Fast Healthy Weight Loss

USANA has developed a weight management system which consists of 3 stages, making use of the low GI macronutrients.

First I like to explain what GI means. GI stands for Glycemic Index, which is a method of ranking carbohydrate containing foods, between 0 and 100, based on their effect on blood glucose levels. Foods with a high GI (70 or more) contain carbohydrates that are digested and absorbed quickly, causing a rapid rise of blood glucose levels. Foods with a low GI (55 or less) contain carbohydrates that are digested and absorbed more slowly, having a lesser impact on blood glucose levels.

GI and Body Weight.
A large number of studies suggest that low GI foods can increase feelings of fullness, decrease feelings of hunger and as a result may help to reduce energy (kilojoule) intake and encourage weight loss. There is also evidence to suggest that high GI foods promote the use of carbohydrates as an energy source in the body over fat stores. On the other hand,low GI foods may help with weight management by promoting the use of fat stores over carbohydrate and protein stores . The overall effect is a reduction in body fat, but the preservation of vital muscles and organs. This means: low GI diets have an advantage over regular healthy weight loss diets.

GI and Diabetes
A large number of studies in people with diabetes have found that low GI diets can help improve blood glucose levels. Research has also shown, that low GI diets may help to improve a range of bood fats, for example by increasing the levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol and lowering 'bad' LDL and triglyceride levels. Finally,there is good evidence that low GI diets may be helpful in actually preventing type 2 diabetes.

GI and Heart Disease A number of studies provide evidence that low GI diets can also decrease the risk of developing heart disease, most likely due to their effect on blood fats as described above. Further studies are needed to confirm these links.

GI and Performance
GI may also be useful if you are a keen sports person or aspiring athlete. There is good evidence, that eating low GI foods prior to endurance events(e.g. long distance running, cycling, etc...) may enhance your exercise capacity, keeping you going for longer. Similarly, there is growing evidence that low GI diets can improve mental performance, memory and mood.

Stage 1. 5 days Jump Start
Includes: 1 black RESET-branded Enviro Bag, 5 pouches, each flavour Nutromeal (French Vanilla, Wild Strawberrry and Dutch Chocolate).
5 Nutrition Bars (Peanut Butter), 5 Fibergy Bars (Iced Lemon),
1 mini-HealthPak 100, 1 RESET program Guide.

Stage 2. Transform (4-8 weeks)
Includes one each of: Nutrimeal (can) French Vanilla, Wild Strawberry, Dutch Chocolade, Nutrition Bars (box) Peanut Butter Crunch,Fibergy Bars (box) Iced Lemon, Bulk Nutrimeal pouches,Essentials,RESET Program Guide, PLUS member access to the Healthy for Life ANZ Program.

Stage 3. Maintain (4 - 12 weeks).
Includes one each of Nutrimeal cans: French Vanilla, Wild Strawberry and Dutch Chocolade, 1 box Peanut Butter Crunch Nutrition Bars,
1 box Iced Lemon Fibergy Bars, 1 pouch French Vanilla Nutrimeal, Essentials, RESET Program Guide, PLUS menber access to the Healthy for life ANZ Program.

Clinical Trials on a 12-week Lifestyle Modification Program.
Lifistyle modification is a proven and efffective approach to manage weight. In 2005, USANA conducted a clinical trial using the 12-week lifestyle modification program. It used low Glycemic functional foods, low glycemic diet, multivitmin and mineral supplement, combined with modest exercise. After 12 weeks, the participants lost an average of 58 kg of body weight, with reduced triglyceride and total cholesterol level and increased insulin sensitivity, indicating that shifts in lifestyle habits offer a valuable approach to improve health and reduce risk factors for developing certain chronic diseases.

A recent independent study conducted on the same 12-week lifestyle modification program found significant improvement in measures of glycemic control, cardiovascular health, inflammation and antioxidant status. Initial results showed promising outcomes. On average, participants lost 5.4 kg of body weight after the 12-week program.

The study also found:
- Decreased insulin resistance by 32%
- Decreased total cholesterol level by 5%
- Decreased fasting triglyceride level by 16%
- Decreased blood pressure by 6% and 8%.
- Decreased level of inflammation marker by 27%
- Improved antioxidant status.