Fitwell Training Solutions

Curling Iron for your body... not just your hair

• Managing Your Weight: To Good to Be True

  Posted on June 16th, 2009

  Often, life events can help motivate us to lose weight. Whether it’s a new relationship, upcoming trip or a recent doctor visit, sometimes that’s exactly what we need to jumpstart our weight loss efforts. However, you must be careful to avoid the pitfalls of weight loss. I’m sure you’ve seen the countless commercials and advertisements about rapid weight loss. These testimonials are full of individuals who claim how easy it is to lose weight. Many of people say they don’t have to exercise at all. At the end of these success stories its easy to see how the monies spent on weight loss exceeds 4 billion a year. (check stats) Remember, the old adage, “If it’s too good to be true it probably is?” This applies to the weight loss claims as well. The next time you view an infomercial notice the small print at the bottom of each screen. It will say something like, “Results not typical.” Another disclaimer is also written beneath these testimonials. It states that these results have not been evaluated by the Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA). What this means is that claims made have not been proven nor are they regulated by a governing body. In essences you’re gambling when you ingest clinically biased or unproven weight loss “miracle drugs.” Therefore, you cannot rely solely on the results communicated. The best way to take the weight off for long term results is to do the following:

  1) Watch your portion & serving size per meal

  2) Eat as many natural foods as possible such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains

  3) Perform cardiovascular exercise for 45-60 minutes for weight loss, 5-6 days per week and 30 minutes daily for weight maintenance

  4) Perform strength training 2-3 times per week

  5) Be patient – Healthy weight loss takes time. Aim for between 1-3 pounds a week. Anything more will result in a loss of lean body tissue (aka muscle)

  Posted by kurt