Solid vs Liquid "Diets"

Wonder what your thoughts are regarding the various weight loss/diet programs that I have seen float around by Facebook posters. 

 

~There is the 30-day challengers, which I guess involves some kind of exercise and restricted eating plan.

 

~What about those where you consume protein shakes and snacks from mail-order, which could be directly tied to sports and fitness stars or not?

 

~Last year, some co-workers got all hyped up about some multi-step drink for lunch, that includes tea.  (When I read the "menu" I realized instantly that it was a line my in-laws had sold many years ago and this was just the newest promotion of the products!!)

 

~There is another mail-order drink that is all veggies.

 

I like to exercise.  I also like to eat real food.  Chris & I will make homemade smoothies with spinach or kale, veggies on hand, frozen fruit (usually a banana and some strawberries) and almond milk.  Occasionally, we throw in a scoop of Greek yogurt and a squeeze of honey.

 

The word diet has been skewed from its actual meaning.  Diet is what we eat, how we eat, as in the diet of the Neandertal or the Egyptians.  It didn't mean a restrictive plan (less fat, no carbs, high protein, etc.) in order to lose weight.  We should never be "on a diet"!  We need to eat in a healthy way for our entire life.  THAT is our diet!!

 

 We don't have to bulk up, look like body builders or even have the same physique as we see on the fitness magazines!  We need to eat a balanced diet of REAL food, 80% good-for-us fuel and 20% splurges/treats in food and drink.  We need to MOVE our bodies: at the gym, on the treadmill, out in nature, in your basement.  Start small with squats, pushups and abs, 10 reps of each exercise three times a day.  "Invest" in a jump rope (it's the only thing I want for my birthday this year!!!) ~ it torches calories and improves your cardio!!  You don't have to join a gym (yet), check out YouTube videos or see what DVDs your local library offers.  Put yourself on a "Plank Challenge" for 30 days!! 

 

I hope that those who are attempting to slim down via liquid diets are also incorporating some physical activities.  It's not just about losing weight (fat), but you also need to gain muscle.  Muscle will burn more calories throughout your day.  Weight-bearing activity helps our bones ~~ and we ladies need to fend off osteoporosis at every turn to avoid the need for medication later. 

 

Try different activities and exercises to see what you love and will keep you so engaged you cannot wait to get back to it!  Mix up days of cardio and days of strength training.

 

Once you begin to see results, I guarantee you will push yourself to keep going. 

 

And you will want food, REAL chewable food, to fuel your machine and perform at your best!

Here is a great article from Oprah's website re: how to lose weight.