Starvation: Weight Loss Sabotage. When looking to lose weight, our common sense tells us to eat less, move more. Some people, however, take that bit of information and take it to the extreme. Prime example: Starvation.
We all want to be able to have a baby and lose all of the weight (and then some) in a week, like the celebrities do. But that just isn’t realistic, is it?
According to?Christy Bowles, a writer for Livestrong.com, “when your diet restricts the amount of calories you consume you body will automatically adjust to conserve energy. If you stop consuming food and starve yourself in order to lose weight, your body’s metabolism will slow down.” That right there will jeopardize your weight loss. The key to healthy weight loss and maintaining that weight loss is to speed up your metabolism, not slow it down. The best way to speed up your metabolism is to eat less, MORE often.
While rapid weight loss sounds by starvation may sound appealing, it will do more harm than good. Consult with a doctor or dietitian regarding healthy weight loss goals and your personal caloric intake for a successful weight loss program. A balanced diet with controlled levels of calories, fat and sugar is the best option for long-term weight loss success.”
Symptoms of starvation include: gallstones, brittle nails, thinning hair, skin problems, mood changes, heart rhythm changes and, in extreme cases, death.
All in all, the key here is to make healthy eating and exercise a lifestyle. Anything to the extreme is never permanent. Any decisions you make, think to yourself, “Can I do this for the long term?”
References: Mayo Clinic: Fast Weight Loss; What’s Wrong With it?; Donald Hensrud ; June 11, 2011
* Disclaimer: Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary. Exercise and proper diet are necessary to achieve and maintain weight loss and muscle definition.
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