Embarking on a weight loss journey is not just about shedding kilos; it’s about sculpting a body that makes you feel confident and vibrant. One crucial metric on this path is body fat percentage. In this article, we’ll break down what body fat percentage is, how it can be measured, and what each percentage means for your health and appearance. 

Understanding Body Fat Percentage: 

Body fat percentage is the proportion of fat to your total body weight. 

While some body fat is essential for health, excessive fat can have implications on both your well-being and appearance. Measuring your body fat percentage provides a more accurate picture of your overall fitness level than just focusing on the scale.

How to Measure Body Fat Percentage:

1. Calipers: This method involves using skinfold calipers to pinch and measure the thickness of skin in various areas of your body.
2. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): BIA devices send a low electrical current through the body to estimate body fat percentage.
3. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA): DEXA scans provide a detailed analysis of body composition, including bone density and fat distribution.

Breaking Down Body Fat Percentages:

1. Essential Fat (10-13% for women): This is the minimal amount of fat necessary for basic bodily functions. Below this level may lead to health issues.
2. Athletic/Fit (14-20% for women): This range is associated with good health and is typical for athletes.
3. Average (21-24% for women): Falling into this range is generally considered healthy, but improvements can enhance overall well-being.
4. Overweight (25-31% for women): Excess fat in this range may have health implications, and a focus on healthy lifestyle changes is recommended.
5. Obese (32% and above for women): Higher body fat percentages are associated with increased health risks, and intervention is crucial for overall well-being.

The Connection Between Health and Appearance: 

Achieving and maintaining a healthy body fat percentage is not just about aesthetics; it’s about overall well-being. Excessive body fat has been linked to various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances. Conversely, a healthy body fat percentage can boost energy levels, improve mood, and enhance self-esteem.

As you embark on your journey to achieve 20% body fat, remember that it’s not just a number on a scale– it’s a holistic approach to health and confidence. Embrace the process, celebrate small victories, and focus on the positive changes you’re making in your life. Your body is capable of incredible transformations, and each step you take brings you closer to the vibrant, confident version of yourself. 

Keep moving forward, stay positive, and know that you have the power to shape your own narrative.

You’ve got this!

Whatever your motivation is to look good for summer, here are a few tips you can follow to help you in terms of fat loss:

Exercise Regularly for Fat Loss

To lose fat for summer, you need to burn more calories than you consume in a day. Exercise is a great way to help create a deficit when paired with a reduction in calories consumed. Doing high-intensity workouts, such as interval training or Tabata workouts that incorporate plyometric exercises like burpees and jump squats, is one of the best ways to burn a lot of calories in a shorter amount of time, while also increasing your metabolism for hours after the workout is complete. This way, you end up burning more calories even after the workout is finished.

Resistance training aids fat loss by helping you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn on a daily basis. This is one of the best tips for fat loss, as more muscle will also help you keep the weight off, even after summer has ended.

Another workout tip that is great if you are able to track your heart rate is to try and work out at 60-70% of your maximum heart rate for optimal fat loss. You can roughly work out your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220. For example, if you are 30 years old, your maximum heart rate will be around 190 beats per minute, and your ultimate fat-burn zone will be between 114 and 133 beats per minute.

Sleep Your Way to a Summer Body

A lack of sleep increases levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and therefore interferes with fat loss. Insufficient sleep also leads to reduced willpower and increases the likelihood of you making bad food choices. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night, and take a nap every now and then. A few tips for improving sleep are:

• Eating foods that are high in tryptophan, such as chicken, beef, or almonds, as it helps your body produce serotonin, which helps you relax at night and go to sleep. Eat these foods at dinner, so that they can have the necessary effect at bedtime.
• Avoid exposure to blue LED light from screens at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep, as blue light exposure reduces the amount of melatonin, the sleep hormone, that your body produces.
• Practice time-restricted eating, where you limit your eating window to at least 12 hours a day, and eat at similar times. This helps to balance your circadian rhythm, which is your body’s natural sleep and waking-up cycle.

