Frustration and failure often follow weight loss efforts. In spite of everything one does, those extra pounds seem to stay put and the weight loss program becomes nothing but another heart wrenching failure. Far too many have experienced this failure and all too often have given up hope. There is hope, however, and it’s just a matter of correcting that diet.
Most people on a diet do not achieve the target weight loss because their diets are poor. There is a common misconception that weight loss can be achieved by starving the body. Though one may lose a few pounds on a starvation diet initially, very soon one stops losing weight.
This is the body’s auto mechanism where it believes it is starving and begins conserving the stored fat. Starving the body of its essential foods is not only unhealthy but positively dangerous. Serious and properly balanced diets must include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fat, lean protein and lots of water.
Another reason even proper diets fail is because dieters tend to skip a meal thinking it will cut down on unwanted calories. This is an extremely counterproductive measure and actually sabotages the best of diets and the most well meaning dieter. Studies have shown that instead of skipping meals, one should increase the number of meals. This does sound crazy but in fact eating many small meals helps boost metabolism. Instead of eating three large meals one should eat five to six small meals, spaced between regular intervals. This way the body’s natural fat burning mechanism operates much more efficiently and steadily without overcharge.
Another major issue is that most dieters don’t get enough exercise. Thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercise three or more times a week will help in a big way with the weight loss and provide the added benefit of overall wellbeing. Cardiovascular exercise boosts the metabolism and increases overall fitness. Cardiovascular exercise is needed for fat burn. In addition there should be some light weight lifting for toning and definition to the body and getting rid of ugly bulk.
Many dieters expect a miracle within a few days of dieting. They get impatient and angry or frustrated at not obtaining instant weight loss within a few days. Actually weight loss is a slow process just as all that fat did not appear from one day to the next. To achieve weight loss, one must work steadily and continuously. Trying to lose more than three pounds a week is extremely unhealthy in addition to being unrealistic. A normal time lapse in achieving weight loss for a properly coordinated diet and exercise program would be about six weeks at least. An evaluation after at least six weeks of any given program will yield proper results. This in turn helps evaluate whether the program is the right one for you. So don’t be in a hurry but follow your doctor’s advice and stick to your diet and exercise routine. At the end you will look and feel terrific.
