We’re delighted to see so many SafSlim Lean Belly Challenge entries and want to encourage you to keep posting those photos and journal updates. Remember, the better the story and photos, the greater your chance of winning.

While some are seeing results in as little as four weeks, this is the exception rather than the norm. The university studies indicated that overweight, post-menopausal women taking the high-linoleic safflower oil showed results in as little as 12 weeks, but at 16 weeks, they saw an average reduction of 6.3% belly fat, with some experiencing up to 9.4% belly fat loss. And of course, adiponectin — the important belly fat hormone — increased an average of 20.3%.

For those of you who didn’t enter the Challenge, there will be other incentive opportunities. ReBody realizes the importance of rewards and incentives. Be sure to keep an eye on your local retailers for specials and discounts on SafSlim.

Hopefully you have all started using your SafSlim™, have registered to win for the SafSlim Lean Belly Challenge, measured your waist around your belly button, and have your first set of photos stored not only on your computer, but in your memory bank. Eek, it can be scary facing the reality of years of unhealthy eating and way too many hours logged on the computer and in front of the TV.

But better late than never. I encourage you today to put your health at the top of your priority list. Remember there will always be something else to do if you let it get in your way.

Here are a few other tips to stay motivated during your belly fat reduction journey:

• Keep a journal of your food intake and workouts.
• Surround yourself with positive people who will support you in reaching your goals.
• Get rid of your scale. We are looking for changes in deep, visceral fat, that will be best measured with the help of a measuring tape. If you’re reducing the “right” type of belly fat, you will be losing inches, (we want to preserve lean body mass) and will start to notice your clothes fitting better.
• Remember, belly fat loss is 80% food changes, 20% exercise. SafSlim is your partner to help with your belly fat reduction while helping to address the underlying reasons we are gaining fat in the belly to begin with.*
• Finally, schedule motivational time into your daily routine. Mine happens at 9 pm when my kids are asleep, my house is tidied, and I can still my mind. When is the best time of day for YOU?!

Live With Health,

Karlene Karst, RD

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

What causes belly fat and what is the solution for reducing it?

The causes:

Contributors to excess belly fat are of course poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, occasional stress and genetics. Appetite increases and slowing metabolism are also common causes.

The solution:
- Daily supplementation with high-linoleic acid from safflower oil (such as that in SafSlim™) activates and increases the hormone adiponectin, supports normal blood sugar levels, increases insulin sensitivity, reduces CRP, and increases HDL, especially when used as part of a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan.
- Appetite and sugar cravings decrease, metabolism increases, and the body responds by reducing omentum (belly) fat.
- The mobilization and burning of fat in the belly, in turn, triggers additional adiponectin release.*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Omentum or visceral fat (belly fat) surrounds vital organs, including the heart and liver, and secretes inflammatory cytokines.  Inflammation is a natural immune response that is linked to chronic disease. Proximity of visceral fat to our liver boosts production of LDL (bad cholesterol). Experts agree this fat can contribute to metabolic syndrome. Losing omentum or visceral fat helps promote your overall health.

Subcutaneous fat, the fat you can pinch, lies beneath the skin all over the body and is not associated with metabolic syndrome.

SafSlim™ is a unique, naturally-derived high-linoleic safflower oil supplement developed specifically to help people reduce hidden belly fat.

I’m excited about our QVC appearance this weekend — Sat. and Sunday. Between 10 and noon EST. Tune in to learn more about SafSlim! Thanks, Karlene