Weight loss is not only a priority for many people, but it can be big business for many enterprising individuals who see a market for meals in the form of shakes, abdominal shaping machines, and exercise foods that are purportedly designed to help you lose weight with every bite. But how reliable are these products, and can they really help you lose weight?

In the current weight loss and fitness market, abdominal machines seem to be taking the biggest chunk of exercise and fitness equipment. Energy bars and sports drinks are widely advocated as good food substitutes for people who need to have an extra boost, whether they are exercising, studying, or working.

When television commercials talk about a balanced diet, they show pictures of green, leafy salads, and not much else. But are these truly friendly to people who are watching their weight?

Yes, you can eat greens forever if you intend to live as a goat. But if you are dieting, salads will actually make you gain weight if you are not careful. A green salad with fresh greens is good: but if you heap it with cheese, fried chicken, or bacon bits for flavor, then you might as well eat a burger and get the same calories. Add a dollop of dressing, and you’re in for even more trouble: many dressings are filled with fat and calories, and even the fat-free ones are piled with sugar.

But lettuce is a green leafy vegetable, you say? That depends: the greener the lettuce, the more nutritious it will be; the paler it is, the more water it has, and the fewer nutrients. So if you want to get a bowl of iceberg lettuce, think again: go for the darker romaine, or some watercress, which can have antioxidants. And hold the dressing!

A salad, moreover, is too light a meal, and if you are working out or facing long hours at work, you will feel light headed and unsatisfied. Instead of eating a salad and indulging in larger meals later, eat a sensible meal of carbohydrates and proteins so that you can feel full and think straight.

No matter what the fallacy, the effectiveness of a weight loss regimen rests on balance. Exercise and eat a balanced diet filled with the right amounts of fruits, vegetables, and meat. Consult with a doctor and nutritionist. Moreover, do a lot of research before plunging into any diet or exercise plans: your health is your priority, so know everything about yourself first before taking any chances.

[image from sonicwalker]

 

Tags: salad, nutrition, vegetables