It’s That Time Of Year - Time To Start The Diet Again!

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Weigh-Ins

* On May 25, 2005 .. I joined Weight Watchers and officially weighed in at 291 lbs.

* On January 1, 2006 .. I had stopped watching or counting points and weighed in at 263 lbs.

* On January 1, 2007 .. I weighed myself back at 283 lbs.

* Yesterday - January 1, 2008 .. I weighed myself and I was 287.5 lbs.

I must say, I don’t feel obese, being a 6′1″ person .. but I mostly sit at my desk working and do feel sedentary at times. Sometimes, I wonder if I’m losing feeling in my toes from the lack of circulation. My wife is cold blooded and hates the heat .. (could be thyroid related) and I’m always cold and using a Space Heater in my office here on the 2nd floor to up the heat a few extra degrees. Is that because of lack of circulation? Last Summer I was at the cottage, and swimming, running, biking, walking the dogs .. but, had trouble fitting in a Kayak that I had purchased - that is, sitting in a position with my feet together inside the kayak and my back straight. When summer was over, we still went until just about Canadian Thanksgiving time, on Weekends .. but that exercise was enough for me and I never even walked the dogs during the week. I have to also say, that these past six months has been quite stressful for me - workwise.

In November, my father-in-law was in a serious car accident, and now has brain damage, loss of sight and requires 24/7 personal care. I have been taking care of his business, or rather - trying to liquidate and end the business .. and eating out at restaurants. Maybe it’s because I’m out and about, and doing lots of lifting, and running around - but, I actually lost weight in November and December (before Xmas celebrations that is). But, ever since - I’ve been taking Tums at night (yummy Calcium!) But, only after eating burgers, pizza and fries! That can’t be good.

My Body Is Trying To Tell Me Something

Well .. my brain and stomach told me to immediately finish off the remaining Rice Krispy Marshmallow Treats that I made last week (3 points each for about 2″x2″ bar, 34g each) .. and give it a go with the open boxes of chocolate (and 1/2 an Easter Bunny) .. But - now that it’s gone now… My brain is telling me it’s time again - time to officially lose weight and get healthy.

OKAY! I GET IT! Enough is Enough!

The diet starts today - January 2, 2007 … I’m back watching what I eat, counting points like I used to with Weight Watchers, minding my portion control and .. eaaaaazzzy on the chocolates, Double Mozza Burgers, Pizza and All-You-Can-Eat buffets!

So - the good news is .. I will be back now posting on the HART’s Getting In Shape category here at Battling Obesity … three times is the charm! You guys *want* to see what I’m eating, now - don’t you?
How about you? Are you blogging about your weight loss in 2008? Leave your link in the comments - and I’ll start a “Friends” page about this! Interested in joining me? We can also try to do some meme’s, cross linking, share recipes, pictures, etc etc etc … or - let me know privately off-line via obesity.BattlingForHealth.com/contact/

HART

               

Nutrition 101

In order to optimize your health a good diet is essential. But, with all the fad diets around it can be difficult to know what is ‘good’. Nutrition science to the rescue! Though some things are still controversial, numerous studies reinforce the following basic information.

A healthy diet requires not just items from the four basic food groups, but in the proper proportion. The average person will need about 2000-2500 calories (sometimes more for larger men, less for women and those looking for rapid weight loss). About 50% of those calories should come in the form of carbohydrates, with 30% from fats (yes, fat is good!) and 20% from protein.

Carbohydrates are the main source of compounds needed for energy. Simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose, are rapidly broken down in the intestine and absorbed. Some processing starts the minute they hit your tongue. Complex carbohydrates - starches, such as those found in potatoes - take longer, but are also healthy in moderation.

Fats are chemically similar to carbohydrates, and contain fatty acids essential to health. Proteins are lysed (split) to make amino acids, that are then recombined to form proteins used in muscles and other structures.

Meat is a valid and healthy source of protein for almost everyone. About 3 ounces per meal is about right for the average sized person. A cup of pasta is a good source of carbohydrates. Two cups of leafy green vegetables supply fiber, minerals and vitamins.

