The Dynamic Duo of Healthy Weight Loss

On January 12, 1966, a most unusual television show made its debut on the ABC network. Loosely based on the DC comic book character called Batman, it featured bright colors, bouncy theme music, a comic book look and intentionally humorous dialogue delivered in a serious voice by lead actor Adam West.

While West's Batman was an earnest do-gooder to the point of parody, most of the villains were played with over the top enthusiasm by respected stage and screen personalities including Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith, Eartha Kitt, Otto Preminger, Eli Wallach, Frank Gorshin and Vincent Price.

English actor Alan Napier played the loyal butler Alfred, Neil Hamilton was Commissioner Gordon and various other folks filled the other supporting roles you might (or might not) expect to see in a Batman television series.

Bert John Gervis, Jr. played the role of Robin.

After typing that line I heard several people stomping their feet in future time and perhaps shaking their future heads. After all, just about every Tom, Richard and Harriet who ever saw the colorful, camp creation that was the Batman television series knows Burt Ward played Robin.

Well, you're right. It just took a while before Bert became Burt.

Bert John Gervis, Sr. once owned a traveling ice show called “Rhapsody on Ice.” His namesake, Bert Jr., started performing in that show when he was two years old and was billed as the “world's youngest professional ice skater.” This energetic young fellow went on to excel at various high school sports, earned a black belt in Taekwondo and somehow also managed to find the time to be a member of the chess club.

At the age of 19, he auditioned for the role of Robin. Once he was selected for the part, he thought his last name might be difficult for people to pronounce so he changed it to his mother's maiden name, Ward. Having done that, he traded in Bert for Burt because he thought Burt had more punch.

Punch was very important if you were going to be Batman's sidekick.

Together, Batman and Robin were known as The Dynamic Duo, a point that would be driven home several times an episode by the narrator, William Dozier. Mr. Dozier was probably too busy to come up with new designations for the duo because he was also the creator of the show and executive producer.

So, what does all of this television history have to do with helping you lose weight?

I would certainly be remiss if I did not mention crime fighting in the manner of Batman and Robin, despite its dangers, is an excellent way to burn a significant quantity of calories. While this may be true, few of us really want to spend time rushing around our nearest city dressed in a mask, a leotard and a cape. Besides, most masks become extremely uncomfortable after even a short period of vigorous exercise. There has to be a better way.

For a better, though somewhat less exciting way, let us turn to a less renowned dynamic duo.

Consuming protein and fiber are both good ways to help accelerate your weight loss. Combining them has even more benefits. That’s how dynamic duos work.

Protein is an important component of any healthy eating plan. Our bodies need it to make and repair muscles, organs and glands. Protein also plays a vital role in building and repairing our cells. When it comes to losing weight or maintaining weight loss, protein is also pretty important.

What Makes Protein So Special?

Numerous studies confirm protein keeps you fuller longer than either carbohydrates or fats. One reason for this pleasant benefit is protein-rich foods don’t travel as quickly from the stomach to the intestine as other foods. Since your stomach empties at a slower rate, hunger is much slower to return. Less hunger equals fewer cravings and fewer cravings adds up to less chances to make unhealthy choices. As an added bonus, your body has to use more energy to digest protein. In our book, burning more calories while consuming foods you enjoy is a good thing!

Speaking of good things, a number of research studies confirm how simply adding more fiber to your diet can help you lose weight. According to an article in “Nutrition Review,” subjects consuming an additional 14 grams of fiber each day experienced a ten percent reduction in food intake. In a 2015 study published in the “Annals of Internal Medicine,” some participants were told to eat 30 grams of fiber daily but were given no other dietary instructions. The high fiber group not only lost significant weight during a 12 month period but many also saw their blood pressure levels go down and saw a decline in insulin resistance. These results were reinforced by a study published in the “Journal of Nutrition” which found boosting fiber by 8 grams for every 1,000 calories resulted in a loss of 4.5 pounds over 2 years.

Fantastic Fiber

There are good reasons for these positive results. Fiber takes up a lot of space in your stomach which makes you feel fuller. Soluble fiber has the added benefit of absorbing high quantities of liquid and forming a gel-like substance in the stomach which increases your sense of fullness. To make matters even better, soluble fiber actually slows down the digestion process which means you end up with a more even, sustained release of energy after your meal.

Combining protein and fiber enhances their ability to keep you feeling full for an extended period of time. When you are feeling full, cravings flee like a villain at the sight of the Batmobile.

One of our favorite ways to get the benefits of protein and fiber come in a pleasantly portable form to help give the old BIFF, BAM, KA-POW combo to cravings wherever you may be. WonderSlim Protein & Fiber Bars come in six delicious flavors so your taste buds are always entertained while your digestive system receives 15 grams of quality protein and a substantial quantity of fiber in each bar.

Whether you’re planning to spend the night saving Gotham from a vile band of evil-doers or just hanging out on the couch watching reruns of your favorite classic television show, these low calorie, high protein bars will help you resist the temptation of unhealthy snacks which is one of the secrets of successful weight loss.

Winning the battle against excess pounds, like fighting super-villains, requires vigilance, determination and persistence. Put the dynamic duo of protein and fiber to work for you to make the process a whole lot easier and a whole lot more fun.

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