Weight loss clinics in Texas have been stopped from advertising HCG injections, following action by the state's attorney general's office.
The HCG diet is a weight loss programme that requires participants to receive injections of HCG in conjunction with a daily caloric intake of just 500 calories a day.
The contraversial diet - which has never been approved by the FDA as a weight loss drug - is typically used as a fertility drug.
Supporters of the diet claim that regular HCG injections keep hunger at bay while assisting with the body's fat storage. However, there is no research to support this to date.http://www.weightlosssurgerychannel.com/breaking-wls-news/weight-loss-clinics-offering-hcg-diet-under-scrutiny.html/
Showing posts with label fad diets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fad diets. Show all posts
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Anatomy of a fad diet
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| Could the South Pole diet work for Jared Leto, too? |
As a veteran of virtually every diet under the sun - from the Atkins Plan to the Mars Bar Diet to the Cabbage Soup diet - I sometimes feel like I could write and profit from my own specially devised diet plan.
Editor of Healthy Food Guide Magazine Niki Bezzant has done just that with a scientific sounding diet which restricts foods over a certain temperature... inspired by the Raw Food Diet, perhaps?
Sunday, 18 September 2011
17 Day Diet... Does it work?
Another diet, another gimmick... And guess what, this fad diet doesn't even pretend to live up to its name. Forget 17 days, this one needs a 51 day commitment!
Like most diet plans, the 17 day diet is about eating less, moving more... packaged up nicely and marketed by its USP - the 17-day cycles. Why, oh why, do they keep putting this stuff out. And - more importantly - why oh why do the public keep lapping it up???
Fear laced with confusion is my best bet! We all know - far too well - thanks to government health campaigns and the drugs companies - why need to keep trim: heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, etc (I could go on for days!). But when it comes to slimming down and finding the right path the marketeers are having a field day - if you pay them enough attention!
Sadly there isn't a glamorous way out of being overweight, obese or even morbidly obese (as am I!). There are just two golden rules to losing weight: understand what foods contain in terms of nutrition (calories, sugars, fats) and keep your intake in check. The old adage of eat less, move more isn't quite so. Yes, eating less bad foods is a good thing, but surely you need to eat more good. And that old adage of moving more has been disproved by medical research at playing a key role in helping people lose weight. Of course, exercise helps keep weight gain at bay while delivering fitness benefits ( and cosmetic ones to boot)!
With so much confusion out there between good foods and bad foods, is it any wonder that we're facing an obesity epidemic while millions in the world starve?
Like most diet plans, the 17 day diet is about eating less, moving more... packaged up nicely and marketed by its USP - the 17-day cycles. Why, oh why, do they keep putting this stuff out. And - more importantly - why oh why do the public keep lapping it up???
Fear laced with confusion is my best bet! We all know - far too well - thanks to government health campaigns and the drugs companies - why need to keep trim: heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, etc (I could go on for days!). But when it comes to slimming down and finding the right path the marketeers are having a field day - if you pay them enough attention!
Sadly there isn't a glamorous way out of being overweight, obese or even morbidly obese (as am I!). There are just two golden rules to losing weight: understand what foods contain in terms of nutrition (calories, sugars, fats) and keep your intake in check. The old adage of eat less, move more isn't quite so. Yes, eating less bad foods is a good thing, but surely you need to eat more good. And that old adage of moving more has been disproved by medical research at playing a key role in helping people lose weight. Of course, exercise helps keep weight gain at bay while delivering fitness benefits ( and cosmetic ones to boot)!
With so much confusion out there between good foods and bad foods, is it any wonder that we're facing an obesity epidemic while millions in the world starve?
Thursday, 23 June 2011
Does Organic Liaison work?
Well, if you believe all that's been written about Kirstie Alley in recent weeks, then it does. A whopping 90lb weight loss (that's 6st 6lbs to you and me) has taken her to a size 6 (US) and Kirstie has said she couldn't have done Dancing With the Stars without it.
While I've given up on the get thin quick schemes, I'm particularly fascinated by this diet. The organic liaison diet is said to have been designed specifically around Kirstie's needs. Call me skeptical, but how exactly can she vouch for its long-term success when she's only just a year or so into the process (if that)? And who is to say that we all have the same needs as Kirstie?
What's more, it's supposed to be affordable. At $139 for a 'starter' pack? I think not.
I'm perhaps most shocked by the fact that a woman who has battled with weight loss demons for so many years (and bear in mind that she's 60!) would turn the tables on dieters by launching her own get thin quick scheme. While I'm sure this isn't what Kirstie intended, it feels like a site designed to part you with pounds... from your wallet, that is.
P.S. There are questions marks regarding the diet's links to Scientology - in terms of finances, design, ethos and more.
This video is from 2009 after the Jenny Craig fiasco! So... if she lost 20lbs in five weeks in 2009, why did it take so long for her to get to a 60lb loss in time for DWTS?
While I've given up on the get thin quick schemes, I'm particularly fascinated by this diet. The organic liaison diet is said to have been designed specifically around Kirstie's needs. Call me skeptical, but how exactly can she vouch for its long-term success when she's only just a year or so into the process (if that)? And who is to say that we all have the same needs as Kirstie?
What's more, it's supposed to be affordable. At $139 for a 'starter' pack? I think not.
