Natural Healthcare Center Offers Free Seminar on New Metabolic Training Program

As founder of Natural Healthcare Center in Long Branch, Dr. James Proodian has watched too many of his patients struggle with chronic illnesses, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Too many, he said, are trying (and failing) to lose the weight they need to live full, productive lives.

Now he and his colleague Dr. Oscar Coetzee, Ph.D., have come up with a groundbreaking solution—an all-inclusive Metabolic Training Program—that reverses the factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight around the middle) that lead to Metabolic Syndrome, an alarming condition that puts a person at increased risk for those life-threatening illnesses.

“[Metabolic Syndrome] is an absolute epidemic in our country, yet it’s completely reversible,” he said, pointing out that one out of every three adults over the age of 20 has it. “We wait until people have type II diabetes, heart disease before there is intervention. Does that sound logical?”

To introduce NHC’s new Metabolic Training Program, Dr. Proodian and Dr. Coetzee will present a free informational seminar on Thursday, May 16, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Natural Healthcare Center.

They will discuss what Metabolic Syndrome is, answer questions, and outline the six-month comprehensive program, which includes high-intensity interval training in a group setting; individual consultations and nutritional protocols; and group educational seminars—all led by Dr. Coetzee, who is director of the program.

For Dr. Coetzee, what makes the Metabolic Training Program successful is the group experience.

Three times a week, the members work out together with Dr. Coetzee and his nutrition assistant, Alesha Lazan, alternating between such exercises as hitting a bag, ropes, and squat jumps. With brief rest periods between exercises, the goal, according to Dr. Coetzee, is to have the heart rate fluctuate, which creates EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption), burning calories for up to 48 hours after the workout is finished.

The group also follows dietary protocols that Dr. Coetzee designed using 15 years of evidence-based research, including research from a clinical study he conducted as part of his master’s thesis in human nutrition. He alternates weeks, prescribing such protocols as low glycemic, Paleolithic, and a cleanse, among others.

While those currently enrolled in the program all share a similar goal of wanting to get healthier, they each have their own motivation for participating. For Peggy, she hopes to get stronger and boost her immune system after a battle with breast cancer. Lori wants to address sleep issues. Shelly wants to lower her blood pressure. And Darcy, who has been doing the program since January and already lost 25 pounds, is training for the largest annual bike race in the world, a 406-mile trek across Iowa.

They all agree the support they receive from one another is a key factor in their success. Besides the group training, they also turn to one another via an online forum, where they ask questions and give advice.

“Just when you think you can’t, you do, because you watch everybody else,” said Lori.

What also makes the Metabolic Training Program unique is the health education component. Once a month, Dr. Coetzee brings the group together for seminars on relevant health-related topics. He separates the myths from the facts on such topics as genetically engineered food, artificial sweeteners, and autoimmune disorders.

“He can explain nutrition like I’ve never seen anybody do,” said Lori. “It makes you want to feel better.”

And so far, the results have been tremendous. In a study of people enrolled in a similar program run by Dr. Coetzee, the average weight loss was 25.5 pounds, LDL (bad) cholesterol was reduced by 23.4 percent, and triglycerides were reduced by 39.1 percent.

For the current group, the members say they are motivated by Dr. Coetzee’s passion and look forward to their training sessions. They are feeling better about themselves as they are getting stronger and slowly losing the weight.

“It’s about a real lifestyle change,” said Dr. Coetzee, and the members say it’s a lifestyle change they’re all willing to make.

“I’ve done every diet,” said Shelly. “This one works. You’re being real and honest with yourself.”

With the addition of this innovative program, Dr. Proodian continues to shift the focus of healthcare to proactive, preventative care—an undertaking Dr. Proodian is passionate about.

“This is a life-changing and life-saving program,” he said.

For more than 20 years, he has delivered health education seminars to businesses and organizations through his Wellness at Work Program. During his seminars, Dr. Proodian clears up confusion about current health issues and offers practical steps people can take immediately to improve their health. He currently offers this service free to businesses and organizations in Monmouth County and will be launching it nationally this year.

In addition to attending the May 16 seminar, you are welcome to come in to see Dr. Proodian for a free consultation—whether you are currently suffering from chronic illnesses such as type II diabetes, heart disease, and obesity or would like to find out if you have Metabolic Syndrome.

Please call Natural Healthcare Center at (732) 222-2219 to register for the May 16 seminar (seating is limited to 50 participants) or to schedule your free consultation.