50% of Americans are overweight. This is an alarming statistic by itself. But what is worse is that they spend US$40 billion annually on dieting and weight-loss products. It is unimaginable that Americans can be spending so much but still be fighting the losing battle against obesity. The sheer proportion of the sample size will make most dieticians sit up and take notice. The dichotomy of effort and results speak for a grave problem plaguing the diet and weight-loss industry. By now, you will hopefully begin to question: Perhaps the products and programs Americans are paying for are not all they are cut out to be?
Precisely, dear reader. A 2002 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report found that more than half of the weight-loss ads in 2001 made at least 1 false or unsubstantiated claim. For example, the popular silver 'slim suits' designed to keep body heat in and thus melt away fats is definitely not all it is touted to be. The type of weight lost through the wearing of these suits is nothing more than water loss through perspiration. All that will be put on again after the next drink from the cooler.
Advertisements for such weight-loss programs, are a scam and a sham. Unfortunately, they are not the worst. Some diet products have a detrimental effect on your body. A cursory check of the weight-loss section in the local pharmacy will reveal many brands of fatburners and carbohydrate blocking pills. These pills reduce the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Unknown to consumers, the refusal of nutrients can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and bloating. Vitamins that are contained in these nutrients are also refused entry. Sadly, these pills have also not been proven to help weight-loss.
The situation has deteriorated so much so that the FTC has even released a list of dieting and weight-loss slogans to be wary of. Included in this list are very familiar buzz words such as 'Lose 30 pounds in 30 days!', 'New Scientific Breakthrough!', and 'No Diet! No Exercise!' As is the case with phony Get-Rich schemes, if the program sounds too incredible, then it probably is.
Cue Tom Venuto, a tried, tested and acclaimed weight-loss guru. One look at him and one gets the sense that this guy knows what he is talking about. Further research reveals that he has been in the industry for 14 years, and is acutely aware of the scams that are plaguing it. He systematically exposes them on his website. His program stands out because it acknowledges the shortcomings of the industry. His knowledge of what works and what does not has led him to design a program that has won over cynics and doctors alike.
Frankly, the future looks bleak for those attempting to lose weight. One has to sift slowly through cover-ups and lies in order to find a solution. Hopefully, Tom Venuto's program is the start of a resurgence in the industry. There will be an outcry once greater light is shed on the behind-the-scenes workings of this industry. It is not sustainable to keep pulling the wool over the eyes of consumers. They have a right to ethical products and unexaggerated marketing. In Winston Churchill's words, 'The truth is great and it shall prevail'. The weight-loss industry has to seek treatment for its own disease before it can help anyone else lose weight.
Losing weight may not be easy but it does not have to be complicated. Many programs and supplements promise quick and easy solutions but if they truly worked we would not be an overweight society. Losing weight is not rocket science but it does take time, effort and hard work.
If you are one of the millions of individuals who is scouring the internet for the next quick fix then you are not really ready to loss weight. If however you are looking for a program that can point you in the right direction and that helps support you in your weight loss then you are more likely to make the changes necessary. It is necessary to be realistic, dieting does not work, lifestyle changes must be made.
Let Go Of The Excuses
You have to be willing to let go of all the excuses, and the two biggest ones are time and money. It does not have to cost any extra money to get moving and get healthy. The money you spend on junk food can easily be spent on healthy food and it does not cost anything to get up off the couch and walk around a few blocks. Going for a walk on a regular basis may not seem like much but it is more than most people actually do and if you are over weight and are honest with yourself it is probably more than you are currently doing. The point is there are many ways to get started on the road to health that does not have to break your pocket book.
The first step in weight loss is you have to decide that you are worth the time and effort. It is true we live in a fast paced world but it is also true that we manage to find the time when necessary and usually it is for others. What about you, you should be a priority in your life? For whatever reason we do not always believe we are also worth the time and deserve priority status. The truth is if we do not make the time for our selves we will not be able to be there for any one else. If you are completely honest with yourself, then you will realize that the only barriers are ones that you put in place. If you sit down and think about all of your excuses to not making your health and weight loss a priority from a logical detached space you will realize that there is not even one that holds any water.
Set Realistic Goals
You will probably never look like a super model or a body builder but honestly is that what you want? Most of us realize when we actually stop and think about it we just want to be healthy, fit and at peace with food. In order to do this we have to change our lifestyles to have long term success, we do not want to lose 30lbs and fit into some skinny jeans for a few months and feel great and then have it all vanish. In order to sustain weight loss and more importantly remain healthy you must be willing to make a life long commitment to change.
Make a plan and set goals (realistic ones). Set daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals, this way you know where you are going and how you are going to get there. Visualize reaching your goals and believe that you are going to reach them. It is important to document your day to day goals and accomplishments, this will allow you to stay focused and also see what you need to work on. Remember excuses to making life style changes are to a large extent mental and emotional so reward your self for a job well done. Small motivations can be instrumental in keeping yourself on track.
Celebrate your successes no matter how small they are because all steps forward will eventually lead you to your end goal. If and when you slip (you are human), do not beat yourself up, instead try to evaluate honestly what took you off course, and find solutions so that it does not happen again. Completely changing your life will take time, persistence and will also include mistakes and a lot of learning. Start with manageable and realistic steps goals, as you want to set yourself up for success not failure.
Both Estevanresearch & Christine Erickson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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