Slim Fast and Weight Loss

Friday, July 24th, 2009
The following article presents the very latest information on Slim Fast. If you have a particular interest in Slim Fast, then this informative article is required reading.

See how much you can learn about Slim Fast when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don’t miss out on the rest of this great information.

You may have seen one of the ever-present cans in the grocery store and been tempted to pick it up. Yet, you’re not sure whether Slim-Fast will be effective in helping you to lose weight. You should know that the Slim-Fast program is considered quite successful in the fight against fat—although not everyone is sold on the plan.

Nearly thirty years ago, S. Daniel Abraham revolutionized weight loss programs with the Slim-Fast drink. According to the company website, Slim-Fast represents a sensible way to slim down. In fact, more than two dozen medical studies indicate that the diet program is a winning formula for losing weight. Slim-Fast is considered to be a nutritionally-balanced plan, offering dieters proteins, carbohydrates, and a healthy amount of fat.

One of the recommendations of the Slim Fast program is its convenience. You can drink on the run, enabling you to fit nutrition into your busy day. In addition, the program is considered far less expensive than other diet plans, particularly pre-packaged diet plans such as NutriSystem and Jenny Craig. Slim-Fast also now offers more variety. In addition to all the different flavors of shakes it offers, Slim-Fast also provides dieters with soup, pasta, and nutrition bars. In all, Slim-Fast now features more than a hundred different products. If you follow the Slim-Fast plan, you will need to eat three meals each day, along with three snacks made up of fruits and vegetables. Two of the meals and one snack must be made up of Slim-Fast products. Because of the frequency with which you’ll be eating, you shouldn’t suffer from hunger pains. One study actually showed that individuals who used Slim-Fast over a period of a decade were 33 pounds lighter than dieters who did not use Slim-Fast products.

Another advantage to the Slim-Fast program is that you don’t have to worry about counting calories, cooking meals, or figuring out portion sizes. Slim Fast has, in essence, done the work for you. Also, you can now choose between two different Slim-Fast programs: the Optima Diet and the Plan for a Low-Carb Lifestyle.

The company’s website contends that the program is a proven weight loss tool. Dieters have had success in maintaining their weight over one to five years’ duration. A spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association has called the website “user-friendly.” By visiting the site, you can be put in touch with registered dieticians who can answer your concerns. The website also offers a support group, which can be a critical factor in maintaining weight loss over the long term.

Slim Fast goals as far as weight loss is concerned follow government guidelines. The idea is to lose ten percent of one’s weight over six months, meaning that one would shed no more than two pounds a week. Slim-Fast’s plan calls for only 30 minutes of exercise a day, which seems entirely doable. Dieters may also be inspired by the success stories posted on the company’s website.

However, there are disadvantages to the Slim-Fast program. For instance, if you don’t like the taste of the shakes or food, you could find it difficult to continue with the meal plan. Also, some people report feeling hungry, despite eating the recommended portions of food. Slim-Fast, in essence, does the thinking for you, so, for the most part, you do not get the experience of shopping for wholesome food for yourself. You might also tire of the program quickly, causing you to gain back the weight you initially lost. While Slim Fast may be effective for the short-term, it is a difficult program to maintain for life.

As a result, Slim-Fast gets mixed reviews even from members of the medical community. While some dieticians are fans of meal replacement programs, others see them as potentially harmful and nutritionally inadequate. Whether you can effectively lose weight with Slim-Fast depends upon whether you have the discipline and desire to remain with the program for the long-term. If you start to use Slim Fast for a while, then stop, you will likely gain back the weight you initially lost. However, for decades now, Slim-Fast has been winning the hearts of dieters and the company shows no signs of slowing down in the near future. Slim-Fast may be one way that you can drink yourself to optimum weight loss.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing, the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.



By: J. Brian Keith

Author J. Brian Keith is a proud contributing author for
Atkins Diet Menu,
Home Exercise Equipment and enjoys writing about
many different topics. Please visit my other web sites
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Do Diets Really Work?

Sunday, April 5th, 2009
It seems as if just about everyone has tried a diet or weight loss plan at one time or another – and it also seems that every time you turn around, there’s another new diet that promises results with very little effort. For example, there are and have been some crazy fad diets floating around…the popcorn & ice cream diet, the soup diet, the sardine diet, the hot dog diet, and now there’s…. the cookie diet !!!



Some popular diets today are: the South Beach diet, the Zone diet, the Atkins diet, Macrobiotics, Weight Watchers, Raw Foods, Life Choice….etc. and they promise to deliver – if you can stay with the program to the letter.

