In today’s society of the glamour models with toothpick legs and flat stomachs on every magazine cover, people are becoming more obsessed with weight loss instead of weight control. Billions of dollars are spent every year on fad items such as abdominal machines, DVDs, energy and mood pills, fat burner pills, etc. Many companies and organizations are capitalizing on this by promoting programs that could lead a desperate person into the wrong direction.
The first step in gaining weight control is to stop all the fad diets and paraphernalia and get into the grove of eating healthy and working out. Begin by having a great attitude that you did not gain the weight over night; therefore, you cannot possibly lose it overnight!! If it was that easy, Americans would not be so obese. Commit yourself to a program for at least 3 months in order to get long term results and ultimately make this new change, a #lifestyle change.
Avoid programs that promote the following tactics:
WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT EXERCISING - You must exercise in order to lose body fat and of course watch what you eat. If one just restricts their eating but does not change their habits, they will not gain control of their weight.
FASTING - This is a definite sign that the program does not know what they are talking about. Cleansing of the body can be done without fasting. Fasting slows down your metabolism causing you to gain weight back more rapidly.
IMPROPER FOOD PLANS - A good healthy eating plan will incorporate the proper amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. A plan that totally restricts your carbohydrates and depletes your energy can be dangerous. Your body will excrete excess water that is stored and cause weight loss. Once again, no control over your weight. Unfortunately, the average American eats approximately 50-60% of their intake in carbohydrates, so by cutting back to lose body fat will not hurt.
DOES NOT CHECK BODY FAT - A program that only determines progress by your weight on a scale. Realistic and healthy weight loss in generally 1-2 pounds of body fat per week - Most plans will not distinguish the difference between weight loss and body fat loss. A good plan will not allow you to lose much lean tissue. Remember lean tissue requires calories to survive. The more lean tissue you have the more calories you can burn.
A good, healthy fitness plan that will help you gain control over your weight should be one that is open to your doctor’s approval and one that meets your lifestyle needs. Remember, all good things take time. Be patient and put your mind to it. You will gain control over your weight and receive the results you want.
