ARE YOU BUYING THE HYPE?

We all need a little help or a push to be motivated in making changes and reaching our goals especially when it comes to losing weight and dieting. So much so it is the largest industry in the world and continues to grow even though the world is getting fatter.....strange isn't it. How can we all get fatter if the health industry is the fastest growing and biggest industry in the World?

Well most of us look for the quick fix, the magic fat loss pill, the carbohydrate blocker, the Shake to replace ALL food, Drop 10 dress sizes in a week!!!!!! And we as a nation believe and buy into these pills, potions and Weight Loss Groups.

I am the first to agree that it is a great idea to find someone that can assist you and motivate you in your weight loss goals, be it, weekly check in, diet program, discussion forum on eating issues and triggers etc. But how many Weight Loss Programs and products are based around replacing food with shakes, bars, soups in a sachet and how many of those are funded by big corporations with mega marketing dollars which can make it all seem so very attractive?

IT IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE AND IT IS NOT THAT HARD.....

When you are looking for someone to help you achieve your weight loss goals ask the following questions:

• Are they educating me on healthy choices and how to eat for a lifestyle and long term success?
• Are they selling me their own product? (is this why they "highly recommend it")
• Do they tell you to replace meals with a shake?....come on we all know whole foods are better and your metabolism is boosted by real food not shakes or pills.
• Do they recommend regular activity? Do not trust the diets or programs that promise the world without lifting a finger. Diet and Exercise ALWAYS go together!
• Do they take into consideration your likes/dislikes and medical issues or allergies? One size does not fit all and programs/diets should be tailored to your individual needs and goals.
• Avoid the hype and the marketing gimmicks because that is usually what they are.

At the end of a day some simple rules that you should follow to reach your weight loss goals (and also what a professional diet guideline should always include) are:

• 1. Eat more unprocessed foods (not high processed shakes filled with sugar and chromium).
• 2. Limit alcohol/caffeine
• 3. Learn portion sizes, how much protein, carbs and fats do YOU need?
• 4. Exercise regularly