When losing weight, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of dieting. Every other person out there has a diet plan and wants to sell it to you. If you are looking to lose weight, be realistic about it. Weight loss is a long term commitment; doctors recommend losing only about 2 pounds a week for most people. Losing twenty pounds will take a while.
The Rapid Weight Loss Diet
Rapids weight loss diets seem like a great solution and a great way to jump into a diet. And they can be a good start, but only temporarily. But everyone knows you can only limit your daily food intake for so long before you go on a binge. Perhaps it’s the constant thinking about food, or maybe it’s biological, but sooner or later those who go on a rapid weight loss diet end up binging.
Crash Dieting
Crash diets are severe forms of food deprivation. Those who crash diet limit their daily caloric intake and also are much more likely to rebound. They risk gaining back all the lost weight and then more.
Risks of Rapid Weight Loss
There are serious risks to rapid weight loss including vitamin and mineral deficiency, gall stones and even the eating disorders anorexia and bulimia. Rapid weight loss also makes your skin empty and loose, as it doesn’t have enough time to shrink back into place. Gaining weight again could induce stretch marks. Loss of bone density is a serious risk for women.
Factors Affecting Weight Loss
There are many factors that will affect how you lose weight. Family history, or genetics, is a major factor. You may have a slower metabolism level than other people, and your body may burn calories differently. Many people don’t know that limiting caloric intake can actually slow metabolism, as your body thinks it needs to conserve energy. Stress levels and the amount of exercise you get also affect how you lose weight.
The Turtle and the Hare
Doctors and dietitians have been telling us for years that the only way to lose weight is through a combined regimen of diet and exercise. It takes time. In fact, a well rounded diet is much better for you and, when created and consumed properly, in addition to regular exercise, can help you lose more weight and maintain weight loss. Losing weight needs to be part of an overall lifestyle change, not a periodic act of desperation. Slow and steady always wins the race.
Tips To Maximize Your Weight Loss
- Fill up on fruits and vegetables
- Consume whole grain carbohydrates-no white rice or bread
- Exercise regularly- find activities that you enjoy
- Be creative- get a new cookbook, be an adventurous eater
- Drink lots of water
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Don’t count the numbers- notice fitness levels or clothing size
- Stick with it
- Have Fun!
Be sure to make a long term commitment to the overall improvement of your health. Be sure to keep the bigger picture in mind, and focus on yourself, not just your body. Changing your attitude can change your life.
Get a jump start on your personal weight loss program today.
