Rapid Weight Loss Diets
As somewhat of a miracle diet skeptic, I have never put much stock in any fad diet or pill that promises rapid weight loss with a minimum of effort. For the most part I believe that if something seems too good to be true (like losing 30 pounds in 15 days), it probably is. What’s more, it’s probably not very good for your body. But since the market for rapid weight loss diets and supplements is a huge one, I decided to do a little research and find out what sorts of options are out there today. And will any of them really yield results?
-Liquids, shakes, and VLCDs (very low calorie diets): Most of these allow dieters about half of a normal calorie intake per day. One VCLD I found limits you to 900 calories per day, to be consumed in the form of 3-5 liquid shakes. The rule is that dieters are allowed to substitute 2 of the daily shakes with small “meals” (the calorie equivalent of a scoop of peanut butter, a slice of bread and an orange wedge, or a couple of pieces of fruit). These diets often take place in supervised, isolated settings and are quite pricey. They can be effective, but eventually every dieter has to test his or her will power in the real world.
-Detox/ Cleansing diets: Essentially a recipe for starvation, often accompanied by an enema or colon cleansing, these types of diets can undoubtedly lead to weight loss. Just be aware of what’s going to happen when you return to the habit of consuming something besides water and lemon juice. A detox or cleanse may be a good way to jump start your healthy lifestyle change (if you really get motivated by the dramatic), but in itself it is neither a valid weight loss program, nor a healthy lifestyle solution.
Low Carb Diets: Just when one version of this one seems to be disappearing from mainstream media, another one pops up and I cringe all over again. The Atkins and South Beach diets are 2 of the best-recognized names for these high protein, low carb systems, but there are many more out there. Basically the theory is that carbohydrates and proteins together form fat in your body, so if you cut out one of these, you’ll stop making fat. I can’t help it though: it just seems inherently wrong to follow a weight loss program that lets you eat eggs, bacon, steak, and butter, but no whole grain bread or fruit. If you need a quick result program to jump start you on the road to healthier living, then maybe a week without carbs will work. But this is not a long term weight control solution, and its side effects include dramatically increased chances of hypertension and heart disease, among others.
The moral of the story is simple, if unwelcome: rapid weight loss diets simply aren’t a solution if your goal is to cut fat and live a healthier lifestyle. Most rapid weight loss diets come with very real risks like dehydration and malnutrition, and uncomfortable (and not so healthy) side effects like headaches and dizziness.
The most effective way to lose weight is not rapid, and it doesn’t allow you to cover all of your meals with bacon grease. It’s a healthy diet—reduced in caloric content from what you’re eating now—rich in whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and fresh vegetables. It’s a lifestyle that not only accommodates but promotes physical activity; one where exercise is a part of every day. If you need a kick start to healthy living, talk to a health care professional about whether a rapid weight loss diet might be appropriate for a week or so, but put your real effort into understanding healthy eating and exercise. You’ll look better and feel better, and you’ll finally be in complete control of your body.
Tags: cleansing diets, health care, low carb diets, physical activity, raid weight loss diets, rapid weight loss, supplements, weight loss