But the question is: do any of these diets really work ? If some of these popular, highly advertised diet plans do achieve the weight loss promised, why do so many dieters tend to re-gain their weight back, and more times than not, why do they eventually end up gaining back more weight than when they started on the diet?

From experience, I can tell you this : these diets are not made for everyone – if every person who wanted to lose weight all went on the same diet, it would work for some, and not for others. Everyone has a different metabolism, different systemic needs, different digestion – every person is an individual with a body system that is different in some way from every other person.

Popular diet plan promoters want you to believe that everyone who is really motivated to lose weight, should choose their special _____________( fill in the blank…) diet – and they will lose weight and succeed !!! And of course, they show you numerous “before and after” photos to convince you that their diet is the only one that really works, and that you too will soon be thin and attractive.

Many people have had success with low carb and other popular diets. On the other hand, many others fail on these diets, as not every diet is for every person. Some diet-educated people actually make up their own personalized diet and this works for them…but in most cases, losing weight requires guidance, discipline, and life style changes which a good diet guide or diet plan can provide.

So, if you need to lose weight, do some research and learn all that you can before starting on any diet. Look it up online and check out the successes – and the side effects… Consult your doctor and take the diet information with you and ask questions.

In my own experience with dieting I learned Rule # 1 about weight loss: If you take in more calories than you burn off every day, you will gain weight. If you burn off more calories than you take in, you will lose weight – sounds simple and it is, but even this rule has it’s own rules… a starvation diet of 1,000 calories a day will eventually put your system on “hold” – you won’t lose any more weight, as your body thinks it’s starving, and will “hold on” to any calorie it can get for survival. Eventually, you will eat – and gain.

I have personally found that a balanced daily diet combined with different forms of exercise up to 3 hours per week works best for me – but many people don’t have the time to exercise 2 to 3 hours or more…

As mentioned above, it’s best to do the research on any diet that you are interested in first, and then make an educated decision for yourself.

For More Information  Please Visit The FREE Weight Loss Information Website at: http://best-infosite.com/dietinfo 



By: stefexec

Stefexec is a freelance writer with experience in several fields including Real Estate, Mortgage Lending, Finance, Home Business, Health and Fitness, Yoga, Meditation, and Natural Medicine.

Atkins Diet Plan: Foods You Can Eat and Still Lose Weight

Monday, February 16th, 2009
 

Atkins Diet Plan for weight loss is an attractive choice over other diets because it allows a substantially larger list of foods you can eat while still being able to lose weight. Atkins Diet Plan is low-carb, not no-carb – and you’ll never have to worry about hunger pains while you’re on the Atkins Diet Plan.

Atkins Diet Plan is often mistakenly believed to be a no-carb diet rather than low-carb diet. Although the first two weeks of the Atkins Diet is challenging, there is a long list of fulfilling foods that you can eat – and still lose weight with – during the induction phase of Atkins Diet Plan. The induction phase is the first phase of the Atkins Diet, and severely limits the carbohydrate-rich foods you can eat for two weeks. During the second phase of Atkins Diet Plan, which is the “ongoing weight loss” phase, you can slowly add small amounts of carbohydrates to the list of foods you can eat. Later in the Atkins Diet Plan, you will be able to increase the foods you enjoy by burning more calories.

Atkins’ induction phase has severe limitations on carbohydrates because the purpose of this phase is to get your body to rely on burning fat, instead of the glucose produced by the carbohydrates. In the medical community, this is the state of “ketosis.” But even the two-week induction phase in Atkins Diet Plan is not “no-carb,” it is “low-carb.”

Many dieters feel that the most attractive benefit of the Atkins Diet Plan is that it allows for substantially more types of foods, which you can eat and still be able to lose weight. Throughout the induction phase, and the ongoing weight loss phase of Atkins Diet, a dieter is allowed to eat a liberal amount fish, fowl, shellfish, meat and eggs, including bacon.

An Atkins dieter can also eat cheese and still lose weight with the Atkins Diet. (They may, however, have to give up Cheez-wiz because fake cheese is not allowed.) Cheese you can eat and still be able to lose weight with are the firmer varieties such as Cheddar, and the soft and semi-soft cheeses, such as goat cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, Swiss and blue cheese. Just like any diet, there’s a long list of vegetables you can eat when you’re on the Atkins Diet Plan to lose weight. Unlike other diets, the Atkins Diet Plan allows you to eat the fats, salad dressings and condiments that low-fat diets disallow. However, Atkins still advises dieters to choose the healthier fats in their diet eating plans.

