We know that being overweight or obese are bad for our health. However, it is important to realize too that "dieting" in the wrong way can also be bad for our health. A common mistake in approaching weight loss is a "fire-alarm" sort of way...resolving to get it off in one month (never mind that it took years, or even decades, to put it on ) by whatever means necessary.
The "whatever means necessary" usually involves crash diets, diet pills, hourly trips to the gym, and sweating enough to register on a rain gauge. Not a good idea for a variety of reasons:
1. The so called "crash diets" are bad for at least two reasons: first, they're dangerous for your health. They can deprive your body of essential nutrients, harm your immune system, damage your blood vessels, and cause heart disease. Further, they slow your metabolism which can cause you to gain more weight in the future. Secondly, they don't work because they are unsustainable. How long are you going to starve yourself?
2. Diet pills: Most over-the-counter diet pills have not been adequately tested for long-term safety. It is essential that you consult with your doctor who can monitor you closely for early signs of trouble. Think: ephedra and fen-phen (Re-dux), both of which have been removed from the market after shown to cause heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, and even death.
3. Over-exercising: If one who is not accustomed to high levels of suddenly embarks on a no-holds-barred exercise program, there is danger of injury to joints, muscles, tendons, and bones. These injuries can cause lifetime interference with walking and other activities. The person over-exercising for weight loss commonly implements a plan of severe caloric restriction at the same time, thus compounding the danger of exercise-related illness.
There is one effective way to lose weight and to maintain a healthy weight for a lifetime. This way involves making a few changes in basic lifestyle habits:
- Reduce portion sizes of all foods. (No second servings.)
- Eat a balanced diet. (Stay away from any "plan" that requires you to purchase pre-packaged foods. How long is that going to work for you and your family?)
- Eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages. (Drink water.)
- When you are eating, do nothing else. Enjoy every bite you eat and when you are full, stop eating.
- Never, ever skip meals.
- Have a healthful snack in between meals.
- Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Increase the number of calories you "use up" by developing a habit of "motion". Every extra step you take, every extra step you climb, every extra bend you make...these all use up calories. Granted, they only use the calories up one at a time...wait! Is that how the calories accumulated in the first place?
- Don't make the mistake of expecting more than a one, to three, pound weight loss per week. If you lose more than that, it is water or muscle loss...neither of which is desirable, diet-wise. Recent studies have shown a disproportionate benefit after you have lost even the first few pounds. Once this happens, motivation sets in and you are on your way. Don't give up...you'll get there, one ounce at a time!
The "whatever means necessary" usually involves crash diets, diet pills, hourly trips to the gym, and sweating enough to register on a rain gauge. Not a good idea for a variety of reasons:
1. The so called "crash diets" are bad for at least two reasons: first, they're dangerous for your health. They can deprive your body of essential nutrients, harm your immune system, damage your blood vessels, and cause heart disease. Further, they slow your metabolism which can cause you to gain more weight in the future. Secondly, they don't work because they are unsustainable. How long are you going to starve yourself?
2. Diet pills: Most over-the-counter diet pills have not been adequately tested for long-term safety. It is essential that you consult with your doctor who can monitor you closely for early signs of trouble. Think: ephedra and fen-phen (Re-dux), both of which have been removed from the market after shown to cause heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, and even death.
3. Over-exercising: If one who is not accustomed to high levels of suddenly embarks on a no-holds-barred exercise program, there is danger of injury to joints, muscles, tendons, and bones. These injuries can cause lifetime interference with walking and other activities. The person over-exercising for weight loss commonly implements a plan of severe caloric restriction at the same time, thus compounding the danger of exercise-related illness.
There is one effective way to lose weight and to maintain a healthy weight for a lifetime. This way involves making a few changes in basic lifestyle habits:
- Reduce portion sizes of all foods. (No second servings.)
- Eat a balanced diet. (Stay away from any "plan" that requires you to purchase pre-packaged foods. How long is that going to work for you and your family?)
- Eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages. (Drink water.)
- When you are eating, do nothing else. Enjoy every bite you eat and when you are full, stop eating.
- Never, ever skip meals.
- Have a healthful snack in between meals.
- Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Increase the number of calories you "use up" by developing a habit of "motion". Every extra step you take, every extra step you climb, every extra bend you make...these all use up calories. Granted, they only use the calories up one at a time...wait! Is that how the calories accumulated in the first place?
- Don't make the mistake of expecting more than a one, to three, pound weight loss per week. If you lose more than that, it is water or muscle loss...neither of which is desirable, diet-wise. Recent studies have shown a disproportionate benefit after you have lost even the first few pounds. Once this happens, motivation sets in and you are on your way. Don't give up...you'll get there, one ounce at a time!
I'll give you all the knowledge so you can be on your way to your ideal weight!
And, If you're serious, I'll help you, each step of the way.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_Bristol
And, If you're serious, I'll help you, each step of the way.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_Bristol
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