Desperate To Lose Weight

Desperate to lose Weight

What if someone told you they were going on a lima bean diet? Or suggested that you could lose 20 pounds in a day? Sound absurd? True, these diets don’t exist, but they are no more ridiculous than some of the fad diets that have come and gone. Not only are fad diets ineffective, but they can also be dangerous. Losing weight the healthy way is the best way to take it off – and keep it off.

Recognizing a fad diet
The tried-and-true way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume. You can do this in a healthy way, but it will take time and effort. Diets that sound too good to be true... are. Watch for these fad diet red flags:

A quick fix: Promises of quick weight loss – and large amounts of it – are sure signs of a fad diet. You might lose weight at the beginning, but it likely won’t last – and losing weight too quickly may increase your risk of gallstones. Experts suggest losing no more than ½ to 2 pounds per week for safe and lasting weight loss.

Severe calorie restriction: While you must burn more calories than you eat to lose weight, extreme calorie restriction can be dangerous, and is another hallmark of fad diets. You can reduce your caloric intake, but you should only reduce it to a healthy level. Less than 800 calories per day can result in heart rhythm abnormalities. One pound of fat contains 3,500 calories; by reducing your weekly intake by 3,500 calories, you can lose one pound per week. You can also burn part of the 3,500 calories through exercise.

Removal of a food group or eating only one type of food: Although removing sugar and processed foods from your diet is a great idea, removing an entire food group, or only eating one type of food is a bad idea – one that is commonly advocated by fad diets. Without a balanced diet, you will not get the nutrients you need for optimal health. Plus, it’s easier to stick with a diet plan that includes a variety of foods to choose from.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends a healthy eating plan that:

Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts
Is low in saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars

Slow and steady works in weight loss You may have heard the expression that slow and steady wins the race. That certainly applies to weight loss. Remember, losing ½ to 2 pounds per week is the healthiest and most effective way to take weight off and keep it off.

TriVita’s Leanology® Smart Weight Loss System can help! Fat-burning capsules, delicious shakes for low-calorie meal substitution, and tasty chews for snack replacement and appetite control are all designed for slow, steady – and effective – weight loss. Plus, be sure to incorporate these healthy tips into your weight loss plan:

Exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week (An essential part of your weight loss program! See Breaking Down Exercise Barriers)
Eat moderate portions – use smaller plates and bowls and don’t go back for seconds
Keep a regular eating schedule and don’t skip meals
Include a variety of foods in your diet
Don’t buy junk food; stick to the outer perimeter of the store, where you’ll find the healthiest food
Avoid soda and baked goods
Eat whole foods; avoid processed
Grill, steam and bake rather than fry foods
Eat slowly; put your fork down between bites
Check your progress on the Body Mass Index (BMI) chart Click here for a selection of calculators