The science behind the Atkins Diet Plan uses fat consumption from the new diet eating habits to inhibit cravings for carbohydrates. Although “sweets” are not allowed, there are enough viable low-sugar and low-carbohydrate options on the market today that can compensate for food cravings. Sugar substitutes are allowed, and dedicated Atkins dieters have posted thousands of recipes over the Internet for Atkins carb-friendly desserts. Today’s creative food technologists and food marketers have provided substitutes for virtually everything that’s not allowed. A good example of “sweet” in Atkins “no sweet” diet would be Atkins Advantage™ Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar.

Atkins Diet Plan is the diet plan of choice if you have a hearty appetite and are interested in a weight loss program that will provide you with plenty of foods that you can eat and still lose weight with. Diet eating with the Atkins Diet Plan is challenging the first two weeks, but millions of people, and many scientific studies, have proven that the Atkins Diet Plan is a successful method to reach weight loss goals. If you enjoy eating and are evaluating your diet plan options, the Atkins Diet Plan is worthy of serious consideration. You can eat and still lose weight with the Atkins Diet Plan. Lose weight without the hunger pains by trying the Atkins Diet Plan – they have a hearty menu waiting just for you.



By: Mellisa

Melissa Webster is the guru of diet eating for weight loss. She specialized in Atkins diet

The Three Day Diet is Back

Saturday, December 13th, 2008
Jeff Behar asked:


The Three Day Diet is a fad diet dating back to 1985. Followers of the Three Day Diet are promised up to a 10 pound weight loss in three days. The allure of the the Three Day Diet is the promise of up to a 10 pound weight loss in three days. The reality is that most of that weight loss is likely due to fluid loss and not the more desirable fat loss.

How the Three Day Diet Works

As the name suggests, the Three Day Diet lasts only three days, though it’s said that it can be repeated indefinitely, as long as you alternate with 4-5 days of undefined normal eating. The purpose of returning to your usual eating style is to keep your metabolism from slowing, reverting to fat-storing, starvation mode

The Three Day Diet is a regimented plan that must be followed exactly for three days at a time, followed by normal eating for four or five days before opting to resume the plan again.

The Three Day Diet is a very specific food plan that must be followed precisely. Portions must be eaten exactly as specified and dieters are warned not to overeat — otherwise the promised 10 pound weight loss may not be achieved. Likewise, dieters should not under-eat, even if they are not hungry.

The combination of the suggested foods included in this plan is supposed to create a unique metabolic reaction and boost fat burning.

The Three Day Diet Meal Plan

Day 1

Breakfast


Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal

1/2 grapefruit or juice

1 piece toast with 1 tablespoon peanut butter

Lunch

1/2 cup tuna

1 piece toast

Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal

Dinner

3 ounces any lean meat or chicken

1 cup green beans

1 cup carrots

1 apple

1 cup regular vanilla ice cream

Day 2

Breakfast


Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal

1 egg

1/2 banana

1 piece toast

Lunch

1 cup cottage cheese or tuna

8 regular saltine crackers

Dinner

2 beef franks

1 cup broccoli or cabbage

1/2 cup carrots

1/2 banana

1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream

Day 3

Breakfast


Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal

5 regular saltine crackers

1 ounce cheddar cheese

1 apple

Lunch

Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal

1 boiled egg

1 piece toast

Dinner

1 cup tuna

1 cup carrots

1 cup cauliflower

1 cup melon

1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream

What Food is Allowed on the Three Day Diet

The Three Day Diet gives you the freedom to eat a wide variety of foods, as long as you stick to mostly natural foods.n addition to its strict daily food prescription, dieters drink 4 cups of water or noncaloric drinks daily.

The Three Day Diet consists of ordinary foods found in your kitchen. No special expensive recipes or ingredients are required. You don’t have to buy frozen diet meals.

You can add herbs, salt, pepper, lemon, vinegar, Worcestershire, soy sauce, mustard and ketchup to your foods.

What Food is Not Allowed on the Three Day Diet

Processed food such as frozen meals, crackers, ramen soups, cake mixes, chips and candy have to be avoided. No bread, alcohol, or carbonated beverages, not even diet soda. Beverages are limited to water, and unsweetened fruit juice.

Known Benefits of the Three Day Diet

The main advantage of the Three day diet is that it helps you lose weight fast.

Apart from this fast weight loss Three Day Diet is also having other advantages like increasing your body energy, healthy skin, reduces allergies and enhanced sexual drive. Other advantages include:



The Three Day Diet can flush your body of toxins in the process as long as you stick with the program and do not overeat.



The Three Day Diet is simple to follow, reasonably cheap, less time consuming and there is no complicated recipes to follow.





The fasting of the 3 day diet can make the body to heal naturally.

Digestion uses up strength in the form of fat and muscles from our energy store Fasting also appears to release a hormone that stimulates the immune system. It also gives your intestinal system a chance to clean itself and the body time to flush out the waste products of metabolism.

