 | Lisa Vermillion is President and co-owner of Get Fit Bee Fit and Thin and Healthy Weight Management. Lisa opened Get Fit- 4 years ago in Valley Center, after receiving certifications thorough the American Council on Exercise as a Weight and Lifestyle Management Consultant and Certified Personal Trainer. In January, she Grand Opened Thin and Healthy Weight Management in the same location. Lisa not only provides weight loss programs for individuals but she also implements business wellness programs for small businesses and large corporations. Additionally, Lisa is a Certified Life Coach providing guidance for individuals in the areas of career, relationship and personal development. She is available for speaking engagements in the areas of Physical Fitness, Weight Management, or any Life Coaching area (goal setting, positive attitude, sales, etc). Lisa can be reached for questions or speaking engagements by phone (316) 755-1115 or email at mvmillion@yahoo.com |
Diet & Nutrition
2011-12-27 10:19:06
Choosing the right diet
Q: I want to lose 50 pounds and my friend wants to lose 15 pounds. There is so much conflicting information out right now, how do we pick the right diet?
A: The most important factor when choosing the right diet is changing your mind set about the process. A diet is a thing you go on and off of; losing weight and gaining it back. The right program is one you can follow for the rest of your life. While you can lose weight any number of ways; look for a program that is healthy, makes sense long term, and that recognizes all components of wellness.
First, choose a healthy program. Every fad diet touts its health benefits but you need to know facts. Very low calorie diets, around 800 calories per day, slow down metabolism. Food is your metabolism’s “thing to do.” When you eat, your body goes to work burning those calories, keeping your body operating efficiently. Your body’s main energy source is carbohydrate; whole grains, fruits and vegetables. When you don’t give your body enough food it looks for another energy source; forcing it to break down protein in the muscle for energy. You’ll lose weight, but when you begin eating normally the body’s calorie burning potential is severely limited and excessive regaining occurs.
High protein, no carb diets can cause kidney issues. The skin can become dry, thin and pale as a result of anemia. Very low fat diets can cause the hair and nails to become brittle. Other complications include, low blood pressure, weak muscles, bone loss, hormonal imbalances, and lowered immune system. Deficits of important nutrients can lead to mood disorders or depression, irritability, loss of concentration, forgetfulness and sleep disorders. A program that includes nutrients from all the food groups can help curb these negative side effects
Second, choose a program that makes sense long term; that means no deprivation, no starving, no prepackaged food and no impossible meals to prepare. If you “can’t” have certain foods, your brain goes into overload trying to figure out how to get them. That may work short term, but in the long haul you’ll end up jumping off the wagon. Starving yourself; isn’t sustainable because you are denying your body what it needs. Buying expensive pre- packaged foods deprives you of going out with friends, eating at restaurants and enjoying the same meals as everyone else. Feeling alienated isn’t realistic long term.
Finally, choose a program that encompasses all areas of healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy is only a third of the equation. Gradually increasing your movement kicks up your metabolism. Strength training increases lean muscle which increases your calorie burn and builds your bones. Most importantly, your program should help you figure out the real reason you’ve lost motivation in the past, and give you tools to overcome those obstacles. A good program will goes beyond weight loss and help you set goals in all areas of your life.
Out of the hundreds of “diets “available; look for a program that offers you long term success. Whether you have 15 pounds to lose or 50, make sure your chosen program has a healthy balance of nutrients, is easy to live with long term, and encompasses all components of wellness.
