Though some people want to trim down for a particular event or be able to wear a certain outfit, there are many of us who want to have a healthier lifestyle overall. As this is easier said than done, weight loss (and maintenance) comes from a balanced diet and a non-sedentary lifestyle.
Avoid these pitfalls if you possibly can –
- Smoking. Though the taste of tobacco can kill cravings and certain brands can act as a laxative at first, the results (loss of body water) do not bring lasting results. Besides addiction, respiratory problems, blood circulation issues and other fatalities including cancer – the chemicals (like ammonia) are not intended for direct human consumption.
- Friends and others who tell you that you have to try a certain product. If I had a penny for every time, someone told me about some new weight loss method, I would not be affected by the recession today. Unless they are licensed nutritionists, you should not take chances on your health based on their opinion.
- Fasting. Unless monitored by a physician or for religious reasons, it is never good to miss more than one meal a day.
- Eating from only one food group. While the carb craze made us realize that lettuce could be substituted for burger buns, some went too far in avoiding carbohydrates altogether. If changing to a vegetarian diet, make sure it is balanced by other non-animal food groups.
- Infomercial products. Face it, most people who plug this are out of work actors who, at their peak, were C-list anyway. Seldom are these approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and it usually takes several lawsuits to be filed before they are pulled off the market. Even if there is monetary gain resulting from a lawsuit, chances are it will not bring your health back.
- Foods that say diet. Don’t get me wrong. These can be good for substituting white sugar, reducing calories or fat. Yet sometimes, they have a high sodium content (especially canned or frozen foods) so consume in moderation.
- Rely on dieting alone. Unless bedridden, a certain level of daily activity is recommended with any weight loss program; even if it is only ten minutes of stretching three times a week.
- Purging/ Extreme use of laxatives. Unhealthy for internal organs, causes malnutrition brought on my loss of body fluid.
- Diet teas. Use in moderation. Even green tea, which is known for its many health benefits should be monitored.
- Pills. Despite claims made in advertising, there is no “miracle cure”. Results are short-term and if used for an extended period of time, can be dangerous. Even those prescribed by a physician should be researched independently. Ask anyone who’s tried Phen-fen.
Everyone has different diet needs and the more a person has to lose, the more care should be taken to ensure lasting and healthy results. How do I know? I’ve tried nearly every “diet” out there and it’s still a work in progress.
