We know that cutting calorie intake and increasing calorie (energy) output will lead to weight loss, and nothing will speed up the process that our bodies need to take to accomplish this, if it is to be permanent. Fast weight loss is a health risk on it's own (can cause heart failure and liver damage), and is always temporary. It cannot be sustained. If you want a plan to guide you, choose a good one. Choose one that doesn't claim to be miraculous or even special. Down-to-earth ideas and guides are the way to go. I would recommend finding books or plans that stick solidly to the long-term benefits of healthy eating and exercise and whose plans don't involve steps that promise anything but that. Getting thin is the benefit to getting healthy. Getting thin on it's own terms can be dangerous - choose health over skinny and find the right guide to help you on your way.
Fast Weight LossThe six main warning signs to look out for when researching a new plan:
- If it promises very fast weight loss, anything more than a pound or two per week - don't do it
- If it promises weight loss without changing diet habits or engaging in an exercise program - it can't work
- If it's promoted by "scientific" testimonials and pictures of "before" and "after" success stories it won't work
- If it involves expensive seminars, medications, or pre-made meals - it's a money-making scheme
- If it focuses on very few acceptable foods, and doesn't focus on a healthy, balanced diet - it's a fad
- If it points to simple explanations drawn from confusing research or doesn't cite the research references - it's a wash