A balanced meal can be made up of a serving of meat or other protein source, starchy carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, corn or potatoes, and fruit. Easy on the butter or margarine, go light on cheese, sauces and anything high in sugar or fat.

Though you could get the basics from a variety of sources, when considering weight control in addition to getting the proper balance, it’s important to know which sources are high in what.

Fat contains nine calories per gram, which is double than other energy sources. Thus, you need to keep those foods high in fat down to modest levels. That also helps control cholesterol levels.

All sources of carbohydrates have four calories per gram. But healthy sources also contain needed minerals, vitamins and fiber. Some examples are fruits (apples, pears, peaches), nuts (walnuts are lower in fat than peanuts or cashews, for example) and grains (for fiber and minerals).

Why is candy bad, unless consumed in very modest portions? Because they are designed to be high in fat, high in sugar with much lower amounts of helpful nutrients. Neither fat nor sugar are harmful in moderation. Indeed, they’re essential to good health. But when consumed in a form that contains an excessive proportion, they provide enormous calories and fewer other nutrients.

A single Snickers candy bar, for example, contains 63g, with 53g of sugar, but only 2g of fiber. A cup of broccoli, by contrast, has only 6g total, of which 2.5g are fiber, 1.5g are sugars. A cup of sweet corn has 31g total, 21g are starch (complex carbohydrates), 3g of fiber.

Making a list of items you consume will show you the relative amounts of helpful nutrients - and how many calories each contains. Putting a little arithmetic into your diet plan will help you reduce the number you obsess over - your weight.

               

Put Fiber In Your Diet

Despite the hype that too often accompanies the praise, fiber is a very healthy addition to a good diet. It’s no miracle cure, but a substantial amount of insoluble fiber does help move material through the colon faster. It has a cleansing effect on the digestive system.

By improving the solidity and bulk of solid waste it also helps to keep those who are aging more regular, less constipated. The result, supported by many studies, is (among other benefits) a reduction in the odds of colon cancer.

Insoluble fiber, so-called because it doesn’t dissolve readily in water, can be found in nuts, wheat bran, whole grains and many vegetables. But there’s another kind called, not surprisingly, soluble fiber. As the name suggests it does dissolve readily in water. It, too, has benefits.

Soluble fiber is found in citrus fruit like oranges and lemons, apples, beans, oats and barley grain. Among its other virtues, studies strongly suggest that some soluble fibers (beta glucan) can help reduce cholesterol.

But, as with every other aspect of diet, it’s best to have everything in the proper proportion. What is that, in the case of fiber? The recommended consumption for the average adult over 50 years of age is 21g for women and 30g for men. For those under 50 the amounts are 25g for women, 38g for men.

Of course, that’s only an average (for men about 170lbs, women around 120lbs). You’ll want to consult tables to find out the needed amounts for your weight. There are those rare individuals who are sensitive to certain foods and they will need to seek out sources of fiber that suit their particular circumstances.

But, as a rough starting point, there are several common foods that will be right for most.

A cup of raisin bran cereal has 7g of fiber, and is usually manufactured with helpful vitamins as well. A cup of oatmeal is a good source, even though it only contains 4g. A half-cup of cooked black beans contains about 7.5g. A half-cup of tomato paste has nearly 6g, while a half-cup of cooked Lima beans has nearly 7g.

Bran muffins have been touted as a good source of fiber, and that’s true, they are. But many also are high in fat and sugar, so exercise moderation and seek out a low-fat type. A couple dozen peanuts can also be a good source of fiber, but here again they are high in fat. Control the urge to get large amounts of fiber from them. You don’t want to pile on the calories when getting needed nutrients.

Many fruits are a good source of fiber, including raspberries (1/2 cup contains 5.5g), blackberries (1/2 cup has 3.8g) and apples (3.3g per apple). Even pumpkin is a good source (3.5g in 1/2 cup), but this too can be a source high in fat and sugar, if it’s in the form of pumpkin pie.

