The ‘Guaranteed Quick-Weight Loss’ Diet Myth
Posted: Monday, July 09, 2007
by Judi Lake
Judi Lake Advertising
On the average, the general populace is barraged with piles of dietary idealisms daily. Is it any wonder that very few people can loose weight permanently and actually become unhealthier in the process? We jump from diet idea to diet idea because everyone has “built a better mousetrap". The plain and simple truth of the matter is that unless you have a medical problem, most people are eating too much and not getting enough exercise.
Very few of us are going to have the flawless figure of a super model or the body of a weight lifter. Our genetic makeup and our lifestyle determine this. People come in all different sizes and shapes. It’s how we abuse this genetic makeup that determines our weight.
The body is a marvelous machine and if we let it, it will keep us at our optimum. Our genetics and family line create who we are. Some people are BUILT BIG, some are people are built small and some people are medium built.
The fact is, if you are a ‘big boned’ person, you will never be petite. That is not to say you are overweight, lazy, or unhealthy; your body frame is just big and you need to learn acceptance of your body and stop comparing yourself to others. The same goes for the smaller person.
That’s just the way it is!
But there is a difference between ‘big boned’ and ‘fat’ just as there is a difference between ‘petite’ and anorexic. Trying to change your genetic makeup will always be a battle. Being acutely overweight or anorexic, however, is another story because it is not a genetic definition; most often such a condition is emotionally triggered and usually stems from inmost problems.
Fad diets are popular because of the unrealistic promises that are packaged with each new diet. All ‘fad diets’ fulfill dieters with their own personal ‘get thin quick’ fantasy. At the inception of each new diet, dieters usually are faithful to work hard on the ‘diet plan.’ The new dieter wants to loose weight within the ‘promised timeframe’ of … seven to ten days. These diets may eliminate those first ten pounds, which is usually water weight, but it is unlikely the weight will stay off. Statistically, over 90% of people who loose weight rapidly on fad diets gain double the weight back.
And so the cycle of over-eating continues because the dieter becomes disenchanted until… the next new diet pill comes around.
Before the temptation to purchase a new diet pill overpowers you, ask yourself: How many years did it take to become overweight? If you are overweight, obviously it did not take ‘seven to ten days’ to pile those pound on.
There is no ‘miracle pill’ that is going to transform your body in ten days.
The ‘secret miracle’ you are looking for is to entirely change everything in your life. You must be willing to change your eating habits, change the way you think about yourself and be willing to exercise.
If you are ready to seriously get back to what God intended you should be, then here are some tips to help you get there.
• First, find out what calorie intake is necessary for you personally which depends on your weight and body frame.
• Reduce that by 15% eating what you want but do not exceede that number.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
• No fast foods under any circumstances!
• No saturated fats.
• All balanced fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
• Stay away from sugar substitutes and any flour that is not whole grain.
• Take a multi-vitamin.
• Many fruits, vegetables, and nuts are good supplements instead of red meat.
• No processed foods.
• Eat lean meats -- give up the burgers unless they are soy.
• Eat fruits and vegetables for snacks.
• Eat four to five small meals a day not exceeding your caloric intake.
• Exercise daily, even if it’s a short walk and throw away your TV remote.
• Drink skim milk or 1% milk instead of whole milk.
• Drink an eight-ounce glass of water before every meal.
And…
Give yourself a treat on your day off!
No one got you in this condition and no one but you can overcome it. It won’t happen overnight but it will happen and you’ll be healthier and happier for it.
Now, where did I put my Tootsie Rolls….
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Judi, sensible and truthful suggestions/advice. An excellent article and now it's up to us!Trust me, Avis, I've been on that roller coaster myself. Probably because my business is based from my home, I'm a 'picker' and last year really struggled with an extra 15 pounds; I literally saw 'munchies' on my computer monitor instead of work.... no, nothing worth it comes quckly, does it? Thanks for your comment.
Judi, Nicely done. I have found that emotions such as self-blame play a role in perpetuating addictive patterns such as weight problems. People who feel victimized by their problems are less likely to come up with a rational plan for changing their behavior. You have outlined a well thought-out plan. Thanks.Yes, James you are right (but then again, that is your job [smile]); many of my thin girlfriends balooned tremendously due to their unhappiness and frustration. Stuffing emotions triggers many things and, I believe, everything starts by how one looks at things and if one is willing to change their circumstances. Overweight is a real problem with children today and I am very conscious with my daughter NOT having any fast foods; sure it's probably easier but in the longrun it creates a lot of problems and poor eating habits. Me? I really do love tootsie rolls and have to watch that... Thanks for your comments, Mr. James!
Excellent article. Common sense applied to weight loss, and health, leads to uncommon gains.
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