Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Natural Weight Loss Plans

Natural weight loss is a big subject today for many people who do not understand the principle of eating only the amount they need for the amount physical activity they perform; however, most ignore this recommendation. This advice should be easy to comprehend - at least you would think it was; with the number of overweight American citizens increasing, this advice obviously doesn't work. The conflicting aspect is that a large percentage of overweight people are desperately trying to lose those pounds whether it is because they are tired of the looks they receive or for health reasons.

What most people do not realize is keeping at the right weight is much, much easier than losing it. This is something that all of us know deep down, that if we do not watch what we eat and how much we exercise, then we are doomed to an overweight future.

Health experts say that most people who are into losing weight usually stray and tend to go back to their old eating and non-exercising habits even after they learn to enjoy low-fat eating. You can maintain your weight through natural weight loss methods and even if being at the centre of unwanted attention doesn't convince you, surely your health should.

The problem is that weight gain puts a strain on the body's ability to fight illness and many of today's health issues are primarily affecting overweight individuals. If you think about it, losing excess weight by natural methods is the most acceptable way to get rid of those extra pounds but too many people want a ‘quick fix' system.

If you are planning to use a natural weight loss approach then its success will depend on the meals you eat which should be low in fat, high in fiber, some protein and carbohydrates. You have probably had a meal like this in a restaurant; a baked or jacket potato with fresh vegetables and some meat, as lean as possible but it wouldn't have gravy or butter on the potato.

The problem is calories from dietary fat can be high and have a tendency to be retained by the body which is something that doesn't happen when excess calories are consumed with other foods. Food manufacturers have been quick to react and have provided a huge range of low or no fat foods but despite this the American people are getting larger, the simple reason for this may surprise you!

What people fail to understand is that it isn't just fat in their food that is making them put on weight, it's the quantity of food they consume and the calorific content of it. The term fat-free can be a trap if you start to believe that you can eat any amount of fat-free food when it is far better to respond to hunger with healthy snacks.

The subject of when to eat and how often can be contentious but the latest thoughts on the subject suggest that keeping to regular meal times and eating small nutritious snacks between meals may be the answer. When combined with regular exercise, this natural weight loss plan offers a way to lose unwanted pounds in the long run.

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