A slice of bread has 2g, so the average sandwich will supply 4g. But be sure to get whole grain bread, not the ultra-processed white.

Put both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet and be good to yourself.

               

Atkins Criticism

By Lisa Sequera

The Atkins diet is very popular, but it also comes with a lot of criticism. Health experts, doctors and diet specialists come from all different opinions when it comes to the Atkins diet and other low carb diets. Some believe that it is dangerous, some say that it is a healthy method to lose weight and others say that it works on a short-term basis.

However, there are also thousands of individuals who have found success with the Atkins diet. They can speak from personal experience and know that the diet works and it is an effective means of keeping weight off. There are thousands of testimonials that tout the benefits of the low carb way of living.

There are many typical criticisms of the Atkins diet. One of the first is that the diet it too high in fat. The butter, oil and fatty meats that are used in the Atkins diet are a far cry from the low-fat diet fad that recently swept the nation. For many people, the low fat mindset has prevailed and they cannot fathom eating real butter or cream with their meals. It seems like too much fat at first glance. However, those that pay close attention to Dr. Atkins guidelines and follow the program closely know that the diet focuses on good fats. Extra virgin olive oil and other helpful fats are emphasized. The proper use of these oils is important to brain function and mood management.

Another popular Atkins criticism is that it focuses too much on food and not enough on exercise. This is an unfair claim because the Atkins books clearly spell out a need for exercise. There is a lot of attention paid to food choices because they are an integral part of the program, and they are different foods than what people are normally used to eating. However, this does not mean that exercise is not an integral part of the Atkins program. Aerobic and anaerobic exercise regimens are encouraged, and both will greatly increase your weight loss efforts.

Many Atkins critics feel that the diet is hard too keep up in the long term. Critics in this category will admit that Atkins is effective in short-term weight loss efforts, but point out that the lifestyle is hard to maintain over time. However, people who have had long term success with Atkins claim it is one of the easiest diets to follow for significant periods of time. The Atkins plan has rich food that is forbidden on other programs, and it has appetite-suppressing effects. When you combine this with the quick weight loss, a motivating factor for many people, Atkins is easy to stick to long term.

The side effects of Atkins, like constipation and bad breath, have also been a topic that Atkins critics are quick to point out. However, these side effects are not as common as critics make them out to be. If they do occur, the side effects normal only last through the first phase of the diet. Additionally, drinking additional water will normally take care of both problems rather quickly.

There are pros and cons to many diets. If you don’t particularly enjoy preparing and eating meat, then Atkins is probably not for you. But if you are considering Atkins, make sure to look beyond the common criticisms for the truth about the diet.

For more related articles, visit www.funhowtobooks.com/articles

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Sequera

               

Atkins Diet Basics

By Lisa Sequera

The Atkins diet is not a new phenomenon. The diet first appeared in the late 1970s and has grown popularity in recent years in response to the low-fat diet craze. As dieters had trouble with low-fat plans, they searched for a new solution and Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution book found a new audience.

A lot of people have jumped on the Atkins bandwagon and there has been a lot of hype as a result. But what are the basic principles of the Atkins diet?

The Atkins diet is based on a theory of why we get fat. According to Dr. Atkins, the over-consumption of carbohydrates and simple sugars leads to weight gain. The way your body processes the carbohydrates you eat have more to do with your waistline than the amount of fat or calories that you consume. In his book, Atkins outlines a phenomenon called “insulin resistance.” He theorizes that many overweight people have cells that do not work correctly.

When you eat excess carbohydrates and sugar, your body notices that sugar levels are elevated. Insulin is released from the pancreas in order to store sugar as glycogen in the liver and muscle cells for extra energy later on. However, your body can only store so much glycogen at once. As soon as your body reaches its limit for glycogen storage, the excess carbohydrates are stored as fat. This happens to everyone who eats too many carbohydrates.

