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Best Way to Lose Pounds – 9 pounds every 11 days?

Published March 23, 2009 | By Lisa Nelson, RD

Losing weight is not easy, so when you see a headline like the one above you want to believe it can be done. Unfortunately, I am here to tell you it is not that simple. The best way to lose pounds is usually not a quick and easy fix.

This article was triggered by the following question:

“hi… when you have time, will you check out fatloss4idiots and see if you think it’s for real?? I saw this link advertised off to the side, was curious and looked at it… you have to pay to see the diet but they explain how it’s supposed to work and was wondering if it sounds legit to you….

If one person has this question, I am sure many of you do, too. I am going to give you the tools you need to spot what’s known as a "fad diet" on your own.

Fad Diet Defined

A fad diet is an eating plan that quickly surges in popularity and tends to just as quickly fizzle out. Most fad diets are unbalanced meal plans that lead to weight gain when you go off the diet. Fad diets tend to be cyclical. For example, the Atkins diet was created in the 1970’s and made a recent comeback.

Fad Diet Identified

Ask yourself the following 11 questions when evaluating a diet program.

Does it promise a quick fix?
Do the claims sound too good to be true?
Is a list of "good" and "bad" foods given?
Are recommendations made to help sell a product?
Does it list dire warnings of dangers from a single product or regimen?
Are the recommendations based on a single study?
Do you have to eliminate one or more of the five food groups to gain promised results?
Are simple conclusions drawn from a complex study?
Are there dramatic statements refuted by reputable scientific organizations?
Are the recommendations based on studies not reviewed by other researchers?
Do the claims ignore differences among individuals or groups?

If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, then you are probably dealing with a fad diet.

When you review fatloss4idiots, you will see quick fix promises, claims that sound too good to be true, and very little information related to the science behind why the plan works.

Fad Diet Examples

There are hundreds of fad diets on the market. Here are some common examples:

Atkins
Cabbage Soup Diet
3 Day Diet
South Beach Diet
Grapefruit Diet
Macrobiotic Diet
Low Carb Diet
Zone Diet

Successful Diet Plans

A good plan will teach you to make healthy food choices (everything in moderation), along with an activity component. Weight loss and physical activity go hand in hand.

Stop thinking – "diet". A "diet" implies short term changes. If you want to be successful with weight loss you need to find a plan you can stick with long term. Start focusing on next year instead of next month. Successful weight loss requires change and change is never easy. You need to start with small, permanent steps to achieve long-term weight loss.

If it sounds too good to be true – it is!

Learn about the best way to lose weight by visiting https://www.lisanelsonrd.com/loseweight.shtml.

Posted in Lose Weight | Tagged best way to lose pounds, fad diets, healthy diet, lose weight, successful, weight loss

Weight Loss – The Search for a Magic Pill to Lose Weight

Published March 22, 2009 | By Lisa Nelson, RD

If you’re looking for an easy fix to your weight loss struggle be cautious. According to the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) it’s constantly battling fraudulent and bogus claims in the weight loss industry. Most recently the FDA has targeted 70 different weight loss supplements.

Many weight loss supplements contain “undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients”, frequently in levels exceeding FDA recommendations. These ingredients include drugs not approved in the U.S. These substances impact blood pressure and anti-seizure medications, diuretics, along with drugs linked to suicide, depression, and cancer.

Be smart! We’ve known for a long time the only way to successful weight loss is to eat right and exercise. It’s not easy, but it is possible. . .and well worth it!

No need to play around with dietary supplement safety.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
The Best Way to Lose Weight

Posted in Lose Weight | Tagged diet, lose weight, pill, pills, safe, safety, weight loss

Heart Health and Weight Loss – Do you need to eat fat to lose belly fat?

Published March 20, 2009 | By Lisa Nelson, RD

I enjoy the show The Biggest Loser. On one of the episodes this season they had an individual from Prevention magazine share some tips based on the “Flat Belly” diet. I was very excited because it sounded like a link had been found between the Mediterranean diet and reduced abdominal obesity. Hence, the reason for this article!

The Mediterranean diet contains an increased level of monounsaturated fat compared to the typical American diet. Monounsaturated fat is a type of heart healthy unsaturated fat. One of the best monounsaturated fat sources is olive oil. I went to work researching to find scientific evidence to support a link between a diet high in monounsaturated fat and reduced belly fat.

Here’s the main study supporting the connection between decreased abdominal obesity and monounsaturated fats.