Try Time-Restricted Eating or Intermittent Fasting

Fasting for weight loss is perhaps something you did not expect to see on this list of fat loss tips. Reducing your daily eating window is a great way to lose weight, as it helps decrease the amount of time you have in a day in which you can eat. Time-restricted eating is when you only eat within a nine- to twelve-hour window, and intermittent fasting starts when you eat within an eight-hour window and fast for at least sixteen hours. Eating less often is not the only benefit of fasting. When we fast, our bodies go into a state of autophagy, which is the body’s natural cell-recycling system.

Autophagy stimulates lipolysis, which is the process of fat burning, and also speeds up cell regeneration, which can help prevent or reduce loose skin after weight loss. Fasting also stimulates the release of the human growth hormone (HGH), which helps improve body composition by encouraging fat loss and muscle growth.

Try Products from the Herbex Slimmers and Attack the Fat Ranges

At Herbex, we have an incredible selection of herbal products that are all designed to help you lose weight and unwanted fat. By following the fat-loss tips discussed above, paired with products like the ones found in our Herbex Slimmers and Attack the Fat ranges, you can start to lose weight, and be a lot closer to your goal by the time the summer holidays arrive. You can buy Herbex products at any Clicks, Dischem, or major retailer nationwide, or online at Takealot.com.

Embarking on a weight loss journey requires not only physical changes but also a strong and positive mindset. As a woman striving to shed extra kilos, it’s crucial to cultivate a healthy and sustainable approach towards weight loss. By focusing on your mindset, you can empower yourself to make lasting changes and achieve your goals.

Here are five essential tips to help you develop a weight loss mindset:

1. Set Realistic and Attainable Goal

When setting weight loss goals, it’s important to be realistic and avoid setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead of fixating on a specific number on the scale, aim to improve your overall health and well-being. Set achievable short-term goals, such as incorporating healthier eating habits or increasing physical activity gradually. Celebrate each milestone along the way to maintain motivation and stay committed to your journey.

2. Embrace a Positive Self-Image

A healthy weight loss mindset requires self-love and acceptance. Embrace your body at every stage of the journey and appreciate its strength and capabilities. Focus on the positive changes you’re making rather than dwelling on imperfections. Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting individuals who encourage your progress and remind you of your worth beyond your appearance.

3. Cultivate a Balanced Approach

Avoid falling into the trap of fad diets or extreme measures that promise quick results. Instead, adopt a balanced approach to weight loss that includes a nutritious and well-rounded diet. Incorporate a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Make gradual changes to your eating habits and allow yourself occasional treats to avoid feeling deprived. Remember, sustainable weight loss is a journey, not a race.

4. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating involves paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues while enjoying your meals. Slow down and savour each bite, focusing on the flavours and textures. This practice helps you develop a better relationship with food, making it easier to make healthier choices and prevent overeating. Avoid distractions, such as screens or stressful environments, during meal times to fully engage in the experience.

5. Prioritise Self-Care and Stress Management

Weight loss isn’t just about physical changes; it’s about holistic well-being. Prioritise self-care activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul. Engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s walking, dancing, or practicing yoga. Get sufficient sleep to support your body’s natural processes and reduce stress levels. Find stress management techniques that work for you, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling.

Conclusion

Developing a weight loss mindset is crucial for women seeking to lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way. By setting realistic goals, embracing a positive self-image, adopting a balanced approach, practicing mindful eating, and prioritising self-care, you’ll create a solid foundation for your weight loss journey. Remember, progress takes time, so be patient, stay consistent, and celebrate every step forward. With a positive mindset, you can achieve your weight loss goals while nurturing a healthier and happier you.

1. Sizzling Squats: Ignite Your Lower Body!

Get ready to set your glutes and quads on fire with squats – the ultimate lower body blast! Not only do squats help burn calories and build strength, but they also shape your booty and tighten your thighs. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, lower yourself down as if sitting in an imaginary chair, and then push through your heels to rise back up. Amp up the intensity by holding dumbbells or adding jump squats for an extra cardio boost!