I'm perhaps most shocked by the fact that a woman who has battled with weight loss demons for so many years (and bear in mind that she's 60!) would turn the tables on dieters by launching her own get thin quick scheme. While I'm sure this isn't what Kirstie intended, it feels like a site designed to part you with pounds... from your wallet, that is.
P.S. There are questions marks regarding the diet's links to Scientology - in terms of finances, design, ethos and more.
This video is from 2009 after the Jenny Craig fiasco! So... if she lost 20lbs in five weeks in 2009, why did it take so long for her to get to a 60lb loss in time for DWTS?
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Could a fat whisperer help you lose weight?
Words can't contain my amusement at this article from the Daily Mail about the fat whisperer who is said to have helped Kym Kardashian, Paris Hilton and Kate Hudson trim down.
She uses a combination of detoxifying masks, teas and wraps, heated inflatable suits and an ultrasound machine that pelts stubborn zones with sonic waves – which all work their magic while Saulnier orders the clients’ recalcitrant fatty bits to leave the body.
‘I command you to get out!’, she is said to whisper to the fat cells in an effort to banish them. Miracles? Mary Ascension Saulnier has been dubbed The Fat Whisperer by her satisfied clients
Saulnier, who studied at Santa Fe Academy of Natural Healing, claims her technique allows her to get to the emotional heart of the client’s overeating or drinking issues.
'I listen to what emotion is in the cell membrane, then I talk to it,' Saulnier tells Elle magazine.'I tell the cell which way to move out of the body.'
Now I think I've heard just about everything!
She uses a combination of detoxifying masks, teas and wraps, heated inflatable suits and an ultrasound machine that pelts stubborn zones with sonic waves – which all work their magic while Saulnier orders the clients’ recalcitrant fatty bits to leave the body.
‘I command you to get out!’, she is said to whisper to the fat cells in an effort to banish them. Miracles? Mary Ascension Saulnier has been dubbed The Fat Whisperer by her satisfied clients
Saulnier, who studied at Santa Fe Academy of Natural Healing, claims her technique allows her to get to the emotional heart of the client’s overeating or drinking issues.
'I listen to what emotion is in the cell membrane, then I talk to it,' Saulnier tells Elle magazine.'I tell the cell which way to move out of the body.'
Now I think I've heard just about everything!
Dukan Diet: How does it work?
With Slimming World, we have our Extra Easy, Green and Red days. While I’m sticking with Extra Easy for as long as it works for me, I have a feeling that I’ll need to include some green and red days at some point. Red days would be similar to my Atkins past... but with all of that fat and my high cholesterol, I’m not too sure whether I want to go back to this. So, the question is – what are the benefits of the Dukan diet and will it help my health... or hinder it?
Celebs linked to the Dukan diet
Are there any who aren’t? The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton), Jennifer Lopez (J. Lo), supermodel Gisele Bundchen and opera singer Katherine Jenkins are all said to have shed the pounds following the Dukan method.
What’s Dukan all about?
Well, it’s apparently not a diet. It’s a lifestyle (read: diet). Essentially, its devotees don’t have to count calories through the regime’s four phases.
The Attack Phase 1 lasts between 2 and 7 days and these are perhaps the toughest. It’s no carb and non-fat, so you’re eating is limited (to say the least). So, what can you eat during Attack Phase? You may only eat lean meats, fish, eggs and non-fat dairy products (are there any??). Water plays a really important role in this stage and participants are told to eat a tablespoon of oat bran to keep hunger (and constipation!) at bay.
During the Cruise Phase 2 you can introduce unlimited vegetables (albeit a limited list of them) every other day. Dukan outline what you can eat during the Cruise Phase on their website, but the list of 28 new foods includes avocados, lentils, potatoes, etc. This phase continues until you reach your goal weight.
After this you are in the Consolidation Phase 3. Dukan allow you to eat much more. You can slowly re-introduce some of the high carb foods (e.g. breads and pastas), butter and oils. Alcohol is allowed every now and again. You’re expected to stay in this phase for 5 days for every pound of weight you lost in the attack and cruise stages. So – if you lost 100lbs (as I need to – and then some) – you’d need to remain in consolidation for roughly 18 months!
The final stage is neverending... the Stabilisation phase. You’re allowed to eat anything you want... for 6 days a week. On the 7th day you’re expected to go back to protein only. It is this protein day which is credited with staving off any future weight gains.
Pros and Cons of Dukan
It has to be that rapid weight loss. While that’s significant, it’s also a real con! Ask any doctor what they recommend and they’ll say your weight loss should be no more than 2lbs per week for a sustainable loss. Rapid losses often result in rapid gains or – worst still – bags of loose skin. Tightening up loose skin after weight loss is nigh on impossible without a surgical procedure. While there are steps you can take to tighten up loose skin naturally, it’s better to prevent it from happening at the beginning.
The protein-only nature of the Dukan diet can lead to constipation and bad breath... Talk about how to lose friends and alienate people. Stinky breath and bloated flatulence is never a good look!
There’s a real lack of vegetables and nutrients. While this wouldn’t be such a problem in those achieving short-term weight losses, I reckon it would take me at least 12 months to complete the Attack and Cruise phases.
Conclusion?
For now I'm going to stick to Extra Easy where the diet is easy going, my outlook's positive and my diet is varied. As someone who suffered kidney infections as a result of Atkins, I'm not 100% certain that I want (or need) to go back to a diet like Dukan.