However, insulin resistant individuals have an even harder time of using and storing excess carbohydrates. The more insulin that your body is exposed to, the more resistant it becomes. Overtime, the pancreas releases more insulin and cells become insulin resistant. The cells are trying to protect themselves from the toxic effects of high insulin. They create less glycogen and more fat.

As a result, insulin resistant individuals gain extra weight. The carbohydrates get converted into fat instead of energy. Other side effects include fatigue, brain “fog” (the inability to focus, poor memory, loss of creativity), low blood sugar (which can leads to hypoglycemia), intestinal bloating, sleepiness, depression and increased blood sugar. There is much more than weight at stake when you are insulin resistant.

The remedy for people who are insulin resistant is a diet restricted in carbohydrates. The crux of the Atkins diet is a limitation of carbohydrates in all of its forms. The foods restricted on the Atkins plan include simple sugars (like cookies, sodas and sweets) and complex carbohydrates (like bread, rice and grains). Even carbohydrates that are considered healthy, such as oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat bread, are restricted on the program.

The diet has you restrict your carbohydrate intake to less than 40 grams a day. This will put your body in a state of ketosis. While in ketosis, your body will burn fat as fuel. According to Dr. Atkins’ research, the ketosis state will also affect insulin production and it will prevent more fat from being formed. Your body will begin using your stored fat as an efficient form of fuel, and you’ll lose weight.

Another benefit of the Atkins plan is that ketosis will end your cravings for carbohydrates. If you’ve been living on a carb-heavy diet, you may have found that you simply cannot get enough carbohydrates. With carbohydrate restriction and ketosis comes a reduction in carbohydrate cravings. People who have been on the Atkins diet for some time report that they do not crave carbohydrates as they once did.

Although the initial phases of the Atkins diet are rather strict, the program teaches you to restore balance to your diet in the long run. People who use the diet slowly reintroduce minimal amounts of carbohydrate into their eating until they find a comfortable balance between their health and carbohydrate use.

The basic principles of the Atkins diet have been adapted to many other low-carb diet plans. However, Atkins popularity still remains strong as one of the most effective low-carbohydrate solutions for those who are insulin resistant.

For more related articles, visit www.funhowtobooks.com/articles

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5 Easy Diet Changes That Can Help You Lose Weight

By Paul Kayne

Many people feel that to lose weight you have to go on a big diet and change everything that you eat. But there are many simple things that you can do to help lose weight. Here are 5 pain free things that you can do to help shed some pounds.

1) Eat from a smaller plate

Research has shown that people have an internal concept of what a serving is. A smaller plate can help reduce that serving size. You can eat all of the regular foods, just eat from a smaller plate as it helps limit your portions. But watch out! There is a gotcha here. If you chose a plate that is too small, it may appear to your subconscious as half of a normal serving, making you crave a second plate!

2) Switch to whole grains

This doesn’t involve changing the food you eat, just mixing it up a bit. Whole grain baked goods are more filling and will increase your dietary intake of fiber. Take this change slowly, don’t go out and buy all new rice, pasta, and bread all at once. Because you may find that you’ll need to make some compromises for flavor, or because the family doesn’t like some of the changes. Just replace things as you need them.

3) Rediscover Soup

Soup is an excellent low calorie meal. Having soup a few more times a week can make a large difference to your caloric balance and is relatively pain free. But there are a couple of things to watch out for. There are some wickedly high calorie soups out there, watch those nutrition labels! A good cream of your favorite vegetable can have as many calories as a burger. Soup is good on occasion, but not all the time. Don’t get carried away with it.

4) Switch to diet / light / skim

These are simple changes that may be difficult to make initially, but give it a week, and you won’t even notice. Drinks are a significant source of calories that don’t contribute to our feelings of fullness. I’ll eat the same amount of food if I have eggnog or skim milk, but the eggnog adds a significant number of calories. Instead of a cup of chocolate milk, you can eat 1 cup of spaghetti and still consume fewer calories.

