How to lose weight and how not to Posted on 12 Jun 08:30 , 0 comments

You may be eager to shed those extra kilo’s you’ve gained over the holidays, but don’t be fooled by false promises when it comes to detox or weight loss programs. Detox products are popular and their marketing claims are becoming more and more convincing. With claims such as ‘easy, effortless, not difficult at all’, we’re enticed into the false security that our next detox will rid us of our past dietary sins. Some of the claims associated with many detox products are outrageous and down right dangerous.

With this in mind, I’ve put together 7 tips to help you separate the fact from the fluff and help your body detox naturally.

Your body is an amazing healer.

Your body protects you from everyday exposure to toxins with your own internal detoxification system. Your liver, your kidneys, your skin and your digestive system all play a huge role in keeping you healthy. Just eat a healthy diet with adequate amounts of water and fiber and your body will detox naturally.

Drastic weight loss will make you fat

Nutritionists know that weight loss of more than one kilogram per week is detrimental. Any detox program that provides less than 1400 calories or less than 80 grams of protein per day is merely a drastic starvation diet. Without supervision these kinds of programs will cause a loss of muscle, bone and lower our metabolism. In short we could end up fatter in the long run.

Eat Anything You Want and Just Take These Pills.

Realistically, we cannot expect to consume thousands of calories a day from poor food sources, pop a couple of pills and be healthier. The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. Our bodies simply don’t work like that.

Lifestyle Changes Work Best

The best way to keep our bodies in good health is to eat a diet high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants all year round. Our internal organs require more than 50 nutrients per day to be able to function well. This includes drinking plenty of water for hydration and consuming healthy Omega 3 fats for healthy cell membranes.

Exercise Helps Us Detox

Exercise helps increase blood flow to our cells. Our blood carries nutrients from our food around our body to nourish our vital organs. Exercise helps with immunity and keeps our detoxification systems functioning well.

Does the Product Neglect Lifestyle Changes or Exercise?

Fad diets or detox products do not attempt to help us change our behaviors or lifestyle. They claim we can follow the detox for a short period and then return to our old habits.

The bottom line Emphasis is on a well balanced diet high in plant food and low in refined sugars. This kind of diet will have you well on the way to long lasting health. Behavior modification including stress management and physical activity will result in improved health and an energized life. It doesn’t sound as exciting or as easy as a miracle pill, but let’s face it, we know it works.