2. Marvelous Mountain Climbers: The Calorie Incinerator!

Calling all cardio queens! Mountain climbers are your secret weapon to torching calories and activating your core muscles. Begin in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders. Alternate driving your knees towards your chest, as if you were climbing a mountain. Engage your abs and keep your hips low for maximum effectiveness. Trust us, you’ll feel the burn in no time!

3. Dynamic Dance Workouts: Sweat It Out and Shake It Off!

Who says working out can’t be fun? Unleash your inner dancing diva and shed those kilos with dynamic dance workouts! Whether it’s Zumba, hip-hop, or belly dancing, these high-energy routines will have you grooving, sweating, and smiling from ear to ear. Not only will you burn calories, but you’ll also improve your coordination and boost your mood. So turn up the volume and get your groove on!

4. Planks That Pack a Punch: Core-Crushing Delight!

Ready to sculpt a strong and toned core? Look no further than the almighty plank! This exercise targets your abs, obliques, back, and shoulders, all while helping you develop stability and balance. Start by assuming a push-up position, resting on your forearms instead of your hands. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, engage your core, and hold for as long as you can. Feel the burn and watch your midsection transform!

5. Jumping Jack Joy: Cardio Blast with a Twist!

Rev up your heart rate and get your blood pumping with the classic jumping jack! This full-body exercise is a fantastic calorie burner and an excellent addition to any flat-blasting routine. Start with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Jump your feet out wide while simultaneously raising your arms overhead. Return to the starting position and repeat. For an added challenge, incorporate variations like squat jacks or plank jacks. Get ready to jump your way to a fitter, more fabulous you!

A brief lesson in how hormones work in regulating our blood glucose

Though most often associated with diabetes, the hormone insulin is a big contributor in maintaining a healthy weight. To put it simply, the way it works is this: After you eat, the sugar (glucose) from the food enters the bloodstream. The pancreas then produces insulin whose job is to move the sugar from the bloodstream to the cells where it is converted into energy. If this energy is not used up (when you’ve had a day-long Netflix marathon for example), this excess sugar is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen until such time as the body needs it. A different hormone, glucagon is released when your blood sugar levels are low (such as at night when you’re sleeping or when you’ve been exercising) and converts the stored glycogen back into glucose and releases it back into the bloodstream to be used as energy. But if there is an excess of glycogen in the liver and muscles, this is then stored in the fat cells as triglycerides – and you put on weight. On the other hand, when your glycogen is all used up, your body taps into your fat stores. The result? Weight loss.

Problems creep in when your blood sugar is too high, and your levels of insulin are chronically high. This can often lead to you becoming insulin resistant which means your body stops responding to insulin. It’s a vicious cycle because, with the increase in blood sugar, the pancreas produces more and more insulin to try and move it into the cells, but being insulin resistant, the body can’t covert this sugar into energy, which results in weight gain.

So hence, the role of insulin and glucagon have a complex balancing act to play in regulating blood sugar levels, and if you don’t keep them in check, your insulin production will go into overdrive and your weight will suffer, not to mention put you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Tips for regulating your blood sugar balance

While everybody’s body is uniquely different, there are certain lifestyle tips one can do to help keep your blood sugar levels in check:

• Exercise regularly: Exercise uses the blood sugar for energy and uses the glycogen stored in the muscles as fuel. It also helps maintain a healthy weight which prevents insulin resistance.
• Include strength training in your exercise routine: Strength training improves heart health, builds muscle and prevents muscle loss, as well as boosts bone density, all of which improves insulin health and lowers high blood sugar levels.
• Eat a healthy diet of with plenty of fibre, healthy fats and whole grains: These all slow carb digestion and sugar absorption, and keep you fuller for longer.
• Manage your carb intake: Too many carbohydrates can cause the delicate balance of insulin production and blood glucose levels to go into overdrive, so try focus on a low carb diet.
• Eat small portions throughout the day: Not only does this keep your blood sugar levels stable, but portion control can also help maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a balanced diet of protein, fat and carbs: Protein builds muscle, fat assists in the absorption of vitamins and carbohydrates sustain energy. Try and eat a combination of all three in one meal. (eg Greek yoghurt and oats, crackers, cheese and avocado, pasta and protein)
• Eliminate stress: Stress triggers a “fight or flight response” which causes the body to produce glucagon and cortisol, both of which cause blood sugar levels to rise.
• Choose food with a low GI: Foods with a low glycemic index such as non-starchy vegetables, oats, yoghurt, lentils slow the digestive process down which in turn reduces blood sugar levels.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will flush out the excess sugar through your urine.
• Eat meals at set times: Studies have found that men at risk of type 2 diabetes benefitted from restricting all their eating into a nine-hour timeframe. (For example between 11am and 8pm). We suggest consulting a nutritionist for further guidance on restricted eating.
• Take a supplement: Supplements can assist with balancing blood sugar levels and curb cravings.

