Feb 05 2009
Want to lose 200 pounds in a week?!
I exaggerated the title of this blog to prove a point. It’s easy to get caught up in a gimmick or just a flat out lie. Many “diets” promote a plan that will drastically change your weight in a matter of days, weeks, or a month. I wish it were that simple, but, if it were, humans probably wouldn’t have made it this far as a species. We are hardy creatures who remain resilient to the very end, and we aren’t going to give up a possible life sustaining energy source easily. As I’ve stated earlier, weight loss is hard: physically, mentally, and emotionally. A crash diet is just incredibly likely to fail, and it’s not fun to starve yourself. But, more importantly, following a crash diet is likely to lead to binge eating and possibly gaining even more weight than you lost. As an example, there was a study conducted by the University of Minnesota back in the late 1960s. Men were held to strict caloric intakes of 800 calories per day. The result after the study was completed found that two thirds had reported binge eating behavior. Now, the conclusion of why this happened is still not clear, but I think their bodies ached for food and, fearing that a long bout of starvation was imminent, they loaded up on calories in case of more starvation. In conclusion, crash diets are not a good thing, and they may result in some immediate weight loss. However, the weight loss is fleeting, and weight gain is almost inevitable. In my next post, I’ll start to discuss some healthy solutions to weight loss that work as long you’re not looking for a quick fix. Good day and stay cheerful!