5) Eat Breakfast

Don’t follow the sumo wrestler habit of skipping breakfast to gain weight. A healthy nutritious breakfast will prevent your metabolism from slowing down (ever feel cold when you skip breakfast in the morning?). Wake up a little earlier or prepare the night before to make sure you get in a good breakfast.

Long term weight loss requires long term changes. Simple changes like these can be easy to implement and painless to maintain. Good luck on your weight loss journey!

Paul Kayne is a writer on issues related to weight loss, health and fitness. You can find more articles by him at weightlosspath.com.

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Which Feels Better A Manicure Or A Fabulous Fit Body - You Decide

By Kim Jamieson

I was at the salon recently and made this observation. I am astonished that people take better care of their nails, than they do their bodies. What is wrong with American people? They are not concerned with their health and wellness, but seem very concerned about chipped and polished nails. Why do they take care of their nails and go weekly to the salon for their manicures and pedicures, but would never set foot in the gym, or do any physical exercise to improve their health and well being. Do they think that people look at their nails, before they notice their fat, unfit, unhealthy bodies? They are wrong. People are very critical of each other, and notice everything about each other. I think it is about time that we put the same amount of time and energy into our bodies each week, as we do our manicures and pedicures.

To do this we first need to change our mind set. Trust me, if you feel good with a manicure and pedicure, imagine how GREAT you will feel when your body looks fit, healthy, and you feel trim and self confident. I do not want to forget to mention how your life will change and you will start to soar in every aspect of your life.

So let me lay the foundation:

-You must change your mindset. You must work for it and not wish for it. It is not a pill or magic fat melting potion. You need to do some form of exercise each day, even if it is a quick brisk walk.

-You must eat properly. If you eat junk you look like junk, and feel like junk. This is what I recommend. -Each day you’re going to rely on the right carbs, protein, fat, and this will enable you to live happily without the bad carbs, processed sugar and bad fat. As a result you are going to get healthy and loose weight.

-You will eat normal size portions of meat, chicken, fish, turkey (remember most peoples portions are too large). A normal sized portion is the size of the palm of your hand. -You’ll have plenty of vegetables, eggs, cheese, nuts. -Salads. -No bread for two weeks while you rid yourself of your sugar addiction.

-You will be eating low glycemic index foods for two weeks

-Sample Daily Menu: Breakfast: 2 eggs (protein) 1 small V8 Snack: 1 skim Mozzarella stick Lunch: Sliced Chicken Breast on a bed of mixed greens W/olive oil dressing Snack: 8-12 Almonds Dinner: Grilled Salmon with fresh grilled Asparagus Dessert: Ricotta Cheese with Cinnamon and sugar substitute

-You must hydrate. For some people it is difficult to drink water but this is a must do. Your body is at least 60-70% water, it is your source of life. Water will increase your metabolism, as much as 3%. It will also move nutrients throughout your body and to your tissues. Water flushes out toxins, and pollutants, and keeps your skin soft, hydrated. It is very easy to tell if you are drinking enough water and that your body is hydrated. If your urine looks like beer, than you need to drink more water. It should be crystal clear. -You must be consistent, and never give up. This is difficult but you can do it!

Let’s stop taking better care of our nails than our bodies. With a little work, determination and the right mind set you will achieve great health and wellness. Let your body shine brighter than your nails.

Kimberly Jamieson www.healthypainfreeliving.com has achieved success in living and maintaining a healthy fit lifestyle and has helped thousands achieve this success by using her fitness, diet, lifestyle and motivation tips. She is committed to helping others achieve ultimate health and wellness.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Jamieson

               

Best South Beach Diet Plans

By Reggie Dunn

In dieting, there is no such thing as perfection. No one is going to always eat the right thing. There will be times when allow yourself an indulgence or two. Actually, not being perfect is part of the South Beach Diet. It’s expected that there are times when you will fall off the wagon. But, there are ways to make the best out of the South Beach Diet plan. Here are some tips or hints that will make following the plan second nature:

1. Eat till satisfied (but not stuffed) – There is a reason why you’re not expected to weigh and measure everything you eat. First, it’s cumbersome, especially in social situations such as restaurants or at a friend’s house. Second, you should be satisfied. So, you should eat until your hunger is satisfied but not stuffed.