What NOT to do

Whatever you do, don’t starve yourself. Skipping meals will simply lead to higher blood glucose levels, slowed metabolism and ultimately weight gain.

Herbex Blood Sugar Balance

Herbex has recently launched Blood Sugar balance comprising the actives, Gynema sylvestre and Chromium polynicotinate, both of which help balance blood sugar levels. Gynema sylvestre is a plant also known to fight sugar cravings and may increase insulin production. Chromium polynicotinate is an essential trace mineral which helps with the absorption of chromium and helps the body to metabolise carbohydrates and fats.

Take two tablets midday, after lunch.

Available from Clicks.

What is digestion?

Without delving into a science lesson, the digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract (which includes the stomach and intestines), the liver, the pancreas and the gallbladder. Together with gut bacteria, hormones, and nerves, the digestive system’s organs break down the food and drinks we consume each day. This broken-down food is used for energy, growth and repair. Whatever is not used by the body is then expelled.

So how does digestion affect weight loss?

The role of digestion in weight loss

• Digestion burns calories: The actual act of digesting food and liquids burns approximately 10% of the calories consumed.
• It can slow (or speed up) your metabolism: Large quantities of gluten and starch (or simple carbs) are super easy for your body to break down, which slows the metabolism, leading to potential weight gain. Protein on the other hand speeds up the metabolism. This increase in metabolism is known as the thermic effect of food.
• Certain foods keep you fuller for longer: High-fibre foods take longer to digest and keep you full and satiated for longer, taking away the craving to snack, and keeps hunger at bay.
• Food intolerances: Food intolerances (dairy and gluten being the most common) are a result of the body not being able to digest certain foods properly. This can leave you feeling bloated and suffering from stomach cramps and diarrhoea.  A bout of severe diarrhoea means the body won’t be able to absorb the nutrients it needs and puts the digestive system under stress. And a stressed system will go into “lockdown” and will store fluid and wreak havoc with our hormone levels, putting the whole digestive system out of whack, resulting in weight gain.
• Leaky gut syndrome: Otherwise known as increased intestinal permeability, leaky gut is when the barriers in the small intestines don’t work properly. These barriers (or gates) are there to let material / particles through into the bloodstream and to prevent harmful substances from getting in. If these barriers let the unwanted substances into the bloodstream, this triggers the immune system, which leads to an imbalance of microbes in the gut, nutrition deficiencies and food sensitivities, all of which can lead to weight gain.
• Gut bacteria:  Trillions of bacteria can be found in your intestines. They assist with digestion, your feeling of satiety, and how fat is stored – to name a few – all of which affect weight loss and gain. Antibiotics, sweeteners, and preservatives kill off the good bacteria, paving the way for bad bacteria to thrive, which again, knocks your digestive system out of sync.

Symptoms of poor digestion

1. Bloating
2. Upset stomach
3. Constipation
4. Stomach cramps              
5. Heartburn
6. Gas and burping
7. Unwanted weight gain or weight loss
8. Low libido
9. Frequent yeast infections
10. Brain fog

Fortunately, you can break the cycle and get your digestive system back on track.

