Crash diets versus quality long term weight loss

Most Canadians attempt to lose weight at some point in their lives.  A study in 2001 done by NDP group shows that on average 64% of Canadian woman and 34% of Canadian men are on diets.  There is definitely an argument about the perception of thinness in our society and the quest for the lean bodies that cover newspapers, magazines and TV.  In fact, 75% of female characters on situation comedies would classify as underweight (Greg Fouts, 2002).  There is a problem with the pressure that most people feel to be thin, yet 50% of Canadians are overweight.

The vast difference between what we want to weigh to look like the magazine pictures, and what we currently weigh has created a multimillion dollar diet business.  The number of diets on the market make it confusing to understand which are the fad diets and which programs are safe ways to lose weight. 

A few ways to tell if your diet is a good one:

1. You are eating a variety of foods

2. There are enough daily calories to maintain good health (no less than 1200 kcal per day)

3. Realistic weight loss goals (no more than 2 lbs per week)

4. It includes regular exercise

5. There is a long term plan to change the behaviours that caused the weight gain

We all know a friend or relative that has lost weight quickly for a wedding or beach holiday.  The short term diets will help you lose some water weight quickly as well as cause cold intolerance, fatigue, light headedness, diarrhea, dry skin and thinning of hair.  Based on hundreds of personal training clients over the last 10 years, statistics show that you will put the weight back on.

If you are ready for a proven, safe method of losing weight let us know

Erin

Vintage Fitness

416-951-7978