By Emily Lugg, Cheapism
Losing weight requires both
rock-solid commitment and a plan for reaching and maintaining the goal.
There's no shortage of weight-loss strategies out there, but the trick
is finding one that doesn't chomp away at your wallet or your health. In
truth, nothing beats eating right and moving more (that means daily) as a path to losing weight. Here are 12 gimmicks to avoid on your slim-down journey.
[post_ads]It sounds ridiculous, but
self-proclaimed weight-loss and "trimming" creams actually exist. For
$50 or more, there are creams that invite users to rub them in, sit
back, and watch their midsections (or wherever) start to shrink. Really?
Experts stress that any weight-loss strategy that promises results
without exercise and proper nutrition is surely a gimmick. Online
reviews of these products say that effects were noticeable only when the
cream was augmented by exercise.
There's no question that losing
weight takes time that's not always available, which makes working out
for a mere seven minutes particularly appealing. But experts say
that just isn't enough. A small amount of exercise is certainly better
than nothing, but any significant benefit from this workout routine
requires several consecutive repeats. Suddenly, a seven-minute workout
mushrooms to a commitment of at least 21 minutes. Don't be fooled by the
hype.
The Obalon balloon pill is just
what it sounds like: Weight loss seekers swallow a pill that contains a
deflated balloon. Attached to the pill is a thin tube that doctors use
to inflate the balloon once the pill is inside the stomach. Up to three
pills can be swallowed at a time and remain in the stomach for several
months to create the sensation of being full, with the idea of limiting
the amount of food eaten.
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Available in the European Union since 2014,
the pill was just approved
for use in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration. But there are
concerns that the balloon could burst or press on organs, causing
bleeding, blockage, or infection -- with potentially harmful
consequences.
It's possible to shed pounds
with diet pills, but ongoing use -- and expense -- is necessary to keep
the weight off. Moreover, experts at Mayo Clinic
note that research about the pills' effectiveness is slim, express
qualms about the ingredients, and caution that they can have unpleasant
side effects, such as irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, loose stools,
and insomnia. Only a handful of weight-loss pills have been approved by
the FDA. Bottom line: Diet pills are no substitute for lifestyle
changes.
This diet plan has been around
for ages but is most commonly remembered as the Atkins diet. Sure, it
produces results at the beginning, because eliminating carbohydrates
causes the body to retain less water. But shedding water weight is a
quick fix that doesn't last, and shunning all carbs starves muscles of
their energy stores. No-carb dieters end up feeling moody and lethargic.
Carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes
and whole grains belong in a well-rounded diet, says fitness expert
Kami Blakeman, and are best consumed after a workout when the body can
process them efficiently.
Eating healthy is a critical component of any weight-reduction plan, and that means a balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables,
whole grains, lean protein, and minimally processed foods. Weight-loss
plans that eliminate any key source of nutrition are unlikely to deliver
healthy and sustainable outcomes.
[post_ads]Celebrities such as the Kardashian sisters,
Jessica Alba, and Amber Rose have acknowledged using a corset to
"train" their waists to a slim-as-all-get-out size. Really, though, this
weight-loss hack will just make you uncomfortable and look oh-so
pinched. It can even damage internal organs and ribs, according to Women's Health. Again, any device that purports to produce weight loss without a healthy diet and exercise routine is likely a gimmick.
A crash diet will come back to
bite you. Starving a body of essential nutrients to lose weight quickly
is counterproductive. Instead of burning off pounds, this strategy burns
muscle. Less muscle means a slower metabolism, which is precisely the
wrong outcome. Plus, this type of weight-loss plan can't last. Weight
will evaporate quickly (most being water weight), but then what? Fans of
this approach are doomed to regain the weight once normal eating
resumes.
Many dieters turn to shakes as a
snack or meal replacement. But if a serving contains less than 10 grams
of protein -- the minimum needed to build muscle mass -- any lean
muscle developed by working out will wind up eating itself. Weight may
disappear quickly with a shake diet, but it isn't the type of weight to
lose. Check the ingredients carefully and choose a brand that's low in
carbohydrates and sugar and loaded with vitamins, as well as enough
fiber to maintain a healthy digestive tract. Spurn anything with trans
fats or saturated fats. Brands such as Pure Protein and Atkins meet
these criteria, but a little sleuthing for online recipes to make at home can save money.
The process of wrapping the
body tightly in hot towels claims to take inches off the waist in just
one short session. The idea is that the body will lose water weight
quickly, not unlike the effect of diuretics.
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While weight loss can be
dramatic, it's only temporary. Also, the quick loss of water can shock
to the body resulting in low blood volume caused by severe dehydration.
Dehydration can also cause light-headedness and irregular heart rhythms.