Celebs linked to the Dukan diet
Are there any who aren’t? The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton), Jennifer Lopez (J. Lo), supermodel Gisele Bundchen and opera singer Katherine Jenkins are all said to have shed the pounds following the Dukan method.
What’s Dukan all about?
Well, it’s apparently not a diet. It’s a lifestyle (read: diet). Essentially, its devotees don’t have to count calories through the regime’s four phases.
The Attack Phase 1 lasts between 2 and 7 days and these are perhaps the toughest. It’s no carb and non-fat, so you’re eating is limited (to say the least). So, what can you eat during Attack Phase? You may only eat lean meats, fish, eggs and non-fat dairy products (are there any??). Water plays a really important role in this stage and participants are told to eat a tablespoon of oat bran to keep hunger (and constipation!) at bay.
During the Cruise Phase 2 you can introduce unlimited vegetables (albeit a limited list of them) every other day. Dukan outline what you can eat during the Cruise Phase on their website, but the list of 28 new foods includes avocados, lentils, potatoes, etc. This phase continues until you reach your goal weight.
After this you are in the Consolidation Phase 3. Dukan allow you to eat much more. You can slowly re-introduce some of the high carb foods (e.g. breads and pastas), butter and oils. Alcohol is allowed every now and again. You’re expected to stay in this phase for 5 days for every pound of weight you lost in the attack and cruise stages. So – if you lost 100lbs (as I need to – and then some) – you’d need to remain in consolidation for roughly 18 months!
The final stage is neverending... the Stabilisation phase. You’re allowed to eat anything you want... for 6 days a week. On the 7th day you’re expected to go back to protein only. It is this protein day which is credited with staving off any future weight gains.
Pros and Cons of Dukan
It has to be that rapid weight loss. While that’s significant, it’s also a real con! Ask any doctor what they recommend and they’ll say your weight loss should be no more than 2lbs per week for a sustainable loss. Rapid losses often result in rapid gains or – worst still – bags of loose skin. Tightening up loose skin after weight loss is nigh on impossible without a surgical procedure. While there are steps you can take to tighten up loose skin naturally, it’s better to prevent it from happening at the beginning.
The protein-only nature of the Dukan diet can lead to constipation and bad breath... Talk about how to lose friends and alienate people. Stinky breath and bloated flatulence is never a good look!
There’s a real lack of vegetables and nutrients. While this wouldn’t be such a problem in those achieving short-term weight losses, I reckon it would take me at least 12 months to complete the Attack and Cruise phases.
Conclusion?
For now I'm going to stick to Extra Easy where the diet is easy going, my outlook's positive and my diet is varied. As someone who suffered kidney infections as a result of Atkins, I'm not 100% certain that I want (or need) to go back to a diet like Dukan.
Monday, 13 June 2011
Does Dukan work? Expert says: Dukan diet "not a sustainable option"
Fancing giving your diet the royal treatment? Well, sources are reporting that Kate Middleton's rail thin wedding day appearance was down to following the French diet plan. The Dukan Diet's been big in celebrity circles for some time with celebs like Jennifer Lopez rumoured to be following the high protein, low-fat plan.
But should you?
"The Dukan Diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet and is not a sustainable option in the long term," says accredited practising dietitian Jemma O'Hanlon.
"Whenever I hear of someone going on a diet, I always ask them whether they think they will be able to stick to this diet for the rest of their life. If the answer is no, then I ask them why they would choose to commence a restrictive diet that they can't maintain.
"The Dukan diet is an example of one of these. It may not appear as restrictive as other diets, such as the Atkins or the lemon detox diet, as over time it allows you to have more choice about what you can eat. But in the end the outcome is likely to be the same.
"The Dukan diet starts you off on a very restrictive eating plan. The first phase, the Attack Phase, requires you to consume only lean meats, fish, eggs and low-fat dairy.
"Basically this sends your body into a state called ketosis, where your body starts breaking down its lean muscle mass to use as energy. This is because it is starved of carbohydrates that would usually supply the body this fuel. You are guaranteed to see immediate weight loss because your body is forced to break down muscle. Fluid losses also result in order to flush the ketones out of your system, and these losses will also show a reduction on the scales.
"I would not recommend the Dukan diet. Going on any diet means changing your normal eating habits to something that is unfamiliar and unnatural."
Those last few words are those to live by!! As soon as I hear the words 'you can't have...', you should really think twice about whether this eating regime is in your body's best interests.
And if you're still tempted by the lure of Dukan - consider this:
A survey of nearly 5000 ''Dukanians'', as they have been nicknamed, found that 80 per cent regained the weight they lost within three years, and experts who analysed the results of the survey claimed it was a ''public health risk''.
But should you?
"The Dukan Diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet and is not a sustainable option in the long term," says accredited practising dietitian Jemma O'Hanlon.
"Whenever I hear of someone going on a diet, I always ask them whether they think they will be able to stick to this diet for the rest of their life. If the answer is no, then I ask them why they would choose to commence a restrictive diet that they can't maintain.
"The Dukan diet is an example of one of these. It may not appear as restrictive as other diets, such as the Atkins or the lemon detox diet, as over time it allows you to have more choice about what you can eat. But in the end the outcome is likely to be the same.
