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Weight Loss Programs

Weight loss programs come and go all the time. They are like fashion, subject to fads and media attention or the lack thereof. The problem with most of these programs is that they are self serving. What does that mean? It means that they either advocate special foods or require you to buy something, or the plans cost money from month to month. Keep in mind that the weight loss industry is a multi billion dollar industry. If everyone learned how to eat right and exercise, these people would go broke. Conspiracy theorists say that all these companies including the fast food companies are in cahoots. OK, armed with the knowledge that we might be taken advantage of, we will discuss some of the more popular weight loss programs.

Let’s start with the Nutrisystem weight loss program. The basic idea with this program is they prepare all the foods for you and you eat them. What could be simpler? In theory, this seems like a good deal. All you need is about $300 a month and all the food is shipped to your door. We could not resist trying out this system for our readers. First off, the calories are pretty much fixed. There is one plan for men and one for women. The men get an extra meal/snack. There are some other plans for older people, vegetarians, etc, but for the most part it is a one size fits all approach to dieting. If you are very petite, you probably won’t lose much weight on this diet. If you are a large man over 6 feet, you will probably be very hungry. You get the idea here. OK, on to the details. We unwrapped the boxes and felt like children at Christmastime. The foods are “shelf stable”. This means that the food does not need to be refrigerated. Most of the hot meals require a microwave for maximum convenience. Well, we lost weight on this diet, so the claims are true. The food tastes OK, but some things are quite unappealing. To keep on this diet, you really need to customize the menu after the first month. Remember to keep notes here.

The competitor to the Nutrisystem weight loss program is Medifast. The Medifast weight loss program is in certain ways similar. We have not tried this system, but one of the strengths that may appeal to some people is a higher emphasis on protein. Nutrisystem has a very carbohydrate laden component (pastas, breads, etc.) that some dieters may not like.

Last, but not least is Weight Watchers. The Weight Watchers weight loss program is pretty good in that they advocate eating better, more balanced meals. You learn to keep yourself in check and you count points. The point counting system is a gimmick so that they can say their customers don’t have to count calories. The system works because you learn to avoid foods which are really bad for you and this is a good thing.

In closing, there are many weight loss programs out there for you to choose. When deciding on one, please make sure you get all the details up front. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Understand the approach of each program and know the costs up front. Whatever you choose, good luck and stick to it.

Weight Loss Fast Tip #1

Believe it or not, drinking lots of water helps your diet efforts more than you think. Did you know that the body makes you feel hunger even when you are just thirsty? Yes, it is true. Drinking eight 8oz. glasses of water each and every day will keep your body hydrated and you diet humming along. Remember, the body also needs water to flush out that fat that we are trying to lose!

Weight Loss Fast Tip #2

Walking is the miracle exercise. Walking about a half an hour a day will help your diet tremendously. It does not matter what diet you are on. The reason we like walking is because anyone can do it and walking is not overly stressful on the body. Running and jogging when you are very overweight can be downright dangerous!

Weight Loss Fast Tip #3

Get a good night's sleep. Yes, you heard me right, lack of sleep will kill any diet. Lack of sleep does many bad things, but when dieting, it affects your metabolism and also contributes to eroding your energy level and enthusiasm. So go get a good night's sleep, your body will thank you for it.