Archive for August, 2009

Weight Loss Tips

Monday, August 31st, 2009

I heard it again the other day. “You’re getting skinnier.”  Thanks, I’m so glad you noticed, but not nearly as glad as I am to be feeling well.  The bonus about feeling well has been losing weight!

Set realistic goals

It’s not easy to plan to go slow, bu that is really what you need to do to ensure that the weight that does come off stays off.  A couple of pounds a week really is reasonable! So if you have a goal of 50 pounds, know that it will take at least 6 to 8 months to lose it! Every little bit of loss helps and even a little bit of lose is noticeable to others.  When someone does complement you on your weight loss, DON’T jump into how much weight you still need to lose! THANK THE PERSON for noticing and celebrate what you have already accomplished! This change in mindset can work for you to keep you in a positive frame of mind about your fitness journey.

It is not an “All or Nothing” journey

If your plan to lose weight really is a life style change, you may find that you run into things that really don’t work for you (I can’t live the rest of my life doing that, or not eating that). You may also learn things that are unexpected and perfect for your new lifestyle! Just learn to go with the flow and don’t look at any setbacks as failure.  The only failure is if you stop making your lifestyle changes!

Are Diet Pills Effective?

Monday, August 31st, 2009

The weight loss industry is a multi-billion dollar business. You really cannot read a magazine or surf the web without seeing advertisements for weight loss supplements.  How should you approach using supplements while trying to lose weight?

Decide what your goal is

If you are looking for a fast and easy way to lose weight, the supplement companies have been looking for you. If your goal is to lose weight quickly, these supplements will  probably help you.  If you want the weight that you lose to stay off, there will need to be lifestyle changes as well.

Read the Labels

The weight loss supplement industry is mostly unregulated.  You are your own best advocate.  Make sure that nothing in the supplement you are considering will interfere with any prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking.  Check all of the listed ingredients to verify you are not allergic to them. Make sure to follow the directions accompanying the supplement for weight loss.  You generally do need to follow an exercise and diet plan while taking the supplement.

Check with your doctor

If you have been trying to lose weight for a while and nothing is working, your doctor may want to run some tests to make sure there is nothing else that is keeping the weight on for you.  You should always check with your doctor before starting any weight loss program.