"The Dukan diet starts you off on a very restrictive eating plan. The first phase, the Attack Phase, requires you to consume only lean meats, fish, eggs and low-fat dairy.
"Basically this sends your body into a state called ketosis, where your body starts breaking down its lean muscle mass to use as energy. This is because it is starved of carbohydrates that would usually supply the body this fuel. You are guaranteed to see immediate weight loss because your body is forced to break down muscle. Fluid losses also result in order to flush the ketones out of your system, and these losses will also show a reduction on the scales.
"I would not recommend the Dukan diet. Going on any diet means changing your normal eating habits to something that is unfamiliar and unnatural."
Those last few words are those to live by!! As soon as I hear the words 'you can't have...', you should really think twice about whether this eating regime is in your body's best interests.
And if you're still tempted by the lure of Dukan - consider this:
A survey of nearly 5000 ''Dukanians'', as they have been nicknamed, found that 80 per cent regained the weight they lost within three years, and experts who analysed the results of the survey claimed it was a ''public health risk''.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Dukan diet: Does it work?
The founder of the high-protein and oatbran Dukan diet is in the French courts, suing a rival who claims that the low-carb diet is dangerous.
As an Atkins diet grad, I'm interested to see how this pans out. As tempting as the Dukan diet is, I've resisted anything which follows that low carb/high protein approach. If a diet limits your fruit or your veg I tend to get concerned!
After all, I have seen - first hand - what a high protein diet can do to your body... Yes, it left me a whopping 8 stone lighter in a space of just 10 months, but it also caused my kidneys to start shutting down.
Need more reasons? The most relevant one nowadays must be the cost of it all. Keeping myself in protein (steaks, chicken, bacon, etc) cost a fortune! Yes, there are eggs and cheese - but their cost at that quantity - is too high for many incomes to bear.
So... does it work? In short yes. Any diet - if you follow it - will work. But does it keep the weight off in the long term? Dukan claims that following Dukan for just one day a week, following a walking regime and consistently choosing stairs over elevators or escalators will sustain your weight loss... no matter what you eat on the other 6 days of the week. Sounds amazing, doesn't it? Well, some haven't found this to be the case.
As an Atkins diet grad, I'm interested to see how this pans out. As tempting as the Dukan diet is, I've resisted anything which follows that low carb/high protein approach. If a diet limits your fruit or your veg I tend to get concerned!
After all, I have seen - first hand - what a high protein diet can do to your body... Yes, it left me a whopping 8 stone lighter in a space of just 10 months, but it also caused my kidneys to start shutting down.
Need more reasons? The most relevant one nowadays must be the cost of it all. Keeping myself in protein (steaks, chicken, bacon, etc) cost a fortune! Yes, there are eggs and cheese - but their cost at that quantity - is too high for many incomes to bear.
So... does it work? In short yes. Any diet - if you follow it - will work. But does it keep the weight off in the long term? Dukan claims that following Dukan for just one day a week, following a walking regime and consistently choosing stairs over elevators or escalators will sustain your weight loss... no matter what you eat on the other 6 days of the week. Sounds amazing, doesn't it? Well, some haven't found this to be the case.
Saturday, 28 May 2011
May the weight loss be with you
Carrie Fisher is the latest celeb to credit Jenny Craig for her weight loss.
Despite my own bad experiences on the programme some 20 years ago, I have to say it looks and sounds like it's done her a world of good. In just 18 weeks she's slimmed her 5'1" frame from 180lbs to 150lbs... and that's just a start.
It's no wonder why. She revealed: "I used to feel like I had to apologize for the way I looked whenever I stepped out of the house...I spent so much energy coming up with reasons why I was overweight.
"Now, whenever someone compliments me, I smile and say, ‘well, thank you.' It's a great feeling to feel like myself again, and that I am truly worthy of those compliments.
"I no longer want to hide in the house," she adds.
I've had a taste of that freedom in the past and it's one that should be savoured, cherished and - most importantly - protected.
But, it's easy to take these feelings for granted and allow temptations to get in the way of weeks, months and years of hard work.
It's still early days for me, but I think it's worth thinking about. My first milestone, I'm sure, will bring with it the first wave of freedom - and it's only 19lbs away.
On the 344 pounds blog there are lots of great ideas to inspire and sustain weight loss (and maintenance!) momentum. His is a truly inspiring story and he's done it without fads or gimmicks. I've only started looking through the entries, but I like the idea of regularly posting pre-weight loss pics and reminding yourself of the real benefits of losing weight.
Despite my own bad experiences on the programme some 20 years ago, I have to say it looks and sounds like it's done her a world of good. In just 18 weeks she's slimmed her 5'1" frame from 180lbs to 150lbs... and that's just a start.
It's no wonder why. She revealed: "I used to feel like I had to apologize for the way I looked whenever I stepped out of the house...I spent so much energy coming up with reasons why I was overweight.
"Now, whenever someone compliments me, I smile and say, ‘well, thank you.' It's a great feeling to feel like myself again, and that I am truly worthy of those compliments.
"I no longer want to hide in the house," she adds.
I've had a taste of that freedom in the past and it's one that should be savoured, cherished and - most importantly - protected.
But, it's easy to take these feelings for granted and allow temptations to get in the way of weeks, months and years of hard work.
It's still early days for me, but I think it's worth thinking about. My first milestone, I'm sure, will bring with it the first wave of freedom - and it's only 19lbs away.
