If there are images in this attachment, they will not be displayed. Download the original attachment
Need to Lose Weight? Avoid These Unhealthy Ideas
Who doesn’t want to drop a few pounds? You may have a big event coming up or you might have re-entered the dating scene after a long absence. No matter the reason, getting thin is striking you as a fabulous idea. While there’s nothing wrong with losing weight and getting fit, doing it incorrectly can put your health at risk. There’s no sense getting skinny if you end up too sick to enjoy it. Here are the five worst ways that you can utilize to lose weight:
1.Crash Diets
You’ve undoubtedly heard of crash diets. According to Linda Bacon, Ph.D., a California-based nutritionist, bathing-suit season brings with it people who are desperate to drop a few pounds. From fasting to starving, crash dieting can slow your weight and deprive your body of essential nutrients. A much healthier way to lose those last five pounds is to turn your diet around in the early spring. Adjust your caloric intake and aim to lose a pound or two a week.
2.Surgery
While weight-loss surgery is a valid option for some people, it is not a quick fix for most. While surgery can shrink your stomach, it does nothing to alter your attitude towards food. Many people find themselves gaining the weight back due to their psychological addiction to food. Unless your health is at serious risk due to your excess weight, surgery should never be considered as a way to get skinny.
3.Diet Pills
Diet pills work in such a way that they suppress your appetite. While some people have had success with diet pills, most people find themselves riddled with the side effects that come along with these tiny pills. Hypertension, heart valve damage and even stroke have all been linked to appetite suppressants. Looking for a natural way to feel fuller when you eat? Drink a glass of water 15 to 20 minutes before you sit down for a meal.
4.Fad Diets
Atkins, South Beach and even The Zone are all diets that many people have used with much success. So what’s wrong with them? They don’t last. Very few people are able to limit themselves in such a strict manner long term. Additionally, diets like Atkins encourage high consumption of fat and protein, while discouraging carbs; even healthy ones. The initial weight loss is exciting and people follow the diet for several weeks or months. Once the weight is gone and you start eating bread again, your weight will come back with a vengeance. Instead, limit your calories in a healthy, well-rounded way.
5.Exercise
“Exercise?!” you say. Before you misunderstand, there is nothing at all wrong with exercise. What is wrong, however, is becoming obsessed with exercise in lieu of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Some people get fanatical about moving their bodies and run the very real risk of ruining their health. Instead of chowing on doughnuts thinking that you can work them off with an extra 45 minutes on the elliptical, pay attention to your caloric intake. 30 minutes of exercise each day, or even every other day, is considered healthy when accompanied with a positive change in eating habits.
We all know the healthy way to lose weight: diet and exercise. Unfortunately, many of us are simply too lazy to do things the right way. Whether you’ve got a few pounds to lose or hundreds, doing it the wrong way will only harm your health. Instead of dieting, adopt a new, healthy lifestyle. Not only will you avoid becoming ill, you’ll be more likely to keep the weight off long term.
Edmund Taylor is a guest blogger for ephedraoutlet.com. If you are trying to lose weight, check out other articles he’s written.