CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — We’ve all heard questionable information and advice about health and weight loss over the years. It could be from well-intentioned friends, a story on the internet, celebrity statements on social media or the latest media story. But Joel Bikman and his scientist brother, the co-founders of an innovative new health and weight loss company, are using the latest science to help set the record straight to help people get much healthier.

Myth 1: My metabolism is slowing down

Many people believe that as we age, our metabolism (the rate at which we utilize calories for energy) decreases. Not so, explained Bikman.

“Contrary to popular belief, we’ve discovered that our metabolic rate doesn’t change as we age,” he said. “Instead, metabolism is almost always coupled to our body weight. Interestingly, when someone starts to gain weight, their metabolic rate will actually go up. And if they lose weight, their metabolic rate will go down.”

Bikman said that instead of metabolism slowing down, far more people “break” their metabolism by following poor advice.

“There’s a popular weight loss reality show where people starve themselves and exercise like crazy to lose an incredible amount of weight in a relatively short period of time,” he said. “That can certainly work in the short-term, but there’s a reason you never see reunion shows on these weight loss programs – they don’t work long-term. As they inevitably get back in the real world, they start gaining weight again and their metabolism doesn’t match it; it doesn’t come back up with this incredible yo-yo in body weight.

“They’ve effectively broken their metabolic rate,” he continued. “That’s when you have real problems. Fortunately, by carefully managing macros (protein, fats and carbohydrates), you can get things back to normal.”

Myth 2: Exercise can make up for a bad diet

You may be tempted to buy into the idea that a good workout can compensate for a bad diet. That’s simply not the case for almost anyone, Bikman said.

Promotional image courtesy of HLTH Code, St. George News / Cedar City News

“Everyone should get some amount of exercise 5-6 times a week,” he added. “Though it’s less for weight loss than it is for a host of other health benefits, including cardio and brain health, your ability to maintain balance as you age, and especially for hormones and proper nutrient absorption.”

Bikman said the best kind of exercise is the kind you’ll actually do on a regular basis.

“But that doesn’t mean you can outrun or out-exercise a bad diet – that’s a particularly dangerous myth,” he said. “Even the heaviest workouts will only burn a few hundred calories, while eating the wrong kinds of food are not only resistant to being ‘burned,’ but they actively encourage your body to store body fat.”

Bikman added that if you want to “burn” more calories, you can actually do it more effectively through a proper diet.

“Your diet likely got you into the shape you’re in, but it also can help get you into much better shape now and in the future.”

Myth 3: All calories are the same

The expression, “A calorie is a calorie” is one saying that’s particularly concerning, Bikman said.

“In a chemistry setting that may be correct, but it is absolutely misunderstood in the context of human nutrition and certainly in the context of what we do with energy in the body,” he explained. “Yet people and experts repeat the same ‘calories in, calories out’ myth. By that same logic, you could argue that 2,000 calories of soda pop are treated the same within the body as 2,000 calories of properly balanced macronutrients. One essentially kills the body and makes you fat and sick, while the other sustains life and helps you thrive.

“And that saying completely ignores the impact on your body’s systems and hormones. Experts have clearly shown that hormones, like insulin, have a profound effect on what our body does by way of burning calories, storing calories or even efficiently wasting calories.”

Limiting carbs and consuming the right blend of proteins and healthy fat is key to sustainable energy, Bikman said.

“It will help accelerate your metabolism, help strengthen your immune system, and even aid in gut health and brain health.”

Myth 4: A low-fat diet is the best for weight loss

If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, there’s a good chance that you’ve at least considered a low-fat diet. In 1977, the US Dietary Guidelines were published, and even without significant evidence from randomized controlled trials and testing, these guidelines recommended a significant reduction in dietary fat, and thus began the nationwide mentality to fear fat.

“People have been told to not eat fats that are clinically shown to be healthy in favor of refined carbohydrates, and the results have been devastating,” Bikman said. “Since 1977, the average adult American is nearly 30 pounds heavier; as reported by the Centers for Disease Control, a government agency.”

Bikman shared that there’s overwhelming evidence of the benefits of a high-fat diet for overall health.

