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When you make the decision to lose weight, you inevitably then have to go and
choose a diet that not only will do the trick but also be a diet and exercise
package that will be acceptable and stimulating. If you start off with a poor
diet and exercise program, you'll most likely drop it and that just makes your
weight loss program a big waste of time. Here's some food for thought...
Following a weight loss program is the most simple and efficient solution to
getting rid of your extra pounds (or at least most of them). You can find these
programs all around you: books that guide you, on-line weight loss programs, TV
shows, etc. You can choose which one to follow depending on your personal eating
habits and on the money you are willing to spend for such a program.
Many of us have a sedentary lifestyle, we go to work by car and then sit at a
desk for eight hours or more, and we are always tempted by tasty and cheap but
unhealthy food, rich in fats and carbohydrates. The result can be measured in
the extra pounds we “gain” and it can vary from just a few extra pounds to
obesity, depending on our metabolism & activities. As obesity became one of the
major problems of the civilized world, an entire industry has developed on the
basis of people’s need to lose weight. There are all kinds of products available
on the market, such as different weight loss pills, fitness devices, electrical
stimulation devices, etc. The problem is the majority of these products are not
that efficient as their commercials are suggesting and some may indeed be
seriously harmful to your health. It is much better to find a suitable weight
loss program and follow it step by step.
The most essential part of the weight loss program is the diet plan, but for a
more attractive commercial presentation the producers also come up with
different “secrets” books, tools, analyzers, motivation tips, weight loss
tricks, etc. There are also programs that include weight loss support; there are
support groups such as Overeaters Anonymous or Fat Acceptance.
Here are some examples of weight loss programs:
Low Fat Diet
The low fat weight loss program recommends a diet based on low fat or no fat
foods. Reducing fat intake and regular exercise results in long-lasting weight
loss. This program can be very effective if produced and supervised by an
expert. Many low fat programs found on the market reduce fat consumption too
much and it can become harmful for your health. A very high consumption of carbs
is also not good, which is often recommended by some programs. However, this
diet is one of the best ways to lose weight, but it is important they are
described in the correct manner.
High Protein Diet
This weight loss program is based on the consumption of high protein and low
carb foods. Although it leads to reasonably rapid weight loss, it is often NOT
an effective diet in the long run. It encourages the consumption of saturated
fats and this increases the risk of heart diseases. It can also cause damage to
your kidneys, as in the absence of enough carbs, for the rapid burning of fatty
acids the kidneys have to work overtime.
Fixed Menu
This type of weight loss program indicates you apply a fixed menu diet. You get
a list of what you have to eat everyday. It is easy to follow because you don’t
need to keep the calorie count. Its efficiency and healthiness can vary greatly.
Points Program
This weight loss program is created by Weight Watchers, a company offering
different dieting products and services for weight loss. The points system
consists in quantifying the caloric intake and the energy expenditure. Foods are
assigned a specific number of points and exercises are assigned a negative
number of points. Based on their current weight and weight loss goals, program
participants are allocated a certain number of points every week. Therefore,
participants are allowed to eat any type of food, but they must not exceed their
total point value that week. This is an easy to follow program, mainly because
of the psychological effect is has on the participant.
Food Optimizing
This weight loss program is created by Slimming World, a British company which
runs weight loss classes across the UK. During classes members are weighed and
the loss or gain is shared with the others; they also share experiences, tips,
ask for advice, etc.
The diet is a calorie-restricted one. The foods known as “free foods”, are
considered to have a low calorie content may be eaten in unrestricted amounts.
They recommend eating four small portions per day of foods that provide supplies
of minerals, vitamins or dietary fiber, even if these foods are higher in
calories. Days are classified in red days and green days. There are red days
“free foods” and green days “free foods”, and all other foods are assigned a syn
value.
Although most of us know the do’s and don’ts in order to lose weight, it becomes
much easier if we are using a precise weight loss program, this way we get more
determined.
The most important thing is not to expect short term extraordinary results. Even
if there are weight loss programs that guarantee this, you may cause serious
injury to your health and you will only enjoy short-time results normally. A
good diet should always include all of the Recommended Daily Allowances for
vitamins, minerals and proteins. Also, the weight loss program must offer you
solutions for maintenance after the weight loss phase is over; and this is much
more difficult than the weight loss itself. It is important to know that only
healthy the eating habits and exercise are the primary keys to long term weight
control.
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