There’s no denying that it’s bathing suit time in the Orlando area. Unfortunately, if you’re still toting around a few extra pounds from the winter months, you’re probably looking for ways to shed them before you don a suit and head to the pool or beach. While this is an excellent idea, you need to watch out for fad diets and exercise myths. What you don’t know can hurt you.
Fad Diet Myths
Fad diets are called such because they tend to come into vogue quickly and fall out of fashion just as fast. Popular fad diets abound, but the problem is most are not very effective or safe. When information about fad diets is looked at more closely, these lose-weight-quick schemes just don’t pan out. Some fad diet myths and facts to be aware of include:
Fad diets always work – While it’s true that popular fad diets can help people shed pounds fast, they tend to involve starvation methods or cutting out needed nutrients. People can and do lose weight when they take part in fad diets, but they do so at the expense of their health in many cases.
Fad diets provide a way to lose weight for good – This one is simply not the truth. Whether a fad diet calls for cutting out protein, carbohydrates or all foods that are the color purple, the fact is when normal habits are picked up again, the weight tends to come back.
Fad diets are good for the metabolism – Here and again, this is simply not the truth. Fad diets that involve anything but a well-balanced meal plan will likely slow down the metabolism over the long haul. While they can result in a dropping of weight initially, this pattern simply doesn’t last.
Losing Weight and Keeping it Off
So, since fad diets aren’t necessarily the best way to go, what can you do to shed some pounds? Fortunately, a whole lot! The best way to lose weight and stay healthy in the process involves:
Change your diet – Instead of falling for popular fad diets, just try eating right and eating a little less. Try to cut calories out of your diet plan without cutting nutrition. If there is a concern about nutrition, make sure you add supplements to the mix. If you”re going to cut calories, cut the calories you don”t need in your diet like fast food and sugary sweets and drinks.
Mini-meals – One of the best ways to keep the body primed for burning calories involves eating mini meals. Eat more often, but smaller servings of healthy food. Some experts recommend six mini meals a day.
Exercise – You probably didn’t want to hear this, but exercise is crucial for weight loss. A combination of cardiovascular exercises and weight training can have a big impact on weight and appearance. Muscle burns more energy than fat. And, while it may not be fun for most, exercising is good for your body and your health in the long term.
Diet Resources
Below are a few links to help you along in your healthy quest to lose weight. These resources will get you on track with your eating and exercise habits and help you identify and avoid a fad diet.
- How to Identify a Fad Diet
- How to Eat Healthy
- Tips to Help You Get Active
- Snacks: How they fit into your weight-loss plan
- Enjoying Exercise and Healthy Eating
Losing weight on a fad diet might work for a short while, but there are consequences. The best way to lose weight often calls only for eating right, exercising and using commonsense.
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