Monday, September 25, 2006

Fast Weight Loss Systems: Fact or Fiction?


People who are overweight often become desperate about their situation and seek fast weight loss answers to a problem that has taken a lifetime to reach its current state. In their defense, however, let it be said that life itself, particularly modern life, seems to conspire to thwart their best-intentioned efforts to lose weight in a safe and healthy manner.

They are surrounded by all sorts of great tasting, appealing, and fattening food that is relatively cheap and easy to get hold of. They live in a society that for years has decreased its demands on their bodies so that physical systems which worked well for a more labor intensive society actually betray them in their efforts to lose weight.

One small example of this is cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone which helped keep cavemen and cavewomen alive. It served several purposes, but it was linked to a lifestyle which included scarcity of food and non-scarcity of activity. In our modern world, cortisol actually helps cause weight gain and hinder weight loss.

Still, there are other obstacles. As people age, their metabolism slows down so that the same number of calories packs on more fat. If they try to diet, and reduce their calories below a certain level, their bodies may slow down their metabolism even more, possibly causing them to begin gaining weight again even on their new reduced intake. If they come off the diet, and begin eating the way they used to, their body continues to subsist at the lower level and stores the rest as fat.

If they are relatively low on the economic scale, it may be harder for them to acquire the foods they need to more effectively manage their weight, and they may lack the information or education which allows them to make good judgments about their diet and activity plans.

Against this backdrop of life's weight loss treachery, if you will, they must deal with all the negative impacts of their particular weight loss problem.

They must deal daily with the negative self-image that a person of their size often has, especially in a society which glorifies the skinny and "beautiful" and equates these attributes with fame, fortune, desirability, and social worth. This and the inability to participate in various physical aspects of life, impacts on self-esteem. This, and many of the physical conditions related to obesity or being overweight, can cause or increase depression. Because of health issues related to being overweight and the close connection between body and mind, mental problems can express themselves as real physical conditions.

The hamster wheel of physical and mental problems is hard to get off of, particularly when there is a fast food joint on every street corner beckoning seductively.

Is it any surprise that people who are overweight, particularly those who have tried almost desperately to lose weight, and failed, are seeking the quick and easy weight loss formula? They want to burn fat from their bodies, and they want to burn it off now!

The sad part is that when the next best "fast weight loss formula, plan, pill, book, diet, or potion" hits the market it is as likely to betray their trust as completely as all the fad diets, pills, and magic reducing equipment of yesterday.

The truth about weight loss is that it takes time.

Even the most drastic medical interventions, such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, do not act exceedingly rapidly. In many cases, individuals would lose almost as much weight in about the same length of time by implementing a well planned exercise program and nutritional regimen. However, there are people who, for various reasons, would benefit from a medical procedure rather than trying to start a weight loss problem at the point where they find themselves.

Another, easier, truth about weight loss is that almost any action taken is a step in the right direction. If that step is the first action on a daily walking program, they will not notice much in the way of weight loss at first. However, even after only one short episode of walking, their bodies will begin making internal preparations to change the way that things happen internally. If the program is continued, the effects will begin to show in much the same way that small amounts of money, saved regularly and invested wisely can grow into huge sums.

Combining many small steps over a period of time can result in an acceleration of weight loss. It will still take time to burn fat, but it will move along a little faster. For example, beginning a walking program is great. If it can be combined with more effective nutritional choices, that may enhance the effects of the exercise side of the equation. The exercise may produce a psychological lift which helps relieve stress and emotional difficulties which might, without the exercise, remain components of the weight loss problem.

No, there is no such thing as a genuine "fast weight loss system", but many steps can be taken to produce healthy weight loss.

About the Author


Donovan Baldwin is a Dallas area writer. He is a graduate of the University of West Florida, a member of Mensa, and is retired from the U. S. Army. He has published over 130 articles on health, fitness, weight loss, diet, and topics related to internet marketing and network marketing. Learn about a way to burn fat at http://nodiet4me.com/burn_fat.html

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10 Successful Secrets for Weight Loss


Attitude: In order to succeed with your weight loss goals it is important to go into this program without thinking you are on a diet. What you need to do is change your behaviour and habits. This does not mean that you need to ever feel hungry or turn yourself into an Olympic athlete in order to achieve your weight loss goal. If you fall off the wagon get back on, you haven’t lost the war.

Exercise: If you are more than 20 pounds overweight then you should start off with moderate daily exercise e.g. walking or swimming to assist with your weight loss. Always consult your doctor before embarking on any exercise regime.

If you are moderately overweight then a minimum of 40 minutes per day is preferable to achieve weight loss. If aged over 40 then it helps to try and do 2 sessions per day e.g. aerobic workout in the morning and walking or cycling for 30 minutes or more in the evening. I found that my metabolism slowed down considerably when I reached 40 so fitting in two sessions a day really helped my weight loss efforts.

Getting Organized: This lifestyle change will take a certain amount of effort and forward planning on your part. Think about what you do throughout the day that you could change i.e. do you sit at your desk at lunchtime reading the newspaper? Do you watch television for several hours in the evening? Could you set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier in the morning? This extra time can be used for exercise and the time needed to prepare your meals in advance if you need to take them to work .

Make lists for shopping, don’t just hit the supermarket with a vague idea of what you will need for your weight loss goal. Cook in bulk and freeze the rest in small portions.

Things to Avoid: As a general rule stick to the outer aisles in the supermarket where the fresh produce is displayed. Avoid the aisles with packaged and processed foods. It goes without saying to avoid sugar and sugar related products (try fruit instead).

If in doubt just cut out the white stuff, sugar, white bread, white rice, potatoes etc. Dairy products can be very high in fat so try the reduced fat variety. I personally find this tastes better than the no fat variety and is more satisfying so you aren’t looking for more in another half an hour.

Alcohol is also best avoided as this is normally quite high in calories and can lead to dehydration.

Quantities: Try and keep the quantities down to between 200-300 calories per meal, slightly more for men or if you are very active.

Frequency: Eat these small meals 5 times a day, approximately every 3 hours. Do not skip a meal and try not to eat after 7pm in the evening. The frequency of meals will stop you from feeling hungry and ease you toward your weight loss goal.

Dehydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, at least 8 glasses . Don’t wait until you are thirsty as this means that you are dehydrated. This will help to keep your energy levels up and also eliminate toxins which can make you feel sluggish and tired.

Tricking your Metabolism: Eat 5 small meals of around 200-300 calories for 3 days then on the fourth day increase your calorie intake slightly for each meal . This will stop your body going into starvation mode and lowering your metabolism to suit the reduced intake.

Buddy: Why not get a friend or partner to join you on your new health and weight loss regime. This makes exercise more fun and helps you stay on target.

Attitude: I repeat this step as it's key to the success of your program. Continue to work towards a goal taking small steps if necessary. Many people have done this, you can too.

By using these tips you should achieve gradual and healthy weight loss without feeling deprived or hungry.



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About the Author


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