Ok lets face it... America has become a little obsessed with being thin. Everyday you see it in the tabloids, hear it on the news, read it on-line about the new and improved weight loss secrets. Millions will try it and yes they will lose 5, 10, or even 50+lbs, but within a few months the weight starts to pack right back on. Soon they find themselves in a constant cycle that has been tagged with the name of yo-yo dieting. You are not alone though, even celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Kirstie Alley suffer from the crazed phenomenon. So what is yo-yo dieting anyway and why do the pounds creep right back up on us??
In a nutshell, yo-yo dieting is the resulting issue with people looking for the "quick fix" or "miracle diet" without exercising. You see, while on a restricted calorie diet your body will begin to adapt and will naturally lower it's metabolic rate. This is called "starvation mode". Briefly, the body requires a certain amount of calories everyday to function and when those calories are cut it begins to break down fat as well as lean muscle for energy which results in weight loss. Because the body has adjusted to a lower metabolic rate it will not burn as many calories in a day when a normal diet is resumed which leads to weight gain. This is when the vicious cycle begins:(... On the upside, there are ways to overcome yo-yo dieting which will allow yourself to live freely and healthy. Here are some keys to help you get started:
1) Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day to keep your engine revving
2) Set small goals for yourself for example 1-2lbs a week
3) Exercise regularly at least 30min a day and remember to lift those weights
4) Stay away from fad diets and quick fixes even the miracle pills are sketchy...
5) And last but not least... REWARD YOURSELF WITH YOUR PROGRESS! :) I bet you can't wait to go buy that new bikini or some new swim trunks!
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