Weight Loss
Is Your
Weight Loss Program What it Should be?
by Mary
Howard, RN
There are a
few things you should consider to be sure the weight loss
program you have chosen is as safe and effective as it can
be. Also, there are effects that you may see, besides weight
loss, while you are on a weight loss program.
Any diet
should include foods from all the major food groups namely:
Protein, Carbohydrates and Fats. Diets that completely
exclude any one food group can be very dangerous to your
health. Unbalanced diets can lead to extreme cravings and
rebound weight gain.
Cravings are
frequently a clue that your body is lacking something it
needs. For example, if you frequently crave chocolate it may
be a sign that you need Magnesium in your diet. Therefore,
it is always important to take a good Multivitamin/Mineral
supplement while you are part of a weight loss program.
Frequently you
will notice a weight loss the first 2 weeks of a diet and
then a plateau. That is because a good diet that includes
healthy foods and exercise will make you feel better. When
you feel better and are more energetic you start replacing
fat with muscle. Try measuring your hips, waist and thighs,
I'll bet the third and forth week you loose inches instead
of pounds.
After you have
been on a weight loss program for 4 weeks or more, you might
experience what is known as a "Health Crisis." When you
start getting rid of some of your fat, any chemically
altered substances that your body stored in your fat can
start to surface in your blood stream. These toxins can make
you feel very weak, tired and sometimes ill. If you have
been on certain types of medication for a long time these
can also surface in your blood stream in toxic amounts.
Therefore, it is always good to let your doctor know you are
on a weight loss program.
Don't loose
hope at this point just remember to keep plugging away and
listen to what your body is telling you. You may need a
little extra rest at times. It is important to keep your
elimination system going by drinking plenty of pure water
and plenty of fruits to keep your colon cleaned out. The
quicker you move toxins through your system and out the
better.
Make healthy
choices with the foods you eat. The less refined a food is,
the better it is for you. If you are allowed a certain
number of concentrated sweets each day in your diet and you
have a choice between a cookie and a piece of fruit, make
the healthy choice. Remember "Everything in Moderation", and
you will be well on your way to looking better and feeling
great.
