Making the right decision when choosing between weight loss programs may take longer than expected. A simple plan of going on a diet does not involve temporary periods of starvation, or deprivation of our favourite food. Instead, it involves a preparation of our mental, physical, and spiritual being.
In the race for a slimmer body, we often forget the most important factor: to choose weight loss programs that will allow us to lose weight in a safe, healthy, and effective manner. While it is imperative we choose the right diet plan for our body, this vital factor often goes neglected. Somehow, it’s easy to forget the reasons why dieticians, health consultants, and fitness trainers were placed on earth. Diagnosing ourselves with a diet plan of going for a week without lunch or mid-day snacks is simply not the answer.
Dieting has always been the first thing that comes to mind when we become overweight. One type of diet that seems to be gaining popularity this century is the low carbohydrates diet, better known as low carb diets. Generally, carbohydrates are restricted in the diet, to prevent the “vicious carb cycle,” whereby it is believed that carbohydrate intake causes carb-addiction, carb-overeating, and hyperinsulinemia, and decreases glucose use, thus increasing fat storage.
A popular choice for low carb diets would be the Atkins Diet. Designed by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, the diet plan claims you can indulge in all the protein and fat you care to — and still lose weight. The idea behind this diet plan is that, our body obtains energy from carbohydrates and fat, which serves like fuel. The body firstly metabolises carbohydrates, and then only fat. Therefore, by restricting carbohydrates in our daily diet, our body would convert from metabolising carbohydrates to burning fat as the primary energy source, resulting in weight loss. While the Atkins diet remains a controversial decision these days, many are still prefer it as first choice.
There are of course, other ways to lose weight if dieting is not your cup of tea. Many of us turn to exercise as the way out. However, like dieting, it is best to consult a physician or trainer before running away on the treadmill like a hamster on a wheel. This is to ensure that we fully achieve optimum results from the invested time and effort. Often, diet plans are also incorporated into workout routines by fitness instructors to assist in the weight loss program.
Another alternative would be weight loss pills. There are many types of weight loss pills in the market today. Some pills enable weight loss through a thermogenic effect, which causes an increase in body temperature, leading to a higher metabolic rate; this cycle helps in burning calories faster. Others causesa reduction in appetite, allowing lesser calories to be consumed.
Like everything else, issues concerning weight loss programs have been raised. Many are still sceptical on the effectiveness of the different types of diets, workout plans, and weight loss pills. This is why proper consultation with the respective experts must be done prior to any weight loss programs. Not only will this extra step go to assist you in the efficiency of the weight loss program, it may also help assure a safe and healthy program to be adopted.
By Michelle Chee