2. Use the right carbs for satisfaction – This is especially true during Phase 1. By using the lowest glycemic index carbs, you prevent carb cravings while regulating your blood sugar.

3. Take advantage of snacks – The plan is designed to allow you two snacks a day. The reason is simple – not eating for long periods of time leads to dips in your blood sugar which causes carb cravings. Having small snacks between meals keeps your blood sugar level. So, pack snacks and enjoy.

4. Remember to include sugar stoppers – Although fiber is great in getting in the way of carbs, it is not the only thing that does the trick. Fats and proteins slow the speed with which your body absorbs carbs. For example, a little olive oil or cheese with your bread is actually better than having it plain. So, if you are going to eat something with a lot of carbs, make to sure to pair it with protein or fat.

5. Plan for dessert – Yes, you heard that right. Between dinner and bedtime is a dangerous time for people on a diet. All of your good intentions are challenged. It could be your routine to have something or you need something sweet after a savory dinner. So, leave a little room for dessert.

6. Jump back on – Everyone falls off the wagon. It may be the holiday season, a stressful week at work or a special occasion. It’s ok to indulge once in a while. Just remember, jump back on the wagon. If you have gained weight, go on Phase 1 and then 2 until you have lost it.

These simple strategies can help you make the best of the South Beach Diet plan without having to be perfect. Remember – this diet is supposed to work with your life.

Reggie Dunn is a long time diet enthusiast and follower of the South Beach Diet.
You can find more information on the South Beach Diet at www.online-diet-reviews.info/south-beach-diet.html

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reggie_Dunn

               

Dieting Without Sacrifice

By Michael Graham

So many people view dieting as some sort of cosmic punishment for not having the perfect body. They believe that enjoying food is somehow bad for them, which couldn’t be further from the truth. If you want to be completely honest with yourself, when it comes to dieting, it isn’t about giving up food or flavor; it’s about discovering new foods and flavors. At least that is what it is for those who truly love food as well as adventure.

There are many spices out there that can make even the blandest of foods a little exciting. Fish and chicken are popular diet foods because they are lean meats. However, adding a little blackening seasoning is a great way to put a little punch in your meal that will make it taste great without packing on the calories of dressing marinades or soaking in butter before broiling. You do not have to stop there. Italian seasoning can also add a little flavor to your kitchen without adding the extra calories that you are working so hard to avoid.

There are all kinds of seasonings that will work well in this instance. Many great seasonings for chicken also make great additions to chicken that will be included in salads for healthier lunches or salad wraps. Grains are good for you when you concentrate on whole grains. They are quite often the primary source of fiber in a diet and you need fiber almost as much as you need water. At any rate, simple things that spice up the same old lunch can have a huge impact on your enjoyment of food.

You can even enjoy the occasional treat when dieting as long as you do so sparingly. The key when dieting is to learn about proper portions and moderate indulgence. You can find all kinds of low sugar or low carb desserts on the market that you can enjoy sparingly. You can even find sugar free or low calorie candy in some cases though you should keep in mind that calories, particularly when it comes to candy you eat unconsciously add up quickly and you must pay close attention to those things you put into your mouth.

My point in all this though is that you do not have to sacrifice flavor in order to diet. You can live without butter; there are many substitutions on the market that are quite remarkable. But seasonings are a great way to add a lot of flavor for a tiny bit of effort on your part. Desserts are also great and you can find many dips and sauces that can be made with fat free or low fat mayonnaise or sour cream in order to cut a few more calories during your dieting process.

These dips and sauces can often make a great substitution, when paired with vegetables, for those chips and dips we love so much and often miss when dieting. Cucumbers, green, red, and yellow peppers, broccoli, and carrot sticks all have a nice little crunch to them that when combined with a good low fat dip can help cure the crave beast for greasy chips that often rears its head when dieting.

