Oh oh... you got the fat gene?

Ah, the "Fat-Gene." Yep, I have it.

You probably do too.

It's called the FTO Gene. Researchers estimate that up to 30% of those from European decent have FTO. FTO is just flat-out nasty. It is an obesity "allele", which just means that it is a part of a gene structure that is associated with weight-gain.

FTO is also associated with an increased chance of Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and other disease states. However, these states are secondary to weight-gain. This means weight-gain is a major trigger for these disease states to begin.

No kidding. Who'd thunk it? Oh, there's more: FTO was found to jack appetite through the roof after rats were deprived of food for a while.

So... let me get this straight:
1. This gene makes someone eat more after they starve themselves.
2. This gene is associated with obesity & disease states caused by weight-gain - which is...
3. Always the result of starving yourself.

I'm just trying to paint a picture here folks and to avert some needless panic.
Let me give you an alternative hypothesis:

1. Yes, genes have something to do with weight-gain and bodyfat, etc.

2. But most people who were tested for these genetic factors probably tried some form of starvation diet plan long before Mr. Researcher called them into the clinic.

3. As a result, this FPO sucker triggered the extremely well-researched "fight or flight"response to starvation, which ...

4. ...bingo...caused our test subjects to gain bodyweight. Ta-da!

Wait!

This is no different than the genetic traits that make someone more likely to smoke or drink or like pop music. He/she STILL has to start the process, and that means he or she can stop it.
So, want to turn "off" your FTO? * STOP STARVING YOURSELF *
You do not need to starve.

You need to eat smart. If you eat many times a day or (if eating higher-fat) 2-3 times you'll control your hunger. By always eating plenty of food you'll Turn off the FTO response by turning ON your body's natural need for frequent, healthy food.

More and more research is being done on this subjects and I am sure books are soon to quickly follow. But everything suggests that if you want to "Stoke the furnace"-- and turn off your fat-gene. It just takes a bit of smart eating and a willingness to ignore most of what the media trys to sell you.

Good News: Researchers are Nuts!
More on FTO -- and this one really deserves the "why on earth did some university grant this guy a PhD?" award. The headline read: "Fat-Gene Can Be Conquered IF You Exercise 3-4 Hour Per Day!" I won't even bore you with the details of this ridiculous study, but suffice to say they went so far as to look at the Amish lifestyle as an 'answer' of sorts to the FTO issue. "Gardening, housecleaning, yard work... all of these count."

Okay, show of hands: How many of you do plenty of EACH and are still not where you want to be body-wise? All of you? That's what I thought.

Look, all the super-moderate activity in the world is not going to help anyone turn off any fat-gene. However, research is bearing out that:

1. Short, intense exercise will.

2. A realistic nutrition plan will.

3. And common sense will.

You do NOT need 3-4 hours of exercise a day to be healthy any more than you need 3-4 hours of investing each day to be rich. You need SMART exercise (and smart investing for that matter.)

It's not an issue of time, it's an issue of intensity and focus. The real question should be "How can I get the most done in the least amount of time?" I'm all for an hour of walking a day, only because it's great for you and I love it. But to suggest anyone needs 3-4 hours of measly activity a day is damn silly. 7-21 minutes of intense activity (that is safe for you) and 30-60 minutes of moderately brisk walking (or an equal measure of exercise) is all you need to be in SUPER shape, let alone healthy.

Perhaps these researchers never met guys like me, who have helped thousands of folks stay lean and healthy without 3-4 hours a day of activity. And we have "the fat-gene"... at least I do. So there. And that means you can do it too.

Another "Taste Better" Tip -
I have no problems with egg yolks at all. But some people are allergic to the AA (arachidonic acid) found in them. Here's a solution: Almonds.

True, almonds contain ALA which can be converted to AA, but many people find that this conversion process is long enough to delay immediate allergic reactions. Some reactions include elevated lipids and weight-gain. But more than that, almonds provide one of the key factors in my eating plan: CRUNCH.

Crunch is vital to both the taste and pleasure of the food you consume. Adding crunch can make the difference between feeling as if you're eating cat food or caviar. All give you an example - Here's what I do: -- Use only egg whites -- Use a small bit of raw honey -- Use a half-teaspoon of olive oil -- Use 10 almonds The taste is incredible -- better than with the yolks. I've increased my fiber with the almonds, and I've increased the nutrient profile of the meal. And... it's yummy. Try it.


Til next time....