Study: Published in the Diabetes Care back in 2007 by J.A. Paniagua, MD, PHD, A. Gallego de la Sacristana, MD, I. Romero, PHD, A. Vidal-Puig, MD, PHD, J.M. Latre, MD, PHD, E. Sanchez, MD, P. Perez-Martinez, MD, PHD, J. Lopez-Miranda, MD, PHD and F. Perez-Jimenez, MD, PHD

Monounsaturated Fat-Rich Diet Prevents Central Body Fat Distribution and Decreases Postprandial Adiponectin Expression Induced by a Carbohydrate-Rich Diet in Insulin-Resistant Subjects

The purpose of this study was to show that central obesity is linked with insulin resistance (when the body does not respond normally to insulin) and studied the effect of three different diets with the same level of calories on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity, and peripheral adiponectin (fat hormone) gene expression. The study included 11 individuals that were considered insulin resistant. Everyone in the study spent 28 days on each of the following diets: 1. diet enriched in saturated fat, 2. diet rich in monounsaturated fat, 3. diet rich in carbohydrates.

The study found weight, body composition, and metabolism unchanged during all three diets. On a high carbohydrate diet, fat tended to be redistributed to the abdominal area versus the high fat diets.

There have been many studies conducted on this theory, but the results are all conflicting.

Expert Opinion

1. Not enough evidence to support a connection.

This was a fairly small study of only eleven individuals. A study on 62 women published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2004 did not find a link between a diet high in monounsaturated fat and changed body fat distribution. There needs to be more large scale studies that conclusively establish a link before we can jump on the bandwagon.

2. Follow a Mediterranean Diet anyway!

Whether or not a Mediterranean Diet targets belly fat or not, the benefits of this type of diet are well known when it comes to heart health and weight loss.

Those that follow a Mediterranean Diet have a reduced risk of developing heart disease and dying from a heart attack. Even those that have survived a heart attack and lived to adopt the Mediterranean Diet significantly reduce their risk of a second heart attack and other complications.

Also, those that follow the Mediterranean diet have increased satiety (feelings of fullness) due to the adequate fat and fiber content. This means a decreased urge to overeat which promotes weight loss.

Characteristics common to a Mediterranean Diet include:

Consume high intake of fruits and vegetables
Select whole grains
Consume healthy fats (canola and olive oil)
Eat nuts in moderation
Low red wine consumption
Limit eggs to less than 4 times per week
Consume little red meat
Eat fish regularly

If you adopt this style of eating now and some conclusive evidence comes out in the future supporting a link with decreased belly fat, it won’t matter. You’ll already be lean with a healthy heart!

Receive heart health and weight loss tips from dietitian Lisa Nelson when you subscribe to The Heart of Health ezine at https://www.lisanelsonrd.com/hearthealth.html. You can select from the free e-courses How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps or 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure when you subscribe.

Posted in Heart Health, Lose Weight | Tagged abdominal fat, belly, health, Heart Disease, lose weight, loss, Mediterranean Diet, monounsaturated

Heart Health – The Dangers of Soda

Published March 20, 2009 | By Lisa Nelson, RD

My weakness is caffeine-free Diet Coke. For me, soda and popcorn go hand-in-hand. Well, even though I am drinking diet I have to remember I am not sitting pretty. Soda affects tooth decay, tooth discoloration, and for those that do not choose diet, weight gain.

Any drink that is carbonated has a low pH level. What you ask? Let me explain. The process of carbonation adds carbon dioxide and results in the formation of carbonic acid. This acid lowers the pH of a beverage. A pH of 1 is acidic and 7 is neutral. Battery acid has a pH of 1; water has a pH of 7. The pH of Pepsi is 2.49, Coke is 2.63, and Mountain Dew is 3.22. The acid in soda can damage tooth enamel in just 20 minutes. Think about how you usually drink your soda. Do you drink a 12 oz. can in 5-10 minutes or are you sipping on it over a period of an hour or so? You can help combat the effects of carbonic acid by drinking your soda in less than 20 minutes and rinsing your mouth with water after the fact. Saliva also helps neutralize the acid. Don’t forget to protect your children’s teeth! Children are even more susceptible to tooth erosion because their tooth enamel is not fully developed.

Habitual soda drinkers are adding layers of sugar, which turn to layers of plaque on their teeth. This plaque then absorbs stains from food products. This is how dark colored sodas lead to tooth discoloration. Bye, bye pearly whites!

Weight Gain

A 12 oz. can of regular soda contains about 150 calories. If you drink one can everyday you consume 4200 soda calories each month and 50,400 calories each year. This is equal to an extra 14 ½ pounds of body weight. Most people do not limit themselves to just 12 oz. a day. . . .one 20 oz bottle of regular soda daily would be an additional 26 pounds each year.

So, as you kick back and enjoy that acidic, staining, waist expanding can of soda, maybe you should think about splurging on a fancy bottle so you can switch it up and enjoy some refreshing water once in awhile instead!

Tired of burning hard earned cash on fitness gadgets you don’t use? End the vicious "cycle" now! Get your FREE report: "Stop Wasting Money – Take Control of Your Health" at
https://www.lisanelsonrd.com.