Tips to improve digestion

1. Keep a food diary to identify any food intolerances you may have and eliminate foods from our diet accordingly.
2. Eat slowly: Gulping your food down puts stress on the digestive system.
3. Stay hydrated: Water keeps things moving, and it helps curb your appetite.
4. Eat fibre-rich foods: Fibre assists with keeping you full and keeps your digestive system operating smoothly.
5. Avoid excessive sugar and alcohol: Both can mess with your digestive system so limit them as much as possible.
6. Choose ‘real’ food: Processed foods are harder to digest thanks to their high sugar and fat content.
7. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, yoghurt and whole grains – the superfoods of good gut health!
8. Eat foods high in probiotics: Yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha. Probiotics maintain a healthy balance of bacteria which helps the body with digestion and helps fight off the bad bacteria.
9. Get moving: Regular exercise keeps the food moving through your digestive system and helps with maintaining a healthy weight, which in turn, promotes a healthy digestive system.
10. Relieve stress: Studies have shown stress plays a major role in digestion and digestive issues. Engage in regular stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or listening to calming music.
11. Take a supplement: Supplements can support gut health, assisting with the absorption of nutrients, as well as maintaining a healthy digestive tract.

Herbex Digestive Aid

Herbex has recently launched Digestive Aid, which does just that, it assists the digestive system.

Consisting of the herbs, Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry), Terminalia chebula (myrobalan) and Terminalia bellirica (baheda), taking one tablet at night has the following benefits:

• Maintains a healthy digestive tract
  • Supports natural bacteria in the GI tract
  • Normalises bowel movements

Buy it from Clicks here: Herbex Digestive Aid

Warm up your breakfast

Cold cereal on a chilly morning is not very appealing. Warm-up from the inside with a steamy bowl of oats topped with flaxseed instead. Simply eating breakfast can boost your metabolism by as much as 10%, and oats, in particular, can make your body burn up to 30% more calories. That’s because digesting all that fiber takes such a long time.

Stay under the covers

Look no further for a reason to stay in bed for longer – too little sleep can mess up your metabolism. Studies found that even short-term sleep deprivation can make healthy people process sugar as if they were diabetic. People who were restricted to four hours of sleep a night metabolised glucose 40% slower than when they got 8 hours of sleep, but the effects were reversed after they rested up.

Don’t skip your workout

Sticking to your workout routine in winter is really hard, but consistent activity is one of the most important things to keep your metabolism buzzing. To fight off winter laziness, take advantage of indoor activities like spinning classes, Zumba or pilates. You can even turn your living area into a workout zone by following exercise tapes or bodyweight exercise programmes.

Keep your water bottle close

It’s easy to remember when you’re sweating in the heat, but it’s just as important to get your eight glasses of water a day in winter. Being mildly dehydrated can slow your metabolism by up to 3%. Why? Experts believe that the rate at which your cells metabolise fat has to do with their size, and when they shrink from dehydration they become less effective.

Lay off the booze

Keep in mind that alcohol not only adds empty kilojoules to your diet, but also slows down your body’s fat-burning capabilities. In fact, a study found that drinking can slow your metabolism by as much as 73%. Plus, most people don’t make the best decisions about food when drinking and tend to skip their workout the next day.

Get enough Vitamin C

Citrus fruits are not only delicious, they’re packed with Vitamin C, which has been proven as a necessary nutrient to keep your metabolism humming. In fact, research shows that low levels of Vitamin C can slow your fat burn by as much as 25%.

Get your Omega 3s in

Fight off the winter blues with the mood-boosting power of Omega 3s in fish oil and get the added bonus of giving your metabolism a lift. Australian researchers found that in combination with exercise, fish oil can increase the activity of enzymes responsible for fat oxidation.

Sweat it out in a sauna

Saunas are great for detoxing, since they make your body sweat out a lot of toxins. Spending time in a sauna is also great for fat loss, since it increases your energy output and raises metabolism.

