A sad paradox about weight loss programs – despite the many weight loss programs being introduced in the market, the number of obese individuals is growing. Well, does this imply there is a problem with weight loss programs or is it an issue of choosing the right program for each individual?
Perhaps it is more of the second case rather than the first because anyone who strictly follows a certain program will indeed be able to reduce his weight. Even then, you can’t ignore the fact that there are more programs today purporting to help you lose weight, than there were around 10 years ago. If they are really effective, no one will be looking for new diet programs with innovative approach. Something is definitely wrong somewhere.
But you can be sure that losing weight is absolutely possible. Of course there are programs that are really not effective, but for sure, there are those that can really deliver what they promise. It’s all a matter of approach. You need to have the right approach before you can get the right results.
So how can you find the right program for you? Here are some factors to consider:
The Right Approach Towards Food Groups
Weight loss programs should not eliminate entire food groups in their diet plans. This is a dangerous approach because our bodies need a variety of nutrients which can only be provided by different kinds of foods.
You cannot just cut fats from your diets without incurring certain deficiencies. The same goes with reducing your intake of carbohydrates, certain kinds of proteins, vitamins and minerals. If a diet program requires you to drastically cut certain kind of foodstuffs, you need to consult your doctor first, if that will not give you any problem.
The Right Approach Towards Physical Activity
Any weight loss program that claims to reduce weight without the help of exercise is not really telling you what you need to know. They just want to impress you with their newfound knowledge. But is this verifiable?
In truth, you can only reduce weight if you combine your diet program with an effective exercise program specifically designed for your condition. Just remember that lack of physical activity will make you weak. This could be exacerbated if your diet program limits you to just a certain kind of food groups.
Your muscles can only gain strength if you feed them with the right kind of foods and give them the right kind of exercise. It would defeat your purpose if you lose weight but got weak as a result. Remember, it is the fats that you must jettison, and not your muscles.
No Incredible Claims
A diet program can only do so much. Even if you religiously follow its instructions, you will only lose so much weight with the time that you have spent doing it. So, if the program promises weight loss of 25 pounds in just two weeks, don’t believe it.
The safe and healthy way, according to health authorities, is to lose no more than 1 to 2 pounds per week. If you lose more than this amount you are risking your health.
Your Health and Safety Comes First
For a diet program to be good, it must give priority to your health and safety. Anything that the program requires you to do must always have this approach.
For instance, if a program requires you to limit your water intake, be careful. You must keep in mind that your body is made up of 70% water. For sure, reducing your water intake will surely reduce your weight. But if this is done haphazardly, and carelessly, you might suffer acute dehydration. Therefore, always remember that your safety and health always comes first.
The Right Approach Towards Calories
Our bodies need calories because they are our main source of energy. Without them our bodies would not work. Therefore, a good diet program will ensure that you are not deprived of the right amount of calories that your body needs, even if you are trying to lose weight.
So, avoid diet programs that will force you to limit your calorie intake drastically. Men should avoid diet programs that force them to cut their calorie intake to 1,500 and women to 1,200. You may be able to lose weight faster this way, but your body will feed off from your muscles and vital organs to get the calorie intake that it needs to function well.
It is therefore important to choose judiciously the kind of weight loss program that you will use. If you are really in doubt, check with your medical provider, especially if you already have been diagnosed with a medical condition. Losing unwanted weight is good, so as long as the method by which you are trying to follow does not endanger your life.