Nearly everybody wants to lose weight. No matter how big or how small we are, it seems we always have a few pounds we’d like to shed. But, with all the weight-loss products and programs on the market today, how do you know what program to use?
When you think about it, it’s pretty simple. Do the sensible one. Select the program that doesn’t sound too good to be true or makes promises it couldn’t possibly keep. There are no “magic pills” that melt fat away or cause your body to suddenly look like you’ve been spending months in the gym working on your abs. Selecting the right weight-loss program for you depends upon your ability and desire to commit to change and take responsibility for what you eat.
You cannot keep eating the way you currently eat and expect your body to look any different than it currently does. A change in your body requires a change in your thinking as well as a change in your eating. Only you can be responsible for what you choose to put in your mouth. For the most part, you are well aware of what foods are good for you and which ones go straight to your thighs!
In all fairness, Americans are more overweight than ever before because we have been victimized by media misinformation. Just a few short years ago, we were told to eat unlimited high-volume, lowfat foods such as pastas, breads, and cereals. Unfortunately, this campaign was funded, for the most part, by industries who manufacture those kinds of foods. What we were not told, however, was that extensive exercise would also be needed if we ate a high-carbohydrate diet. Even fat-free bread will ultimately turn to fat on the body if the body is not active enough to burn up all the sugar (glucose) that carbs create. When you consider it takes fifteen minutes of jogging to burn off one slice of bread, and that the majority of Americans do not exercise regularly, is it any wonder that we are all growing at alarming rates with diabetes now at an all-time high?
So what do you do? Here are some steps.
1. Don’t diet. You will need to create an eating plan for yourself that fits into your lifestyle and can be maintained forever. Temporary change only provides for temporary results.
2. Honestly evaluate the way you eat and identify “problem” food areas such as cravings for sweets or carbohydrates.
3. Find alternatives to the “problem” foods that are both satisfying and healthy, such as lowfat frozen yogurt instead of ice cream or fat-free pretzels instead of chips.
4. Eat high-protein, low-carbohydrate meals and drink lots of water daily.
5. Get a buddy. Staying motivated is key to long-term weight-loss success. If you are on a good weight-loss program, your counselor can help direct your eating while motivating you to achieve your goal.
6. Exercise whenever possible.
There are a lot of safe and effective herbal products available to help boost an inactive metabolism and take the edge off your appetite. Be sure the product you select offers personal assistance and counseling. Every person is different and so is their tolerance to herbs. You will want to use products that can be customized to meet your unique physical and medical requirements.
Don’t be discouraged. Your weight did not come on overnight, and likewise, it will not come off overnight either. Patience is important. See every pound lost as a personal success because it is. With a little perseverance and belief in your ability to achieve your weight goal, nothing can stop you.
If you have questions or would like information about how to address your personal weight problems, feel free to contact Fit America at (800) 940-SLIM or visit our website at www.fitamerica.com. Personal assistance is always free.