Yoga Therapy is becoming an important modern pillar of support for both physical and mental health. It is where scientific research, medical studies, psychology and yoga converge. Yoga Therapy adapts traditional yoga practices to each individual, working with their physical, psychological and emotional needs, their history and environment and collaborates with other medical and health practitioners to offer a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Contrary to popular belief, not all yoga practices are suitable for everyone. In fact, the general yoga poses that are taught in yoga classes and which we find all over the internet are actually contraindicated for people suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, scoliosis, herniated discs, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, asthma, coronary disease and many other physical health issues. Some yoga practices can also be counterproductive, even dangerous, for anyone suffering from mental illness, eating disorders, clinical depression, PTSD and panic disorders.

Yoga Therapy combines a knowledge of modern medicine and scientific research, an understanding of trauma-informed psychology, traditional yoga and breathing practices, and Yoga Therapy has evolved to become a safe and effective form of complimentary therapy. 

Yoga Therapy has been born from a need to improve our physical and mental health in a world which is often confusing and stressful. It provides a safe space where one can find silence, introspection and a re-connection to ourselves and others.

Yoga Therapy is a science and knowledge-based platform, offered by compassionate, certified practitioners, which provides sensitive guidance and teaches safe tools that can be incorporated into everyday life, making yoga, and its profound benefits, accessible for everyone.

How is yoga therapy different to yoga?

Yoga Therapists are trained yoga teachers who have further qualified as Yoga Therapists. Becoming a Yoga Therapist requires over 1,000 hours of study, including case studies under supervision, assignments, and exams; and specializes in the therapeutic side of yoga.  Yoga Therapists are trained to understand how the body and mind functions – the muscles, bones, nervous system, immune system, reproductive system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems; as well as how the psychology and experiences of a client need to be taken into account when structuring a therapy plan.

Yoga Therapists work one-on-one with clients, so every session is tailored specifically to each person’s needs and goals. Yoga Therapists work safely due to their medical knowledge of the body, their ability to modify yoga poses to make them suitable for the individual, and their awareness of the psychological aspects, including trauma, which affect the relationship between a therapist and a client.

Yoga Therapists always begin with a client assessment to get a clear picture of what the client is struggling with and to determine how best we can help. Only then do we begin to work out a tailored Yoga Therapy programme, and this programme constantly evolves and adapts with the client’s progress.

We also collaborate with medical and other health professionals so that we form part of a team to support a client and approach health from a holistic perspective.

Every person is unique and Yoga Therapy recognises that uniqueness with a tailored, trained and gentle approach to support each person, in a natural and holistic way, towards better physical and mental health.

Who is yoga therapy for?

Yoga therapy is accessible to everyone because it is adapted to the individual – it meets each person where they are at that point in their lives moment and guides them towards what they need!

Yoga Therapy is particularly effective for diseases which are affected by chronic stress and anxiety as it teaches how to balance the nervous system and build resilience. For those suffering from panic attacks, Yoga Therapy can be of enormous help.

Regulating stress hormones, targeted movement and learning to reconnect in a healthy way with your body, can also support weight loss.

Many of today’s illnesses like Diabetes type 2, heart disease, digestive issues, auto-immune diseases, high blood pressure and high blood sugar are caused or aggravated by chronic stress, poor nutrition and lack of physical movement; Yoga Therapy has been proven to be an effective complimentary therapy, together with traditional medicine.

Yoga Therapy is beneficial for helping to recover from physical injuries, support post-operative care, helps for herniated discs and mitigating spinal degeneration, maintaining mobility and flexibility without causing injury; recovery after cancer treatment and for improving breathing patterns and lung function to help with respiratory issues such as asthma or hyperventilation, amongst others.

Yoga therapy is also ideally suited to older people who would like to maintain or rebuild their mobility, joint health, strength, posture and balance and to avoid falls, weakening bones and degenerative diseases. You’re never too old to begin with a gentle Yoga Therapy programme! 

How has yoga changed your life?

I began practising yoga about 10 years ago after spending many years in the dance world, as a teacher and professional dancer.

I loved the way yoga kept me fit, flexible, strong and healthy physically but I also experienced the amazing benefits of learning to adapt my breathing in a way that made me feel calmer, more balanced and alleviated anxiety and feelings of overwhelm.