On the 344 pounds blog there are lots of great ideas to inspire and sustain weight loss (and maintenance!) momentum. His is a truly inspiring story and he's done it without fads or gimmicks. I've only started looking through the entries, but I like the idea of regularly posting pre-weight loss pics and reminding yourself of the real benefits of losing weight.
Stars go goo goo over the baby food diet
The plan consists of 14 portions of puree a day, followed by an adult, healthy meal in the evenings. Its creator told Hollyscoop.com: "I developed a cleanse where you can still eat and it's a lot of puree foods. I was very careful about the foods I chose to put in it.
"When you do these liquid cleanses I felt a responsibility to come up with something. Liquid cleanses do help you lose weight but you will gain more the next week. I wanted something where you can eliminate toxicity, break bad habits but still have your digestive system going. That is when the baby food cleanse was born."
While there's no doubting that this diet is a short-term solution, there could be lessons to be learned here. It's a reminder of the importance of two things: portion control and the power of wholesome fruit and veg. Keeping your food servings small and your ingredients healthy are key to losing weight and - importantly - sustaining it!
Raw food diet: does it work?
Recently I've been enjoying Nakd raw bars - they're absolutely yummy - so it only makes sense to consider the benefits of the raw food diet. Before making any decision it's worth studying the research available... as well as people's personal experiences.
Steve Pavlina challenged himself to 30-days on the raw food diet. His blog records every meal he ate during this time, as well as blood sugar readings. It's really interesting stuff. While there are many benefits to this raw vegan lifestyle, there are some drawbacks, such as dry skin. That said, I'd rather have dry skin than a heart attack!
There are a few rules to this alkaline diet. All you need to remember is FWGW:
no Faces - eat nothing that has come from a being with a face (e.g. no fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, yoghurt, butter)
no Whites - just say no to refined white flours, sugars, etc.
Greens - eat lots of greens, even as a juice.
Wholefoods - aim to eat fresh plants and avoid pre-packaged foods.
GreenSmoothie suggests that eighty per cent of your diet should be raw to be considered a raw food enthusiast. More info on raw food choices.
Steve Pavlina challenged himself to 30-days on the raw food diet. His blog records every meal he ate during this time, as well as blood sugar readings. It's really interesting stuff. While there are many benefits to this raw vegan lifestyle, there are some drawbacks, such as dry skin. That said, I'd rather have dry skin than a heart attack!
There are a few rules to this alkaline diet. All you need to remember is FWGW:
no Faces - eat nothing that has come from a being with a face (e.g. no fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, yoghurt, butter)
no Whites - just say no to refined white flours, sugars, etc.
Greens - eat lots of greens, even as a juice.
Wholefoods - aim to eat fresh plants and avoid pre-packaged foods.
GreenSmoothie suggests that eighty per cent of your diet should be raw to be considered a raw food enthusiast. More info on raw food choices.
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Get thin? Get pregnant (hormones)!
What is it about pregnant women that makes them so. well. magical? I remember - years ago - reading about how wealthy celebrities were bathing in pregnant women's urine in the hopes of finding the fountain of youth. In the 'now I've heard everything' section of the blog, I give you the HCG Diet.
Participants apparently suppress their hunger with daily injections of hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. They can exist on as little as 500 calories a day while undergoing treatment. While hCG hasn't been approved by the FDA for this use, people are queuing up to pay for this more unusual treatment.
Personally I think I'll forgo imbibing urine. Call me old fashioned, but it just doesn't seem right, effective or - most importantly - safe.
Participants apparently suppress their hunger with daily injections of hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. They can exist on as little as 500 calories a day while undergoing treatment. While hCG hasn't been approved by the FDA for this use, people are queuing up to pay for this more unusual treatment.
Personally I think I'll forgo imbibing urine. Call me old fashioned, but it just doesn't seem right, effective or - most importantly - safe.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
How to drop a dress size in 5 days
Why is it that when we diet, all senses of reality go out the window? Maybe it's the instant gratification culture we live in or food colours inducing ADHD, but we just can't seem to wrap our head around long-term, slow paced healthy options which deliver lifelong rewards?!?
But who I am to comment - my first thoughts when I saw this article were: "Really?!? You mean with one diet I can drop a whole dress size
in just five days?"
Of course, the real world set in as I started reading. It's like navigating a sea of caveats, such as:
But who I am to comment - my first thoughts when I saw this article were: "Really?!? You mean with one diet I can drop a whole dress size
in just five days?"Of course, the real world set in as I started reading. It's like navigating a sea of caveats, such as:
When we switch into desperation mode it's so difficult to switch off the idea of a crash diet... They offer a short-term fix and the promise that you'll look that bit slimmer, feel more confident, etc on your big night!
But isn't that why - on the eighth day - God invented Spanx?
There's a ton of research out there which identifies the pitfalls of 'get thin quick' crash diets - but I don't need a lab coat to tell you that just as you didn't gain a dress size in five days, you most likely won't lose one in such a short time.
Of course there are those who will prove me wrong. To them, I give a salute. You've made the ultimate sacrifice to the dieting Gods, succeeding where most of us fail...
But, I have to ask, is it really worth it for a night or two?
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Humiliation: The key to weight loss?