If you watch your calories carefully during meals you should be delighted to know that there are many little snack treats that are prepackaged in 100 calorie packs for your enjoyment. This means that you can indulge on occasion in those treats that you love most without sacrificing all your dieting efforts in the process. These snack packs have become one of the best marketing ploys since the invention of diet colas. We all want the benefits of losing weight and will readily admit that if it were a simple process we’d all be thin. However, having something like these hundred calorie snack packs to carry you through the worst of your cravings can mean the difference between dieting success and failure. They are definitely the difference in the old way of dieting and the new way of dieting without sacrificing flavor.

Dieting Without Sacrifice

Everything About Obesity has the complete guide to obesity and overweight which pose a major risk for serious diet-related chronic diseases. For all issues relating to obesity and overweight go to Everthing About Obesity

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Liquid Fad Diets…Why Drinking Your Way to Slimness Isn’t The Best Thing To Do!

By Mishaun Taylor

So many people in our country are overweight that the problem has been described as an epidemic. Our modern way of living– spending lots of time driving and sitting in front of computers– coupled with the abundance of highly caloric, cheap food, has produced a nation of fatties. The problem shows no sign of abating, and individuals, rather than facing the fact that they need to discipline themselves to eat healthily and exercise, are choosing fad diets to combat the problem. A popular approach has been the liquid diet, in which dieters limit themselves to wacky concoctions such as maple syrup, cayenne, and lemon juice to “burn” fat. Other dieters waste money and compromise their health buying liquid meal replacements in an effort to drop the pounds. Let’s examine why these measures are futile.

Weight loss does occur on a liquid diet. The dieter, desperate to believe that she’s finally found the secret to losing weight, attributes her weight loss to some magical combination of ingredients. Or she believes the marketing propaganda distributed by the manufacturer of the liquid diet, which says that the product promotes weight loss because it affects hormones or metabolism, or some other nonsense. The fact is, she loses weight because she has restricted calories. When she begins the liquid diet, she’s gung-ho and has made a promise to herself that this time, she really will lose weight. So she faithfully follows the guidelines to the diet, forgoing all real food in favor of the meal replacement. Since she’s probably consuming about half the calories she needs to be healthy, she does lose some fat and water weight.

Unfortunately for her, there’s much more involved in sustained weight loss than downing chalky, pre-packaged shakes for a week or so. The liquid diets don’t provide the nutrients her body needs for long-term health and stamina. Soon she’ll feel weak and light-headed because she’s simply not taking in enough calories, nor is she ingesting the complex mix of nutrients that we all need to be healthy.

Our dieter hasn’t learned anything she needs to know to be healthy and fit and to maintain an optimum weight throughout her life. She hasn’t learned how to choose a moderate, well balanced menu that includes lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of produce. She hasn’t learned to recognize and satiate hunger with reasonably sized portions of nutritious foods. She hasn’t learned that she can occasionally indulge in treats because they taste good and are satisfying. Instead she’s taking the all-or-nothing approach which simply is not how our bodies were designed to function.

The dieter who loses weight on a liquid diet will soon miss the satisfying crunch of raw vegetables, the delightfully creamy texture of real cheese, the smoky smell of a hamburger right off the grill, and the chewiness of freshly baked bread. It won’t be long before the liquid diet will be abandoned. Sadly, since the dieter is now desperate for taste and texture, and her body is craving fiber and nutrients, she will begin to eat with a vengeance, and stuff herself with far more calories than she needs. The weight will immediately pile back on, and the dieter will be back where she started, feeling even worse about herself and her lack of willpower.

Liquid diets, like any fad diet promising quick results, do not work. They deprive the body of nutrients it needs, they foster unhealthy and unrealistic attitudes about food, and they ultimately make the problem worse. Anyone seeking to lose weight should recognize that it will take a life long commitment to healthy eating and exercising.

Fad diets are out! Learn proven and effective ways to lose weight and keep it off without deprivation or drugs. Visit fad-diet.net today and get rid of those unwanted pounds forever!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mishaun_Taylor

               

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