A regular practice of fasting is said to also  help prevent a buildup or backlog of metabolic debris in the body, diminishing the possibility of serious illness.

Potential Risks of the Three Day Diet

Some people feel dizzy, weak, unable to concentrate and complete daily activities.If you are looking for a weight loss program and exercise plan that will help you maintain your health, weight, strength, and more, then this diet is not for you. This diet might only offer you temporary weight loss, and might not have enough nutrients in it to help you workout on a regular basis.

What the Experts Say About 3 Day Diet

“There is no such thing as a Cleveland Clinic diet,” says Cindy Moore, director of nutrition therapy at The Cleveland Clinic. “It is an urban legend that is not nutritionally sound, and the only reason it causes weight loss is because it is so low in calories, not because of any food combinations or metabolic reactions.”

Following a plan with fewer than 1,000 calories a day concerns Moore. “The plan yields about 1,000 calories a day which has the ability to lower metabolism so when you revert back to normal eating, you regain weight even quicker.”

Because the 3 Day Diet is so low in carbohydrates, it’s likely the initial weight loss is primarily water weight, as carbohydrate encourages your body to retain water. As soon as the dieter goes back to consuming a normal amount of carbohydrate, the water weight comes back.

There has been a lot of research to help us understand why weight cycling occurs. When we diet, our body still requires a set number of calories to function each day. If we do not get it from food, our body will break down its own energy stores in fat and muscle to survive. It has long been established that a diet that promotes more than a two-pound per week weight loss will break down muscle tissue for energy at a more rapid rate than it will break down fat stores for energy. Whereas, the slower one loses weight, the less our body uses lean muscle tissue for energy and the more it uses our fat stores. Lean muscle is the last thing a dieter wants to lose. Muscle tissue is the source of our metabolic rate. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn each day. The less you have, the less you burn each day. Thus, even slow weight loss diets will burn some muscle tissue for energy, particularly when unaccompanied by exercise. Choosing to lose weight fast without exercising is a no win combination that is a strong predictor of weight cycling.

Bottom Line About The Three day Diet

The Three Day Diet is a simple a low calorie diet. There is nothing magical no mystical chemical reaction that goes on as some seem to think.

The only reason that a person on this diet would lose weight is due to the severe calorie restriction. Because of the low amount of carbohydrate in the diet, it is also possible that a person on this diet will primarily lose water weight. As soon as the dieter goes back to eating a normal diet and consuming a normal amount of carbohydrate, this water weight will be gained back.

The other demerits of three day diet are:



The Three Day Diet is that never educates the dieter on how to achieve sustainable, healthy weight loss.



The diet is so monotonous, dieters gladly return to their old eating habits.



There is no documentation or scientific explanation of how the Three Day Diet food combination burn fat, increase energy, cleanse the body, or lower cholesterol.





There are numerous alternatives to the Three Day Diet that are much healthier, and will produce better results.

Look for a well-balanced weight loss plan that controls calories every day, includes exercise, and allows a wide variety of healthy foods. To lose weight, it is simply not enough to eat a prescribed diet for three days without addressing eating habits that cause weight gain.

 



Rose
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Hassle-free Dieting

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
Diets In Review asked:


The Nutrisystem diet is created to take the guesswork out of dieting, eliminate time consuming shopping and preparation, and allows for convenient weight loss. Based on the Glycemic Index, which measures the quality of carbohydrates and their impact on blood sugar levels, this program creates delicious, prepackaged, and ready to eat meals that are delivered right to your doorstep. No more grocery lists, pre-planning, and stressing over what to eat. Nutrisystem takes the hassle away from dieting and allows you to focus on reaching your weight loss target.

For many dieters, stress and busy schedules often get in the way of successful weight loss. When we are pressed for time or faced with too many choices, we often make poor eating decisions. Nutrisystem offers a list of prepackaged foods for breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, and desert. Simply click on what foods on the list appeal to you and Nutrisystem brings the meals to you. No more counting calories, weighing, or measuring what you eat. Just click and enjoy.

The meal plan is based on low-fat foods and a balanced diet from the Food Guide Pyramid. Whether you enjoy pastas, sweets, salads, rice, or meats, Nutrisystem includes a wide variety of meals for whatever you crave. Combined with an exercise plan, this program provides optimum weight loss results while relieving the stress of dieting.

For those that choose not to eat the prepackaged foods for every meal, Nutrisystem provides healthy guidelines for grocery shopping and food preparation. No matter what you choose, by following the Nutrisystem program, you will be on your way to making healthy eating choices and losing weight.



Georgia
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