Put down the cereal bowl, ladies. That two bowls a day is so last month. Tweet What You Eat is the net's latest diet craze. Forget maple syrup, low GI and baby food, this Twitter-based food and weight diary is the must-have this year for any discerning diet junkie.
Rather than restrict your food with insane rules, the diet programme is said to encourage healthy eating and exercise with the threat of humiliation - albeit self-humiliation.
For many of us our weight is a personal and often emotional issue. So, is humiliation the answer? And, if so, should it come from ourselves? Weight and health awareness is crucial, but I'm not sure that this is the perfect way forward.
A scan of sample diets on the site isn't great reading.... Dunkin Donuts... McDonalds... cookies and milk. And that's the bulk of some people's diets. The focus is on the calorie count, rather than the fat and sugar levels. From this angle, it seems like a quick fix and a diet that definitely hasn't been designed by anyone with a long-term weight issue.
The idea of self-humiliation is enough to send me reaching for the Krispy Kremes. There's every likelihood that this could prolong the vicious cycle of gains and losses for participants. After all, low self esteem is often the best way to work up an appetite.
While I do post my weight on a regular(ish) basis on this blog, I'm doing so to illustrate my journey rather than just try to force myself to lose weight by putting it out in the public forum. If posting your weight was enough to force you to lose weight, all of us weight loss bloggers would be writing our happily ever afters by now.
Want to get started? Check out this book...
Rather than restrict your food with insane rules, the diet programme is said to encourage healthy eating and exercise with the threat of humiliation - albeit self-humiliation.
For many of us our weight is a personal and often emotional issue. So, is humiliation the answer? And, if so, should it come from ourselves? Weight and health awareness is crucial, but I'm not sure that this is the perfect way forward.
A scan of sample diets on the site isn't great reading.... Dunkin Donuts... McDonalds... cookies and milk. And that's the bulk of some people's diets. The focus is on the calorie count, rather than the fat and sugar levels. From this angle, it seems like a quick fix and a diet that definitely hasn't been designed by anyone with a long-term weight issue.
The idea of self-humiliation is enough to send me reaching for the Krispy Kremes. There's every likelihood that this could prolong the vicious cycle of gains and losses for participants. After all, low self esteem is often the best way to work up an appetite.
While I do post my weight on a regular(ish) basis on this blog, I'm doing so to illustrate my journey rather than just try to force myself to lose weight by putting it out in the public forum. If posting your weight was enough to force you to lose weight, all of us weight loss bloggers would be writing our happily ever afters by now.
Want to get started? Check out this book...
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Atkins vs. Low Fat
Researchers at Temple University have pitted the at-times contraversial Atkins Diet against a standard low-fat diet. And the winner? Each generates the same level of weight loss. While Atkins was praised for its ability to raise HDL cholesterol, researchers pointed out that this benefit came with a number of nasty side effects (e.g. meat breath).
To me, it seem that whatever way you look at it, the dieter wins. Studies like this illustrate the point that restricting your diet in any way will see results on the scale. The challenge, of course, is sticking to it.
In my world of diet, the weight is slowly coming off. I've been successfully avoiding sugary snacks, crisps and generally anything which would have made me go 'mmmm'. I weigh in tomorrow, so I'll post my numbers then.
To me, it seem that whatever way you look at it, the dieter wins. Studies like this illustrate the point that restricting your diet in any way will see results on the scale. The challenge, of course, is sticking to it.
In my world of diet, the weight is slowly coming off. I've been successfully avoiding sugary snacks, crisps and generally anything which would have made me go 'mmmm'. I weigh in tomorrow, so I'll post my numbers then.
Monday, 19 July 2010
More than 3 years since I started...
And, well, I think I may - finally - be on the right track! After months and months of weight fluctuations, I seem to be on the downward slope to health. Christmas 2009 saw my weight peak at 20 stone. That's a figure that is both shocking and upsetting for me. Firstly it was my highest ever weight to date. Secondly, when you hear stories of extreme obesity, that figure in stones is never in the teens.
Worse still, my son was on the same path. At 10, he weighed 9 stone 4lbs and lived on junk (like me). Luckily for us both, we started a 6-month healthy eating/ healthy living programme called Mend and the results have been phenomenal for him. While he's still got a way to go, he's down tbelow 8 stone and is full of energy and eats healthily.
The changes we've made to our food intake and activity levels have seen my weight drop, too. Starting the year at 20 stone, my weight's now down to 18 stone 9lbs. It's nowhere close to the drops I made previously, but I haven't officially been dieting. This is just from modifying the foods I've eaten while at home. As for exercise, this is only just being reintroduced as I'm recovering from an impinged shoulder which cramped my activity levels a bit.
Every day in this blog I aim to examine one of the changes we've made or are going to make. I also hope to uncover where the fad diets are going wrong for the average Joe (but right for the diet creator).
It's the same journey... just on a new path!
Worse still, my son was on the same path. At 10, he weighed 9 stone 4lbs and lived on junk (like me). Luckily for us both, we started a 6-month healthy eating/ healthy living programme called Mend and the results have been phenomenal for him. While he's still got a way to go, he's down tbelow 8 stone and is full of energy and eats healthily.
The changes we've made to our food intake and activity levels have seen my weight drop, too. Starting the year at 20 stone, my weight's now down to 18 stone 9lbs. It's nowhere close to the drops I made previously, but I haven't officially been dieting. This is just from modifying the foods I've eaten while at home. As for exercise, this is only just being reintroduced as I'm recovering from an impinged shoulder which cramped my activity levels a bit.
