Weight Loss: Things To Avoid

Losing weight can be a great way to re-gain your health, rid yourself of dangerous health conditions and keep you feeling, and looking, your very best. There are many ways people use in order to lose weight, from fad diets, pills and diet support groups. One thing most dieters have in common is the desire to rid themselves of extra weight as quickly as possible. While this may seem like an enticing idea, there are good reasons, some dangerous, that may influence your decision to use quick-fix weight reduction plans. Below, you will learn some things to avoid when trying to lose weight.

Leaving Out Entire Food Groups

Many people find that they can lose weight quickly by eliminating one or more food groups. Whether it is carbohydrates, fat, fruit or a combination of food groups, this is not a good idea. All of the food groups are necessary for good nutrition, and to keep the body healthy, and running properly. Instead of eliminating carbs, for example, try choosing carbs that can improve your health, such as whole-grain breads, legumes and some fruits. Good fats to include are olive oil and avocados. Eaten in moderation, these foods can enhance weight loss while increasing your overall health.

Diet Pills and Supplements

Diet supplements and weight loss pills are red-flags for possible complications. They are full of chemicals and additives that can damage the heart and other organs. People have been known to suffer heart attacks and strokes related to these drugs. No weight loss is worth these risks.

Laxatives

Some dieters resort to the use of laxatives in order to drop excess pounds. This a harmful, and possibly dangerous practice. Using laxatives deplete the body of vital substances, such as fluid and potassium. The possibilities of dehydration and other complications makes laxative use a dangerous way to lose weight. Also, weight loss through laxative use is temporary, and when use is discontinued, the weight will return as normal bodily functions improve.

One-Dimensional Diets

Over the years, people desperate to lose weight have been sucked into one-dimensional diets by stories of rapid weight loss. The Grapefruit Diet, The Rice Diet and the Soup Diet are all fad diets that offer quick weight loss by eliminating all but one or two foods. Not only are these diets usually abandoned due to boredom, they deplete the body of necessary nutrients and natural chemicals that the body needs. And, again, lost weight almost always creeps back on when normal eating habits resume.

Weight Loss Surgery

Recent strides in the safety of surgery, such as the Lap Band, gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve have improved the safety of weight loss surgery. However, the risks may outweigh the benefits. Infection, the lack of absorption of vital nutrients and even the risk of death make the decision for weight loss surgery one to be carefully contemplated.

It is unfortunate that people become so desperate to lose weight that they will resort to these risky measures. To lose weight in a healthy, permanent way, one must simply avoid poor food choices, and substitute them for healthy, nutritious foods. This, along with a good exercise routine can keep you healthy, feeling and looking great and able to enjoy life to its fullest!