Diets are always trendy, especially in the beginning of the year and in Miami, where it's always sunny. The problem with doctors, diets, and workout regimens is that they are just that -- a trend, and are therefore constantly changing and evolving according to the latest information and breakthroughs in medical research. This has inevitably caused the dieting process to be like a magic trick gone bad, where the only thing that disappears is your cash. Lot's of it too. So what do you gain? More cravings for the things you've been told to stay away from.
Or they urge you to do what worked for J-Lo. Did you see her in that Golden Globes dress? Bitch.
Jenny from the block may not be the best example, but the point here is that what works for J-Lo may not work for you. Why? Genetics. Dr. Genetics to be exact, or Dr. J for short.
Genetics play a huge factor in the way each of us ingests, digests, and processes food. Besides being something we love and can't stay away from, food is ultimately energy, and a necessary source for a healthy and happy life.. Some people really do need a lot. It's not the calories, it's the DNA.
See also:
- Dr. William Davis: Wheat Is Cause of Obesity and "Most Perverted Food on Store Shelves."
Interview: Dr. Oz Responds to Uproar Over Time Article, Clarifies Stance on Organics and GMOs
Dr. J is not a person, but rather a product, or a series of products brought to the market through International Wellness Group. Based out of South Beach, it sets out to help individuals learn about their genetic predispositions in four different products: Dr. J Diet, Dr. J Age Control, Dr. J Cardio Health, and Dr. J Oseo Control.
The most popular is the Dr. J Diet: A weight management test that uses new DNA technology to tell individuals how their genes respond to certain type of food and exercises.The results describe lifestyle decisions for a healthy diet and better metabolic balance. Because each of us is different, it's irrational to believe two people following the same diet, caloric intake, and exercise regimen will see the same results. "Carbs are the devil, or at least that's what society has made us believe, but the reality is some people really need them just like they need fats, or otherwise they're exhausting their energy and nutrient levels," says Marketing Director Frank Maldonado. Amen to that.
A diet that allows for carbs? We're listening. "Not only are they giving up a necessary source of nutrients, but in addition these same people are partaking in high level and intensity exercise, which is only hurting their body more and depriving it of even more energy," Frank continues.
Our DNA makes us different from each other, it defines our body, height and physical appearance. It's also what makes us predisposed to certain diseases and protects us from others. The latest studies prove that these differences are based on DNA. The future, then, is based on prevention, rather than finding a cure. Avoidance is the objective, and DNA the key.
So how does the process work? A kit is sent to your home, in your choice of English or Spanish, and then you don't for two hours before taking a DNA swab from both your cheeks and letting dry for 15 minutes, that kit is mailed to a lab in Boston for testing and dissecting. Should you decided you want Dr. J to hold your hand and assist you through the process, their customer service headquarters are located on Lincoln Rd and welcoming.
The turnaround is 20 days, after which you'll receive a personalized result kit classifying you as a certain genotype. "No two persons ever have the same results. There are nine categories of genotypes, and within that endless subcategories," says CEO Cristina Cesana. There go your plans for a diet & gym buddy.
So what does Dr. J charge? Each Dr. J product costs $279.95, but buy one and get the second half off; buy
two and get one for free; buy all four an you get a very special price.
The catch? They all have to be for one person since it's running the
same DNA once, so now mix and matching friends & family. Payment plans are also offered.
So why aren't all the image conscious people of Miami flocking to Dr. J? The brains behind the operation tell us it's not easy to cause a change in culture and society, especially when it has to do with medical or nutritional breakthroughs. Those who have grasped the concept the quickest belong to the millennial generation, or the generation that follows generation X.
Millennials have been deeply affected and shaped by technology whereas generation X were born shortly before the introduction of Apple's personal computer and the AIDS epidemic. For the X's, the notion of prevention is an illusion, and the need and search for individual freedom a staple. In this case the freedom to eat, exercise, and diet however they see fit will be the product of a healthy lifestyle and the ideal body image.
Good thing, then, that no restricted amounts are given with Dr. J, but rather healthy and personalized alternatives are recommended.
The question that arises here is whether knowledge is truly a virtue, or a curse? If ignorance is bliss, then maybe Coke addicts would be better off knowing that they are predisposed to diabetes, so that they can make the necessary adjustments from early on in life.
"By following the Dr. J Diet the ultimate goal is to achieve a metabolic balance through progressive weight loss by eliminating fat rather than water, therefore resulting in definitive weight loss," says Cesana.
Under that notion then, this is a diet to end all others.
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