Fad diets, fat burners, and rapid slimming programs may tell you that you can shed a few extra pounds in a flash without any negative consequences. However, before making any drastic lifestyle changes, knowing how your body will respond to them is important.
With any lifestyle change, tracking and monitoring your progress and making small changes is best. If you overexercise, you can put yourself at risk of injuries. If you undereat, it can actually hamper your weight loss plans altogether. You may still lose weight, but your body could be deprived of essential nutrients and, therefore, in an unhealthy state.
When you set out to lose weight, you may be tempted to turn to unhealthy methods of doing so. However, these will not help you achieve your goals. Here are extra things you must avoid.
Drinking ONLY Weight Loss Shakes
Protein shakes give us energy for the day ahead, but you cannot rely solely on these. There are “diet shakes” out there that aren’t medically approved and just target losing water weight. When you eventually turn back to solid foods, you might find yourself piling the weight back on. Remember, there is no magic shake that will transform you overnight. (replacing a meal with a shake once a day is okay as long as it’s nutritious and clean, message me for more info on this – I have a wonderful meal replacement!)
Taking Supplements without Medical Approval
There are many supplements that promise big things for weight loss. However, they’re not all necessarily safe or effective for most weight loss goals. If using supplements is part of your plan, you should consult your doctor or a healthcare professional, as many unprescribed supplements can contain hidden ingredients that will do more harm than good. Supplements should concentrate on providing nutrients for health, as weight is one of many symptoms of an out-of-balance gut and body.
Drinking Laxative Teas
Laxative teas don’t actually help you lose weight. Teas and similar products that increase bowel function are not helping you lose fat. Instead, you’re losing fluids and electrolytes, creating more health issues than you intended. Plus, many laxative teas are addictive.
Choosing Sugar-Free Foods
Just because something reads sugar-free on the label doesn’t mean you should choose it over a piece of fruit (for example). Many sugar-free processed foods and snacks are jam-packed with chemical sweeteners that will make you crave sugar anyway and mess with your gut balance.
Going for Seconds
Piling your plate, even if it is with healthy food, can sabotage your weight loss goals. While some of these foods are packed with satiating protein, healthy fats, and fiber, they’re also calorie-dense. Moderation is the key here.
If you’d like more info on a gut-healthy way to shed weight and feel your best, click here to make an appointment with me for a free consult.
[RECIPE] CBP SANDWICH
Serves: 1
Ingredients (use organic where possible):
- 3 tablespoons cashew butter
- 2 slices gluten-free bread, lightly toasted
- 1/4 teaspoon raw cacao powder
- 1 small pear, cored and thinly sliced
Directions:
- Spread cashew butter over the toast, then sprinkle cacao over the butter.
- Add pear slices, then sandwich the toast together and slice in half.
To Your Health,
Patti
