Let's be honest for a moment. You've seen the advertisements for weight loss pills-you know the ones with those amazing before and after pictures-and you've wondered to yourself...do they work?

Diet pills are everywhere, they tempt from store shelves, from infomercials and from glossy magazine pages. You probably know someone who is dabbling with diet pills or maybe you've tried them yourself. Have you ever wondered how they work?

Weight loss pills can be broken down into 3 basic categories:
1.  Appetite Suppressants: These work just like it sounds. The appetite-regulating region of your brain (the hypothalamus) is tricked by blockage of the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. As a result you feel like you've just eaten a big meal, so you're less likely to overeat.
2.  Stimulants: These types of weight loss pills used to contain a combination of ephedra and caffeine to raise energy expenditure (thermogenesis) while also reducing appetite. You're probably aware that these pills were proven in some cases to be deadly, so ephedra was taken off the market. Stimulant pills now contain other ephedra-like substances, vitamins and caffeine. The idea is to increase energy and boost metabolism.
3.  Fat Blockers: These pills inhibit the action of the enzyme lipase, which is responsible for breaking down fat during the digestion process. The goal is to prevent a percentage of the fat you've eaten from being absorbed into your system.

So we return to our burning question. Do the pills work? Here's what the diet pill companies say:
·     "You'll lose 30lbs in 30 days"
·     "Achieve rapid weight loss results"
·     "Burn calories and fat 24 hours a day"
·     "Fights fat and delivers rapid weight loss"
Those claims are amazing...too bad they are just that-claims. It's so tempting to imagine that those benefits could be gained just by swallowing a pill. Tempting enough to make diet pills a multibillion dollar a year industry. Hmmm, makes you wonder that if that many diet pills have been taken then why don't we all look like swim suit models yet?

While diet pills showcase a few star subjects, none of whom live on your block, the world is full of real people who have lost weight and improved their lives with exercise and healthy eating. Check out these proven benefits of exercise:

·         Raised Self Esteem
·         Renewed Confidence
·         Feel Good Endorphins
·         Feel Younger Than Ever
·         Improved Mood

A pill may slightly increase your metabolic rate for a time or may suppress your appetite, and you may lose a few pounds. However, a pill alone cannot produce serious or permanent weight loss. A pill cannot deliver the same results as healthy nutrition and regular exercise.

And weight loss pills have been known to give the following side effects:
·     Raised blood pressure
·     Increased risk of heart attack
·     Cramping, gas and diarrhea
·     Constipation
·     Headaches
·     Dry Mouth
·     Insomnia
The bottom line is that true weight loss can't be achieved by a pill. Nor can any of the wonderful health, vitality, and quality of life benefits that come along with the true and responsible lifestyle changes bring.

If you really want to lose weight and feel better, if you're looking for long term health benefits then look no farther than your heart, mind, and your sneakers!

I want to encourage you to make a decision this holiday season--treat the one body that you have how it derserves even if that means challenging long term habits and coping skills that you have built up around you. 

 

Please consider working with a professional who can help you build a successful and long term path to optimal health and fitness! 

 Say goodbye the days when tuna melts were laden with fat and served on thick slabs of bread with a pile of French fries. You think you need all that bread--WHY? This recipe gives you all of that comforting taste with none of the fat. Oh and did I mention that it only takes a few minutes to make? Serve your healthy tuna melts up with a side of whole grain rice and steamed veggies for an all around winner of a meal.
Servings: 2

Here's what you need...
·     6 oz can of albacore tuna (in water), drained and flaked
·     1 egg white
·     2 Tablespoons oatmeal
·     2 Tablespoons diced onion
·     1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
·     2 teaspoons low-fat shredded cheese
·     Salt and pepper to taste

1.  Blend all of the ingredients (not the cheese) in a bowl. Pre-heat a frying pan and coat with cooking spray. Form two patties.

2.  Cook one side until brown and then turn. When the second side is nearly done, sprinkle cheese over it.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 138 calories, 2g fat, 4.5g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, and 25.5g protein

• Increase your self- awareness. For example, ask yourself if you are hungry before you grab a snack, focus on making choices instead of eating spur of the moment, and deliberately move more (fidget, use the stairs, etc.).
• Write down your ultimate wellness vision and keep it in a place commonly visible to you so that you cannot avoid or forget. Include WHY you want to achieve this vision to give it personal meaning.
• Create a plan, or at least record a few action steps, that you can take when you are ready.
• Spend time and discuss your goals with a supportive friend, family member or professional while avoiding food and exercise conversations with
  sabatogers.

This type of preparation will help to bring you back to reality if you find yourself swept up by the dieting industry.  In addition, these cognitive steps and pre-planning are part of what make the few successful people, succeed!

 

 

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