People are desperate for quick fixes and results. That is why they many times fall for unfounded promises of fast weight loss results that are based on little or no science or fact. Because companies realize that many people have
People are desperate for quick fixes and results. That is why they many times fall for unfounded promises of fast weight loss results that are based on little or no science or fact. Because companies realize that many people have tried and failed at effective weight loss and body weight control, they get very good at promoting results that are unrealistic or even unhealthy. Here are some guidelines to follow if you are interested in effective weight loss and maintenance that is healthy and attainable.
Some claims that should raise red flags for you are promises of large amounts of fast weight loss that is easy and effortless. Claims of more than two pounds a week are often suspect unless they also helping rid the body of toxins.
Fat removal of two pounds a week is doable and healthy. If someone tries to tell you that weight loss can be achieved without exercise or restricting calories, then they are misinforming you. It is a balance between calories in and calories out. The types of calories are also important. Fat is readily stored as fat. So is sugar and alcohol, but protein is not readily stored as fat and neither is fiber and other complex carbohydrates. So not all calories are created equal when it comes to creating energy or when it comes to storing it. A calorie is simply the way of measuring how much energy is in a certain food.
If a company promotes its products or methods as breakthrough or secret, it is likely that it is not based on sound science but on marketing. I personally have examined hundreds of different companies and thousands of various products on the market that claim to be “the best” and I have found a few very good ones and many that are full of artificial colors, flavors, fillers and contaminants. Unfortunately, if you are not a nutritional expert it is very difficult to tell the difference and separate the good from the bad.
If a company claims to get rid of cellulite or relies only on testimonials without actual scientific studies, then it is a red flag. Real nutritional companies conduct scientific studies in conjunction with universities so that they can prove the effectiveness of their products, and they don’t make silly claims like removing cellulite. They stick with the facts. Superior weight loss products are clean, processed under strict standards, are free or artificial anything and are tested before they come on the market.
Because the nutritional supplement industry is not highly regulated, many companies produce inferior products that even claim to contain certain components that when tested are found to be missing or in inadequate quantities.
If a program suggests that you consume less than a thousand calories per day, it is unhealthy. Eight hundred calories a day qualifies as starvation. You need a minimum of a thousand calories to get the nutrients required for health and some people who are very active require more. If a program advises body slimming wraps, or sauna belts, passive muscle stimulation or fails to recommend a medical exam before beginning, red flags should go up for you.
If a program is based on a fad such as identifying your blood type as a way of establishing what types of food you should eat, or suggests that food should be eaten is specific combinations, you should realize that something is amiss. Have you ever seen any other type of animal except humans consider such nonsense?
To lose weight and keep it off for good. You must exercise strategically, eat lower fat foods and focus on protein (either animal or vegetable protein), and fiber. Use nutritional supplements strategically from a reputable company such as the one I use www.discoverthis.isagenix.com; if you need help call me, and lower your stress so that you sleep well. These are life-long strategies that work and are healthy. Not quick fixes that are dubious at best.
•••
Jane Riley is a certified personal trainer, certified nutritional adviser and certified behavior change specialist. She can be reached at janerileyfitness@gmail.com, 212-8119 and www.janerileyfitness.com
