The Active Family

My email has been flooded daily with new ads for every kind of weight loss “secret” you can imagine. I’ve seen everything from Hoodia to the latest and greatest Acai berry. Along with all the ads come the promise of the greatest and fastest weight loss ever!

My completely not-a-professional-talk-to-your-doctor-before-taking-any-pills advice would be to exercise (pun!) caution in any decision you make before taking any kind of fat burner or weight loss pills. I have taken many different types of these pills in the past, and have learned a very expensive lesson. The pills themselves don’t work altogether that well. The “secret” lies in the low calorie, low fat diet and exercise regimen you are supposed to follow while taking the pills!

There are some supplements I do take, however. I do a cleanse every quarter or so, though I haven’t found one that tastes good enough to make me do it more often. A colon-type cleanse is great for those trying to lose weight. It helps clean out the pipes, so to speak, and allows your body to get back on track. If anyone has a recipe or knows a good brand, please pass it on!

I also take a daily fiber chew. There are some great ones that also specifically aid in weight control. As my personal doctor told me, decrease your calories and get at least 24 grams of fiber a day and the pounds will drop off. While they didn’t exactly drop off, I haven’t been the most consistent with the grams either. I do notice that on the weeks I get more fiber, I eat a lot less and I do better on the scale.

Not all weight loss supplements are evil. Just be careful, and don’t expect a miracle. You are much better off changing your lifestyle. My motto and personal mantra:

If nothing changes, nothing changes.

So the next time you are having trouble finishing (or starting) your workout, or the next time you consider stopping by McD’s, say it outloud, or in your head. Find a saying that is meaningful to you, and say it to yourself everytime you are hitting a rough spot. It will help, that much I can promise!