When my world was shattered with the tragic loss of my beloved daughter, it was the only thing that gave me the space to quietly move and breath and… achingly slowly, to find a measure of acceptance and peace. Whilst I did not understand how yoga helped me with my trauma at the time, it sparked my desire to find out more about somatic, body/mind therapies, and to return to teaching, initially leading me to qualify as a Yoga Teacher. Wishing to help others and seeking a much more therapeutic approach, I discovered the Internationally Accredited, Yoga Therapy Institute in the Netherlands and began my training and my journey of discovery.

Over the past year I have learned so much more about how Yoga Therapy can be of practical value in so many areas of our complex lives. It offers a natural and multidimensional approach to living with more ease and resilience in both body and mind and I am very grateful to be able to pass this knowledge on to my clients.

Note: The Yoga Therapy Institute is accredited to the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) in The USA and their qualifications are highly respected and recognized worldwide.  

Want to find out more? Follow Bronwen, and Pura Yoga Therapy, on social media:
Facebook: Pura Yoga Therapy
Instagram: @be.e_in.flowyoga
Website: www.purayogatherapy.com
Email: bronwen@purayogatherapy.com

The obesity rate is at its worst in human history, especially in South Africa. About 30% of the world’s population is currently overweight. Not only have statistics revealed that 82% of South African women over the age of 45 are overweight, but 40% of all South African men over the age of 35 are also overweight. If that’s not enough – South African young children, tweens, and teens are not very far behind

 Is being overweight ruining your life? Did you know that South Africa is the fattest nation in Sub-Saharan Africa? According to the latest statistics conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Statistics South Africa, and the Department of Health, the South African obesity rate has tripled over the past decade.

Where Are South Africans Going Wrong?

Being overweight or obese has now been listed as a chronic disease caused by a combination of environmental, genetic, and personal factors. But, if you want the honest brutal truth, high-carbohydrate diets are the real problem. We’ve entered the fast-food generation, where convenience and temptation have never been greater. Today’s diets are laced with sugar, MSG, artificial colourants and flavours, chemical fillers, GMOs, preservatives, additives, trans fats, and limited amounts of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. There you have it – South Africa has been hypnotised by the processed food epidemic. Unfortunately, to make matters worse, junk foods are cheaper than healthy foods.

It’s not healthy being overweight, and although for some it is unavoidable, for others, it is optional. When you are overweight, you carry a higher-than-average risk of 50 different serious health issues. In fact, excess fat does much more than increase your weight, it compromises your life. A Harvard study that combined data from more than 50 000 men and more than 120 000 women revealed some sobering statistics about the negative health effects of being overweight. Below, we’ve listed a few:

• Asthma
• Body image issues
• Clogged up arteries
• Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease
• Eating disorders
• Enlarged fatty liver
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)
• Hyperlipidaemia (high triglycerides and poor cholesterol levels)
• Kidney disease
• Lethargy
• Mental health disorders
• Metabolic syndrome
• Neuropathy
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Osteoarthritis (joint pain)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Stroke
• Type-2 diabetes
• Pancreatitis
• Poor blood circulation
• Blood clots
• Back pain
• Vertebral disc disease
• Infertility
• Erectile dysfunction
• Vitamin D deficiency

While it’s quite normal to have a bit of belly fat (visceral fat) to provide cushioning around your organs, real serious problems arise when you have too much visceral fat. Visceral fat is the worst and most dangerous type of body fat. As it slowly creeps in between your organs, the fat releases certain proteins that trigger many of the diseases listed above. But that’s not all – this type of fat increases your risk of developing certain forms of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, gallbladder cancer, and prostate cancer. While the deadly diseases above are serious issues, the good news is that losing weight can reduce your risk of developing some of these diseases, and Herbex can help you do it.

