 yr old chased my 2 year old around and kept interrupting us every 10 minutes, Jim and Sherri were not even phrased by it, in fact Sherri could not get enough of my little boy as she was missing hers! As I sat with them their mission is crystal clear, the want to feed the world with this product. We can literally change the health and wealth of the world through MILA. MILA contains the highest levels of Omega 3 fatty acids. It is classified by the FDA as a whole raw food. It is inexpensive, a little over a $1 a day to take, easy to ship, tasteless and orderless so no need to change any habits or behaviors on how you take it. It is really a no brainer to me. I mix it in almost everything I eat and/or cook it is that easy.

To learn more about Jim and Sherri, go to www.youtube.com and type in Lifemax, several of their videos will pop up.

to learn more about Lifemax and MILA go to www.lifemaxtammy.com Enjoy :)

Great testimonial from Dr. Mitch Davis on MILA

Testimonial from Dr. Mitch Davis

On a personal note, Mila has made significant improvements in my health. I have genetic hypertriglyceridemia, and take 3 medications to control my lipids. However, the best reading for my LDL (”bad cholesterol”) was 120. After 6 weeks using Mila, my LDL was 80, and my HDL (”good cholesterol”) rose from 50 to 65. Both of these are cardioprotective. Despite supplementing with Co-Q 10 while I take statins, I was still having problems with my memory and concentration. Within a short period after starting Mila, I noticed a marked improvement in my mental capacity. In addition, I have an improvement in my overall energy level.

Patient testimonials:
I have had many of my patients report improvement in their acid reflux symptoms, and several patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have improved while taking Mila. I find Mila useful to improve constipation, and am using Mila for my patients with fatty liver, both to support a weight loss regimen, and because omega-3’s reduce hepatic lipogenesis.

My most dramatic testimonial involves a young woman who has Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, who is Rheumatoid factor positive. She was regularly having severe flare-ups, and associated joint inflammation. These symptoms required her to use 8-10 narcotic based pain medications, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories daily. Her energy levels were very poor; she could no longer exercise and was frequently calling out sick from her work. After using Mila for 2 months, and since that time, her flare-ups are minimal, her pain medication and anti-inflammatory use is markedly reduced. In addition, her hair is growing in thicker, and her energy levels have improved to the point where she is getting to the gym, as well as running again. In her words, “Mila has given me back my life.”

Global Trends Are you In?

Here is a 10 minute video from Paul Rogers the CEO of Lifemax talking about global trends and our economy, great stuff! Love him, amazing individual!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oXtrOMgGPE

Is Mila really the “Healthiest food on the Planet?”

Here’s what the founders Jim and Sherri Wear said when asked about Mila being the Healthiest food on the Planet. When Dr. Wayne Coates went to the FDA , who granted Food status to Mila, he presented the Mila as the healthiest food on the planet. After 18 years of research on this and other foods, he truly believes this. They did not dispute that and they feel justified in stating it...Suffice to say it is a unique superfood, considered by some to be the healthiest food available.

All Chia is not created equal. We have exceptional proprietary blending of different seeds that creates the high nutritional content and the process is overseen by Dr. Coates who has done all the definitive research on Chia, was the rediscoverer of the seed in 1991 and is the foremost expert in the world. We have meticulous quality control, micro-slicing for bioavailability ,and we are creating a business in which we make .50 on every dollar with an infrastructure that supports a World Vision.


You can purchase a bottle of wine for $6 and a bottle of wine for $6000. Grapes differ in quality depending upon where they’re grown, temperatures, altitudes, etc.. It’s the same for Chia. Don’t be lured in by a cheap price when you have no idea whatsoever what quality you’re putting into your body. It won’t kill you, but you may be eating something that has no nutritional value whatsoever.

MILA brownies

Sorry no pic but super yummy!

From my good friend and total raw food guru

Jens Guiltless Mila Brownies

2 cups walnuts, soaked and dehydrated
6 TBsp pitted dates
6 TBsp raw carob powder or cacao powder
1 dropper chocalate stevia order from Jen ( www.jensrawtruth.com)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 scoop Mila go to www.lifemaxtammy.com

Put the 2 cups of walnuts in a food processor outfitted with the S blade, and grind them until they are the consistency of a meal. Loosely add 1 scoop Mila and dates and add them into food processor. Continue to process the mixture until well combined. Add carob or cacao powder, cranberries and then add choclate stevia, and porcess to mix. Tranfer the brownie mixture and spinkle with water, mix well with your hands and pack firmly into brownie pay. chill at least 1 hour and serve yummy!

MILA Stir Fry salad

Mila Stir Fry salad with fresh tomatoes and avocado

1-2 cups baby greens
1 cup of your favorite stir fry vegetable, here I used onions, peppers and carrots
1/2 scoop of Mila
1/2 avocado
1 chopped tomotoe

signature dressing so simple but yummy

1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 grated cloves of garlic
salt and pepper to taste

Sea Vegetable Salad

Sea Vegetable Salad with marinated artichoke hearts and fresh avocado

1 cup salad of your choice- here I have baby missed greens
1/3 cup sea vegetables
1/4 cup purple onion
1/2 avocado
6-7 marinated artichoke hearts
1/2 scoop of Mila go to www.lifemaxtammy.com to order

My signature dressing

1/2 squeezed lemon
dash of salt and pepper to
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves grated fresh garlic

ok so what is Mila?

No one has heard of this so I thought I would briefly tell what it is and how you can incorporate this into your families meals without having to change a thing.

Mila is distributed through a company called Lifemax. It is the only product they sell. Unlike most network marketing companies, Lifemax is the only company distributing a whole raw food. It is not a lotion, skin care, vitamin or juice drink.

Mila comes in a powder form that is tasteless and orderless so you can just about add it to anything! Mila is a form of chia, no not like the pet, but that was the first thing I thought too! According to Dr. Wayne Coates that discovered this seed, chia is a very complete food. It provides the human body witha mix of high concentrations of omega - 3 and both soluble and insoluble fibers. Additionally, the seed contains high levels of protein and antioxidants.

you can find out more info by visiting my site at www.lifemaxtammy.com

How you can sneak Mila into your kids food!

Because Mila is tasteless is makes it really easy to sneak into your kids food. No smell either! Mila is gluten-free, trans-fat free, sugar-free, high in fiber and protein. The super cool thing I love about this is that its supreme biological properties are not diminished by heat, so you can bake with it or put in your favorite recipes, can you say healthy chocalate chip cookies! Now there is such a thing in our house!

I am in the process of writing a cookbook, so look for all my Mila recipes coming soon! My friend just made vegan Mila brownies, I will get the recipe from her and post as soon as I can! For now mix Mila in your favorite smoothie, mix with yogurt, in cereal or oatmeal, makes great guacamole, I post that recipe too!

You can learn more about this great product and how to get it by visiting my website at www.tammyb.lifemax.net

Cheers!