Every day in this blog I aim to examine one of the changes we've made or are going to make. I also hope to uncover where the fad diets are going wrong for the average Joe (but right for the diet creator).
It's the same journey... just on a new path!
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
What's your type?
Picture your perfect mate... And your dream holiday? We all know our type - right down to the finest details, don't we? Now imagine your ideal diet. A bit fuzzy, isn't it?
This thought came to me while thinking about my recent dieting failures...
There was that time I decided to do low-carb... Forget Atkins' heart attack or the fact that last time I went on it I ended up with kidney infections - I lost a whopping 8 stone on it! My love affair with meat ended quickly as I soon re-discovered the joys of 'meat breath'.
Or when I got in touch with my Independent Woman by joining the Maple Syrup diet brigade. Try that one my friends and you'll never quite look at Aunt Jemima the same way again.
And my self-designed free flow diet where I could eat all I wanted as long as I exercised for an hour a day. Great until you strain a muscle...
The final straw was the public humiliation, I mean weigh-in, at my local weight loss club...
These types of plans might work for some people but I can say with certainty that they don't work for me. When it comes to your health, forget the Princess Diana act. You need to be a bit selfish and realise that not all diets address your individual issues, personality or lifestyle.
And therein lies the problem for me...
I just can't conform. And I guess I'm slightly envious of those who can as it must make life less of a struggle. You know I wish I was able to just go with the flow or be a celeb-type (read anorexic) who couldn't give a damn about eating real food... But I do.
As for exercise, I know that - at least for the first few weeks - I need to get the eating under control before jumping the proverbial - and literal pool.
Basically - I need a plan that can be accurately described as a regime... Not a bread and water dictatorship, per se but certainly one featuring a bit of self-inflicted tough love.
This thought came to me while thinking about my recent dieting failures...
There was that time I decided to do low-carb... Forget Atkins' heart attack or the fact that last time I went on it I ended up with kidney infections - I lost a whopping 8 stone on it! My love affair with meat ended quickly as I soon re-discovered the joys of 'meat breath'.
Or when I got in touch with my Independent Woman by joining the Maple Syrup diet brigade. Try that one my friends and you'll never quite look at Aunt Jemima the same way again.
And my self-designed free flow diet where I could eat all I wanted as long as I exercised for an hour a day. Great until you strain a muscle...
The final straw was the public humiliation, I mean weigh-in, at my local weight loss club...
These types of plans might work for some people but I can say with certainty that they don't work for me. When it comes to your health, forget the Princess Diana act. You need to be a bit selfish and realise that not all diets address your individual issues, personality or lifestyle.
And therein lies the problem for me...
I just can't conform. And I guess I'm slightly envious of those who can as it must make life less of a struggle. You know I wish I was able to just go with the flow or be a celeb-type (read anorexic) who couldn't give a damn about eating real food... But I do.
As for exercise, I know that - at least for the first few weeks - I need to get the eating under control before jumping the proverbial - and literal pool.
Basically - I need a plan that can be accurately described as a regime... Not a bread and water dictatorship, per se but certainly one featuring a bit of self-inflicted tough love.
Monday, 16 April 2007
Going green
Is going green the way to stimulate your weight loss?
A recent study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that people who drank a bottle of tea fortified with green tea extract every day for three months lost more body fat than those who drank a bottle of regular oolong tea.
Researchers say the results indicate that catechins, found in green tea, may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and lower body fat.
While a study like this may sound like green tea is the answer to your prayers, a pinch of salt and a careful eye is needed - note the results were between green and oolong tea. Over the last few years, there has been a great deal of controversy about this ancient Chinese remedy.
In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for over four millenia - using it to treat everything from headaches to depression.
The Kissa Yojoki, or Book of Tea, written by Zen priest Eisai (1191) describes how drinking green tea can have a positive effect on the five vital organs, particularly the heart. The book discusses tea's medicinal qualities, which include easing the effects of alcohol, acting as a stimulant, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease, preventing tiredness, and improving urinary and brain function.
Eight hundred years later,Western medical research indicates that there are health benefits in the brew. It is reputed to be helpful with many ailments including: rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and impaired immune function. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1994) published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Research also indicates that drinking green tea lowers cholesterol levels as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
In recent years, green tea has become associated with weight loss for it's magical fat burning properties. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Nov. 1999) reported the findings of a Swiss Study at the University of Geneva. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Japanese researchers claim if you drink five cups of green tea a day, you'll burn 70 to 80 extra calories. Dr. Nicholas Perricone , an anti-aging specialist, appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show, assured viewers that by swapping their coffee for green tea, they could lose 10lbs in 6 weeks. However, one must take into account that swapping a coffee laden with cream and sugar for a zero-calorie cup of green tea on its own would cause weight loss.
There are seemingly no drawbacks for overconsumption of green tea aside from insomnia as it contains caffeine. However this is unlikely to occur as the average serving only contains 20mg of caffeine.
However, as a miracle weight-loss drug, I just don't think there's enough REAL research out there to back up these weight-loss claims. Teas in general have anti-oxidant properties as well as diuretic ones - so I think I'll stick with Monkey and drink my PG Tips.
A recent study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that people who drank a bottle of tea fortified with green tea extract every day for three months lost more body fat than those who drank a bottle of regular oolong tea.
