In theory that is the best way to lose weight. Put less fuel in the body and force your body to burn off its fat reserves. Too bad the theory doesn’t mimic reality, and this is true in weight loss also. By drastically cutting your caloric intake you won’t lose weight. In fact you might actually gain weight in the long run.
When you reduce your caloric intake your body goes into starvation mode. What does that mean? Well it means that your body thinks that you are starving and it will do whatever it takes to keep you alive. This usually means lowering your metabolism as much as needed. The more you starve yourself the slower your metabolism will get, until it will be as fast as a rock.
Many people turn to a super low calorie diet hoping to lose weight fast. But fast weight loss is never healthy and conducive to long term weight loss and maintenance. You see when you lose more than 5-10 pounds per month you don’t lose only fat. You lose muscle mass also. When your body needs energy fast it feasts on your muscles because they are more readily available than fat.
Your muscles are the ones that help you burn most of the excess calories you eat during the day. By destroying your muscles you reduce the amount of calories you can burn during the day. Add to that a lower metabolism, which is even more sluggish because of muscle loss, and you can kiss goodbye to any chances of experiencing easy weight loss that guarantees long-term result.
The truth of the matter is that the pounds you lose using fast weight loss methods are far more likely to come back and haunt you. The pounds you lose using a healthy weight loss method with gradual results usually stay gone forever. It is up to you which one you will choose to use.
October 7, 2010
Diets & Nutrition