Archive for the ‘Weight-loss’ Category

Tried and True Weight Loss Strategies

Although many people may think that the hardest part of the weight loss experience is to actually loose the initial weight, most people who have gone through the process will argue that weight management during the active weight loss period is only the beginning and that the weight management strategies that you create and develop are going to be a crucial part of your maintenance program.

This shows us the importance of setting up some realistic and tailor made strategies that will work for us.  Doing what your co-worker or your neighbor is doing may not be best for you.  So, part of the weight loss process entails doing your research, but also being honest with yourself about what you can and are willing to do and then committing to them.

Tune into yourself and found out what motivates you.  Motivation is a key component of weight loss strategies.  Are you goal oriented?  Then setting up some very specific and realistic weight loss goals, preferably, shorter term and longer term will probably work best for you.

Do you like to keep track of your progress by writing all your activities down in a journal?  Then go out and buy yourself an attractive journal and start writing!

Are you challenged by deadlines and concrete goals?  So, why not register for a 5K run or a charity event and start training for it?

In the process of setting up some strategic plans, don’t forget that getting as much knowledge on weight loss, nutrition and exercise is also extremely important.  If you don’t know how your body sheds those unwanted pounds, then read up on it.  If you don’t really know much about important health indicators such as the Body Mass Index and the Target Heart Rate, then get knowledgeable.  These are important tools to have in your weight loss arsenal.

Finally, figure out a realistic food plan for yourself. If you are too intimidated, then consider seeing a professional who can help you build the proper food plan for your body and weight loss goals.  You also need to find a daily activity that you can commit to and stick with.  Look within yourself and be honest with who you are – considering your likes and dislikes and then making your choices accordingly.

Weight loss is quite possible, but make sure that you have all the information you will need to make the best choices for you.

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Weight Loss Products

Now that the new year has arrived, many people are making their resolutions and there is no doubt that quite a few are vowing, once again, this year to loose weight.  However, for many, the information overload on weight loss and weight loss products only serves to add more confusion to an already difficult and scary life changing decision.

How to decide what weight loss product is the safest, most effective and, frankly, easiest to use?  Heading to your computer is a smart move where you can find pertinent information on most of the most popular and current weight loss products available to you.  Just a word of caution, before choosing any type of weight loss product, make sure you read all the information available and if you can, find some impartial (i.e. non company representatives) reviews and comments about the product.

One of the most popular products available today is the weight loss programs that come with their pre-packaged food.  Companies such as Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig have been blanketing the airwaves with their ads, featuring, for some reason,  actresses that were popular in the 70’s and 80’s who now seem to be suffering from weight issues.  This program offers both telephone support, through personal counselors, as well as prepackaged foods that are advertised as well balanced and delicious.   There is a substantial cost to this type of program as you are responsible for paying all the costs of your monthly food.

Weight Watchers has been around for over 45 years.  This program is based on peer and leader support and a simple point system.  Participants are asked to attend a weekly one hour meeting where they are weighed and put on a weight loss program that is best suited to them.  They are allowed a certain number of “points” every week and are expected to eat within this plan.  Recipes and lots of books and paperwork are available at a cost to participants.  There is also a cost for each meeting.  This program has been around a very long time and never seems to loose steam, although their success rate is up for interpretation.

Recently the FDA has approved its first, over the counter “legal” diet pill or weight loss pill named ALLI.  This pill is the weaker cousin of the stronger Xenical, which is only available through a prescription. Although many would like to believe that this is a miracle weight loss pill, the pharmaceutical company that produces this pill prefers to market it as a helpful tool that should be used along with a good exercise program and a reduced plan of eating. If you choose to use the stronger Xenical, you will need to meet with your physician to get a complete check up and to find out if you qualify to take this pill.

There are a myriad of weight loss products available today, but the responsibility is still on the consumer to make sure that they make the healthiest choice possible and hopefully, this year, keep their resolutions!

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