Researchers say the results indicate that catechins, found in green tea, may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and lower body fat.
While a study like this may sound like green tea is the answer to your prayers, a pinch of salt and a careful eye is needed - note the results were between green and oolong tea. Over the last few years, there has been a great deal of controversy about this ancient Chinese remedy.
In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for over four millenia - using it to treat everything from headaches to depression.
The Kissa Yojoki, or Book of Tea, written by Zen priest Eisai (1191) describes how drinking green tea can have a positive effect on the five vital organs, particularly the heart. The book discusses tea's medicinal qualities, which include easing the effects of alcohol, acting as a stimulant, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease, preventing tiredness, and improving urinary and brain function.
Eight hundred years later,Western medical research indicates that there are health benefits in the brew. It is reputed to be helpful with many ailments including: rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and impaired immune function. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1994) published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Research also indicates that drinking green tea lowers cholesterol levels as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
In recent years, green tea has become associated with weight loss for it's magical fat burning properties. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Nov. 1999) reported the findings of a Swiss Study at the University of Geneva. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Japanese researchers claim if you drink five cups of green tea a day, you'll burn 70 to 80 extra calories. Dr. Nicholas Perricone , an anti-aging specialist, appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show, assured viewers that by swapping their coffee for green tea, they could lose 10lbs in 6 weeks. However, one must take into account that swapping a coffee laden with cream and sugar for a zero-calorie cup of green tea on its own would cause weight loss.
There are seemingly no drawbacks for overconsumption of green tea aside from insomnia as it contains caffeine. However this is unlikely to occur as the average serving only contains 20mg of caffeine.
However, as a miracle weight-loss drug, I just don't think there's enough REAL research out there to back up these weight-loss claims. Teas in general have anti-oxidant properties as well as diuretic ones - so I think I'll stick with Monkey and drink my PG Tips.
Fast Track Dieting
Since re-starting Weight Watchers on January 8th, I've lost in excess of 3 1/2lbs per week. According to the company's website, losing more than 1-2 lbs per week on average after the third week may be dangerous for long-term weight loss.
Rapid weight loss is usually followed by rapid regaining of the weight - something I hope to avoid. While Weight Watchers is by no means a faddy quick fix diet wonder, very low-calorie diets can be dangerous to your health. People who have medical problems caused by obesity might choose to try to lose weight rapidly under a doctor's supervision, but for most people it's not advised.
Many believe that in losing weight they are losing fat. While fat is lost, so is muscle. While fat contains roughly 50% water and muscle tissue is made up of approximately 70% water. With rapid weight loss can come rapid water loss. The consequences of this can be devastating. Electrolyte disturbances may occur - the consequences of which may be fatal. Severe dehydration can cause renal failure. On a more minor and superficial note, dehydration can cause dryness of skin and hair.
Starvation to achieve weight loss can alter hormone status - stopping the menstrual cycle, cause pancreatitis and reduce muscle mass. Over a long term, irrepairable damage can be caused.
Another issued raised by Weight Watchers is that the loser will be more likely to have issue with loose skin. With my many gains and losses as well as pregnancy in the past 20 years, I'm not sure whether this is avoidable...but I think that might be another blog entry entirely...infact, it will.
My points count has reduced again to 22 points per day. I have decided that, in an effort to avoid nasty health problems, I will do my best to eat all of my points each day as well as my water to see if it slows me down to a steady 2lb loss per week. The website advises eating all bonus points as well - however, I prefer not to simply as I'm usually full by the end of my points allowance. I have by no means been an angel since January when it comes to the diet - particularly over the last 2 weeks, so I am clueless as to why the loss has been high on average...but I'll do my best to keep it steady and keep it healthy.
Rapid weight loss is usually followed by rapid regaining of the weight - something I hope to avoid. While Weight Watchers is by no means a faddy quick fix diet wonder, very low-calorie diets can be dangerous to your health. People who have medical problems caused by obesity might choose to try to lose weight rapidly under a doctor's supervision, but for most people it's not advised.
Many believe that in losing weight they are losing fat. While fat is lost, so is muscle. While fat contains roughly 50% water and muscle tissue is made up of approximately 70% water. With rapid weight loss can come rapid water loss. The consequences of this can be devastating. Electrolyte disturbances may occur - the consequences of which may be fatal. Severe dehydration can cause renal failure. On a more minor and superficial note, dehydration can cause dryness of skin and hair.
Starvation to achieve weight loss can alter hormone status - stopping the menstrual cycle, cause pancreatitis and reduce muscle mass. Over a long term, irrepairable damage can be caused.
Another issued raised by Weight Watchers is that the loser will be more likely to have issue with loose skin. With my many gains and losses as well as pregnancy in the past 20 years, I'm not sure whether this is avoidable...but I think that might be another blog entry entirely...infact, it will.
My points count has reduced again to 22 points per day. I have decided that, in an effort to avoid nasty health problems, I will do my best to eat all of my points each day as well as my water to see if it slows me down to a steady 2lb loss per week. The website advises eating all bonus points as well - however, I prefer not to simply as I'm usually full by the end of my points allowance. I have by no means been an angel since January when it comes to the diet - particularly over the last 2 weeks, so I am clueless as to why the loss has been high on average...but I'll do my best to keep it steady and keep it healthy.
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