“Most people work hard and spend their health trying to achieve wealth. Then they retire and spend their wealth trying to get back their health” – Kevin Gianni

Nature Always Knows Best

We are proud to be an award-winning weight-loss brand at the forefront of the health and weight-loss industry. For over 20 years, we’ve successfully helped thousands of men and women achieve their weight-loss and health goals. As firm believers in natural methods, we believe that Mother Nature has gifted us with many magnificent things, such as herbs and plants. Theses gifts of nature have been used for many centuries by many cultures. We’ve taken Mother Nature’s most powerful, super healthy fat-burning and slimming herbs, and created a wide range of natural weight-loss products to balance your lifestyle. Don’t struggle with your weight problems alone, contact a Herbex representative and get the support you need to achieve natural weight loss and optimal health.

We look forward to helping you get back your health, not just for you, but also for your loved ones who wish nothing but the best for you, including lowering your risk of the many diseases that are associated with being overweight.

Make no mistake: there are many men who are dangerously overweight and unhealthy. In fact, according to the latest statistics conducted by the South African Medical Research Council, Statistics South Africa, and the Department of Health, over 40% of all South African men over the age of 35 are either overweight or obese.

Herbex Attack the Fat Mix n’ Drink for Men is a general health tonic, with a tasty berry flavour that will help burn fat, increase energy, boost metabolism and cleanse the body.

If You Don’t Have Your Health – You Have Nothing

While an increase in heart disease and diabetes is directly linked to the global obesity epidemic, there is also evidence to prove that excess body weight can cause certain cancers. Yes, there is no doubt that overweight men need to change their lifestyles, especially if they want to live a long and healthy life. Whether you’re a woman concerned about your loved one’s weight and health, or you’re a man concerned about your own weight and health, our men’s range of Slimmers products and Fat Burners can help you or your partner become healthy.

We Use Mother Nature’s Most Powerful Weight-Loss and Metabolism-Boosting Herbs

We are aware that men burn fat very differently to women, which is why our men’s range has been specifically formulated for men of every age. All our men’s weight-loss and metabolism-boosting products contain a broad range of powerful plant roots and herbs, as each product makes use of two of Mother Nature’s most powerful herbs –guarana and green tea.

Over the years, medical science has proven that weight loss and obesity are a little more complicated than walking or running for 30 minutes a day, doing stomach crunches every morning, and practising starvation diets. You see, the human body is controlled by extremely complex systems that control the appetite and manipulate the metabolism, and these functions need to be managed simultaneously when trying to eliminate fat and boost the metabolism. This is where our men’s Slimmers and Fat Burning products outperform.

Live Healthy and Longer with Our Slimmers Range for Men

We provide a powerful health and weight-loss range. Our men’s Slimmers products contain over 10 super herbs, including guarana. Acting as powerful diuretics that contain theophylline and theobromine, which are extremely powerful alkaloids, our Slimmers range curbs the appetite, speeds up the metabolism, detoxifies the colon, increases energy levels, and boosts weight loss. Furthermore, our Slimmers for Men products also prevent the arteries from hardening by reducing oxidative damage and lowering the cholesterol.

Herbex Slimmers for Men Tablets are a general tonic containing 10 herbs to assist men with weight loss. It also helps to increase energy, burn calories and fat, control appetite, detoxify and acts as a diuretic.

 Get Lean and Toned with Our Powerful Fat Burners for Men

 Specially formulated with natural, powerful plant roots and herbs that increase the metabolism, our popular range of Fat Burners gives you loads of energy during the day, reduces food cravings between meals, detoxifies the colon, and burns the fat away. Using a broad range of powerful plant roots and herbs, one of them being green tea, our powerful range of Fat Burners contains high levels of antioxidants, caffeine, carotenoids, amino acids, enzymes, and plenty of protein, which aids in the development of lean and toned muscles. What’s also great about our Fat Burners is that they can be purchased in the form of drops, tablets, and concentrates that are available in delicious flavours.

At Herbex, we’re a brand that cares about our customers, which is why we also offer exceptional online support that helps people with their health and weight-loss journey. To learn more about our Herbex Slimmers products containing guarana, or our Fat Furning products for men that contain green tea, contact us today.

It is never too late to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle, whether you are a man, a woman, young, or old – make the right choice today.

Get to your nearest Clicks for the promo running on the selected Men’s Range until 22.05.2018