Take Responsibility for What You Believe!

There are days when the responsibility of a healthy eating plan and life-style seem like just to much hard work. AND, I really want to eat what I want when I want, without taking the time to shop for healthy food, or the preparing of such food... and then of course there’s the resulting dishes and mess in the kitchen to contend with afterwards. It would be so much simpler and easier to just have take-aways for lunch and go out for dinner, and the convenience of packet, bottled or boxed food just dispenses with the messy after-effects, and makes for such convenience when you can just ‘throw’ the containers away. Plus, it would be so simple to just pop a ‘fat trapper’ or ‘weight-loss pill’ to take care of the adverse effects of such irresponsible eating. A hamburger dripping with fat, or a pizza laden to the hilt, and even a huge bowl of ice-cream smothered in chocolate sauce are best eaten on occasion and in moderation. It’s when they are eaten on a regular basis, because you believe that pill or capsule is going to protect you from the adverse effects of weight gain and ill health, that it becomes a problem.

I know if I believed all the claims that manufacturers make about so called ‘weight-loss’ products, I would simply be abdicating responsibility for my own body, weight, health and life-style. AND do I really want to give away my power by handing what I eat to the profit making manufacturers of said ‘pills’ on a platter by believing all the claims they make?

Problems with some common weight-control products

In addition to low-calorie diet books, many other products are marketed for weight loss. Unfortunately, most of them seldom promote fat loss and some may jeopardise your health. Below are some common products that should not be used in place of a healthy balanced diet if you’re trying to lose weight.

Laxatives and diuretics

• These seldom prevent you from absorbing food.
• They cause water loss rather than fat loss, so your normal weight will return once you drink enough fluid.
• Long-term use of such products can lead to dangerous losses of water, sodium and potassium, which can cause death.

Supplements claimed to suppress appetite, increase fat metabolism or block fat absorption

• As yet, there is no scientific evidence that use of these supplements alone results in weight loss.
• They often contain only minute amounts of the ingredients claimed to produce the beneficial effects.

Fibre supplements

• These are claimed to help reduce appetite by filling the stomach, but must be taken with lots of water.
• They can cause constipation, bloating, and flatulence.
• Excessive use can cause gut problems and reduced absorption of iron, zinc and calcium.
• Natural high-fibre foods may be more beneficial for weight control by decreasing the amount of food that is consumed at meals and increasing fullness between meals.

Meal replacement drinks and bars

• These are often low in calories and/or carbohydrate, and don’t contain all important vitamins and minerals.
• They are not as filling as a wholesome low-fat meal and don’t contain all the important vitamins and minerals.
• They can lead to hunger between meals and increased risk of snacking.
• There is no scientific evidence that they are useful for long-term weight loss.

Modified fasting (very low-calorie diets)
and low-carbohydrate diets

• Due to low calorie intake, these diets can lead to rapid weight loss, but this is mostly water.
• Side effects include dizziness, fatigue, depression, hair loss, nervousness and skin problems.
• With time, loss of muscle mass will cause the body to run on less energy and slow the rate of weight loss.
• They are difficult to maintain due to boredom, hunger and side effects.

Still unconvinced?

Janet, a WhyWeight subscriber sent me an article with the following info:

“Most Outrageous Claim: TV ads featuring former baseball player Steve Garvey that suggest that Fat Trapper, which includes chitosan plus fiber, lets you enjoy delicious high-fat foods without worrying about weight gain.

$10 Million Fine: In May 2000, Fat Trapper's manufacturer, Enforma Natural Products, agreed to pay $10 million to the Federal Trade Commission as a fine for this and other false advertising.

The Bottom Line: If you insist on believing these silly claims, make sure you take a good multivitamin with minerals - just in case some fat-soluble vitamins get trapped in all that fat you "don't absorb!"” (by Paul R. Thomas, Ed.D, R.D)

I’ve learnt through experience to click the TV channel as soon as an advert making outrageous claims comes on my screen. I even ignore and disbelieve those tempting magazine and newspaper adverts displaying nubile, young things.... with bodies to dream about, because I know with time and the right software I can make a photograph of myself.... anybody for that matter.... look trim, slim and sexy, decrease or increase my breast size, change the colour of my outfit, add a tan, delete and eliminate a pimple, freckle and the signs of cellulite..... simply by moving my mouse and clicking a button!

In reality, I will still look the way I do.... and if I want to make improvements, I need to make changes by following a healthy eating plan and life-style. That includes the shopping, preparation and clean-up *Grin*.... all those things can be fun with planning, responsibility and perspective!

To read the full article sent to me by Janet click the following link below: [ Fat Busters ]