“Fats not only help you feel full, they help with brain health, gut health and metabolic health,” he said. “This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy carbs, but you need to realize that there are no essential carbs; just essential amino acids (from protein) and essential fatty acids.”

“Focus on a wide spectrum of healthy fats from animal sources (like eggs, beef, salmon) and fruit sources (olive, coconut and avocado),” Bikman said. “Refined seed and vegetable oils should be avoided at all costs; they’re particularly harmful.”

Bringing solutions from the lab to the real world

Even with all of the information that Bikman and others share, people around the world constantly ask what they should do for their health.

“Ideally, we all would have the knowledge, time, discipline and budget to plan, purchase and prepare perfect meals,” Bikman said. “But it simply doesn’t happen; people get busy, they get stressed and they make unhealthy choices that derail their health goals.”

It became apparent to Bikman that he needed to be part of the solution to help people achieve their best health more quickly, and especially to assist those that don’t always have the time, knowledge or discipline to eat healthy. In response, Bikman and the co-founding team of metabolic and industry experts recently created HLTH Code Complete Meal.

Bikman said these carefully formulated meal shakes are designed to promote healthy weight management, gut health, brain health and even hair, skin and nail health. HLTH Code Complete Meal features an optimized, science-backed blend of protein, collagen, healthy fats, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, fiber, vitamins and minerals – with no added sugar or any artificial ingredients.

“We’re very fortunate to have a leading metabolic scientist as our formulator,” he said. “An incredible amount of work went into making this nutritionally balanced and optimized, yet we knew that if it didn’t taste good, no one would use them consistently.”

Solving hunger pangs the right way

When it comes to eating, Bikman said it’s easy to consume plenty of calories and still feel hungry. This is because the calories consumed are not the right types of calories to provide essential nutrition. He refers to this as “mis-nourishment” and he says it’s ruining many people’s health.

Promotional image courtesy of HLTH Code, St. George News / Cedar City News

“Each HLTH Code Complete Meal shake is packed with optimized amounts of these ingredients to leave you feeling full and energized for hours,” Bikman said. “Yet it’s more convenient and affordable than virtually any meal you could make or buy.”

Bikman said the shakes are quick and easy to make: Just add two scoops of Creamy Vanilla or Chocolate Macadamia Complete Meal Powder to 8 ounces of cold water and shake or blend. For general wellness, he recommends replacing one meal daily. To reset your health or for weight loss, replace up to two meals per day.

“These are by far the best meal replacement shakes I’ve ever had, and I’ve tried many. These win by a long shot. They taste like heaven plus they’re keto-friendly, and I’m keto, so win, win, win. 100% highly recommend them. Couldn’t love them more,” said one reviewer.

Another reviewer shared, “They are tasty. In addition, they fill me up and keep me full for the entire afternoon. I have managed to pass a weight loss plateau by using these as my lunch every day at work.”

Yet another review said, “I’ve been drinking this for five months to break my intermittent fast, and I’m in my best shape and down 21 pounds. I can’t recommend this enough! Plus, it has a great flavor! What’s not to love?”

Does HLTH Code make weight loss easier?

Bikman said the best health starts with the right blend of nutrition. Increased energy, feeling more vibrant, a stronger immune system, a clearer mind, improved gut health and an improved appearance are some of the benefits from improving one’s nutrition.

“The comprehensive benefits of HLTH Code Complete Meal are especially helpful if you’re trying to lose weight,” he said. “Weight loss is rarely easy. There has to be the right changes in both hormones and caloric balance to signal to the body that it’s time to start burning, not storing, body fat.”

Bikman added that based on the best available studies on human metabolism, along with exercise, HLTH Code Complete Meal helps people lose weight without the need for counting every calorie.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed

If you’re nervous about trying something new and making changes to your nutrition plan, don’t be. Bikman stands by his HLTH Code Meal Replacement products and is willing to guarantee your satisfaction.

“You have nothing to lose (except those extra pounds) and everything to gain in terms of wellness and confidence,” he said. 

Indeed, if you’ve been looking for improved wellness and healthy weight management, then HLTH Code Meal Replacement could well be your answer. For exclusive savings on your first order, visit getHLTH.com and enter the discount code SGN at checkout.

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