As I stood in line at the grocery store, I found myself perusing through dozens of magazines, each with a headliner aimed at people looking for the ultimate weightloss plan. One craze that has been thrown in our face is Alli, the FDA approved wonder pill. One of my favorite lines on their website is "What makes alli different? FDA approval and a sensible approach that focuses on your long-term success." Really, FDA approval makes it different? How about safe, lets shoot for safety. Does FDA approval make it SAFE!
In doing my research about this and other diet pills I found this very interesting post on blogher.com. Read it here.
Before you pick up a bottle of whatever diet pill is on the market, turn that bottle around and read the label. Look for key words such as "must follow a sensible diet and regular exercise plan." Alli, for example, clearly states that you must "Commit to a plan" and cut fat out of your diet--ok maybe not completely, but drastically. Then the pill forces most of what little fat you eat out of your body in a not-so-pretty way. Others clearly state that they cause dizziness, headaches, and dry mouth to name a few. They also suggest you avoid caffeine or you will be bouncing off the walls. Furthermore, most diet pills suggest that you follow a low calorie and/or low fat diet and exercise program.
Ok so let me sum this up:
1. When taking diet pills you must consume 8-10 glasses of water each day
2. You have to cut fat and calories; you have to include nutritious foods in your diet
3. You have to exercise on a regular basis
My suggestions--- go ahead, do what they tell you to do, but don't take the pill and see what happens. The first thing you'll notice is that you wont have to worry about what you just put into your body, or what might be coming out.
A little known fact about fats from WebMd: "We actually need fats -- can't live without them, in fact. Fats are an important part of a healthy diet: They provide essential fatty acids, keep our skin soft, deliver fat-soluble vitamins, and are a great source of energizing fuel." For more on the types of fats to avoid Read the entire article here...
I have to go back to saying that changing the way we fit food into our lives and fitting in physical activity is more likely to provide results long-term, without the nasty side effects. You have to drink water to stay hydrated, you have to control your portions and eat more raw foods which will help cut back on added fats and empty calories, but you also have to consume fats and calories--it's fuel and nutrition. You also have to be physically active and you have to be realistic. Challenge yourself to live a healthier lifestyle without the aid of fad diet. Do your research and let me know your thoughts on the "Quick-fix" diets you've encountered.
Stay well,
Spin Diva
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