Posted in Lose Weight | Tagged acid, calories, heart health, soda, sugar, tooth decay, weight

Lose Weight: Best Way to Lose Weight

Published March 18, 2009 | By Lisa Nelson, RD

If you are overweight and dealing with heart health concerns, you know weight loss with significantly improve your heart health. So, you need to find a way to successfully lose the weight and keep it off.

Here are tips for success:

Adequate Calories

Don’t cut your calories too low. Never go below 1200 calories and for some people the minimum is higher. Consuming too few calories drops you right into “starvation” (as far as your body is concerned), your metabolism drops, and weight loss grinds to halt. Also, drastic calorie cuts not only result in fat loss, but you lose muscle as well.

Realistic Goals

Set realistic goals. You may have a dream goal of shedding 40 pounds, but start with a smaller, achievable goal. Many studies show significant health benefits from shedding just 10% of your body weight.

Healthy Rate of Weight Loss

Plan for a healthy rate of weight loss. Aim to lose 1-2 pounds per week. Gradual, steady weight loss ensures you lose fat, not muscle.

Long-term Plan

Think long-term. Going on a diet is not the best way to lose weight. This is because the term diet generally implies a beginning and an end. If you want to successfully lose weight it requires permanent lifestyle and food choice changes. Changes you can and will stick with for life.

Steady Support

Surround yourself with a steady support system. By this I don’t only mean a spouse that supports you spending an hour at the gym after work or planning active family events. I also mean surrounding yourself with friends who are living the healthy life you want. I’m not implying you need to kick friends and family who are a negative influence to the curb, but look for ways you can gain friends that are living a healthy lifestyle. This will dramatically increase your success.

All the best,

Lisa Nelson RD
Be Heart Healthy and Lose Weight

Posted in Lose Weight | Tagged Best Way to Lose Weight, change, diet, healthy, Lose Weight, weight loss

Lower Cholesterol – Is grapefruit juice safe with medications, such as Lipitor?

Published March 17, 2009 | By Lisa Nelson, RD

Here’s another question I asked Dr. Cynthia Shelby-Lane and her answer.

Lisa Nelson RD: Is it safe for individuals taking medication for heart disease, such as Lipitor, to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice?

Dr. Shelby-Lane: I am including information that may help answer your question about grapefruit and a variety of nutritionals that affect statin drugs for the lowering of cholesterol.

Zocor (Simvastatin), for example, is a Statin drug, used to lower high cholesterol levels, and also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Zocor may affect the absorption or utilization of vitamins E and coenzyme Q10. Tests showed the average concentration of coenzyme Q10 in blood plasma decreased by approximately 50% after statins were used for 30 days. Supplementation is considered beneficial.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and should not be consumed at the same time. It is suggested that these medications be taken with water. Grapefruit contains substances that may inhibit the body’s ability to break down statin drugs increasing the toxicity of the drug. Muscle pain, tenderness, or muscle weakness may be a result. If you begin to notice these symptoms, contact your doctor.

Niacin is the form of vitamin B3 used to lower cholesterol. Large amounts of niacin taken with a statin drug may cause serious muscle disorders (myopathy). Reasonable levels of niacin combined with statin drugs have been shown to enhance the cholesterol lowering effect. For proper dosage, consult your physician before taking niacin.

Pomegranate juice has been shown to inhibit the same enzyme inhibited by grapefruit juice. This may cause reactions similar to grapefruit juice when it is used with statin drug treatments.

A study of 37 people with high cholesterol treated with diet and statin drugs found vitamin A increased in the blood over two years of therapy. People taking statin drugs and vitamin A supplements should have blood levels of vitamin A monitored.

Magnesium and aluminum containing antacids were reported to interfere with statin drug absorption. To avoid this interaction, take statin drugs two hours before or after any aluminum/magnesium containing antacids. Some magnesium supplements such as magnesium hydroxide are also antacids.

It should be noted that doctors often recommend supplementing with 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day for maintaining healthy levels. However, those on statin drugs may have a greater need for a higher dose. It further should be noted that the symptoms associated with the combination of grapefruit juice and statin drugs (muscle weakness and discomfort) are commonly reported as symptoms associated with CoQ10 depletions. Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 is strongly recommended.

The herbs Artichoke plant, Garlic and Plantain may decrease blood cholesterol levels, and therefore enhance the effects of Zocor. Consult with your pharmacist or physician before taking them.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Be Heart Healthy and Lose Weight

Posted in Heart Health, Lower Cholesterol | Tagged aluminum, cholesterol, grapefruit, heart health, lipitor, magnesium, medication, medicine, niacin, pomegranate juice, shelby-lane, statin, supplements, zocor

Best Way to Lose Pounds – 9 pounds every 11 days?

Weight Loss – The Search for a Magic Pill to Lose Weight

Heart Health and Weight Loss – Do you need to eat fat to lose belly fat?

Heart Health – The Dangers of Soda

Lose Weight: Best Way to Lose Weight

Lower Cholesterol – Is grapefruit juice safe with medications, such as Lipitor?

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