"Don't Fall for These 10 Weight-Loss Gimmicks" Review
Introduction
If you want actual weight loss results, it requires a real effort: Simple, nutrient-dense eating and efficient, non-inflammatory movement. You should be wary of any program or product that offers quick and easy results (sorry!). Read this list and remove each from your weight loss repertoire as soon as possible...your body will thank you in the long run (from the recent msn.com article "Don't Fall for These 10 Weight-Loss Gimmicks")!
List of Weight Loss Gimmicks
1. DIET CREAMS
It sounds ridiculous, but self-proclaimed weight-loss and "trimming" creams actually exist. For $50 or more, there are creams that invite users to rub them in, sit back, and watch their midsections (or wherever) start to shrink. Really? Experts stress that any weight-loss strategy that promises results without exercise and proper nutrition is surely a gimmick. Online reviews of these products say that effects were noticeable only when the cream was augmented by exercise.
2. 7-MINUTE WORKOUTS
There's no question that losing weight takes time that's not always available, which makes working out for a mere seven minutes particularly appealing. But experts say that just isn't enough. A small amount of exercise is certainly better than nothing, but any significant benefit from this workout routine requires several consecutive repeats. Suddenly, a seven-minute workout mushrooms to a commitment of at least 21 minutes. Don't be fooled by the hype.
3. DIET PILLS
It's possible to shed pounds with diet pills, but ongoing use -- and expense -- is necessary to keep the weight off. Moreover, experts at Mayo Clinic note that research about the pills' effectiveness is slim, express qualms about the ingredients, and caution that they can have unpleasant side effects, such as irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, loose stools, and insomnia. Only a handful of weight-loss pills have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Bottom line: Diet pills are no substitute for lifestyle changes.
4. NO-CARB DIET
This diet plan has been around for ages but is most commonly remembered as the Atkins diet. Sure, it produces results at the beginning, because eliminating carbohydrates causes the body to retain less water. But shedding water weight is a quick fix that doesn't last, and shunning carbs starves muscles of their energy stores. No-carb dieters end up feeling moody and lethargic. Carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes belong in a well-rounded diet, says fitness expert Kami Blakeman, and are best consumed after a workout (or a personal training session) when the body can process them efficiently.
5. OTHER ELIMINATION DIETS
Eating healthy is a critical component of any weight-reduction plan, and that means a balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and minimally processed foods. Weight-loss plans that eliminate any key source of nutrition are unlikely to deliver healthy and sustainable outcomes.
6. WAIST TRAINING
This is as ridiculous as it sounds. Unfortunately, celebrities such as the Kardashian sisters, Jessica Alba, and Amber Rose have acknowledged using a corset to "train" their waists into a slim-as-all-get-out size. Really, though, this weight-loss hack will just make you uncomfortable and look oh-so pinched. It can even damage internal organs and ribs, according to Women's Health. Again, any device that purports to produce weight loss without a healthy diet and exercise routine is likely a gimmick.
7. VERY LOW-CALORIE DIETS
A crash diet will come back to bite you. Starving a body of essential nutrients to lose weight quickly is counterproductive. Instead of burning off pounds, this strategy burns muscle. Less muscle means a slower metabolism, which is precisely the wrong outcome. Plus, this type of weight-loss plan can't last. Weight will evaporate quickly (most being water weight), but then what? Fans of this approach are doomed to regain the weight once normal eating resumes.
8. SHAKES
Many dieters turn to shakes as a snack or meal replacement. But if a serving contains less than 10 grams of protein -- the minimum needed to build muscle mass -- any lean muscle developed by working out will wind up eating itself. Weight may disappear quickly with a shake diet, but it isn't the type of weight to lose. Check the ingredients carefully and choose a brand that's low in carbohydrates and sugar and loaded with vitamins, as well as enough fiber to maintain a healthy digestive tract. Spurn anything with trans fats or saturated fats.
9. DIURETICS
Like some other weight-loss gimmicks, diuretics focus on loss of fluid, which is anything but a long-term solution. Taking a diuretic creates an imbalance in body chemistry. Along with water, essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium are lost. Counterintuitively, diuretic pills can work against the body by causing it to swell from dehydration.
10. DIETS THAT SOUND TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
Some diets sound deliciously appealing -- there's the cookie diet, the candy diet, and the grapefruit diet. But think about it: Does eating four to six cookies a day really seem like a sustainable path to weight loss? Again, if the plan doesn't entail a lifestyle change that includes exercise and a balanced diet, it's probably a gimmick.
Picture Credit: MSN.com - Can a meal replacement smoothie/shake give you real weight loss results?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
