It seems that people have a tendency to wake up in January with a food hangover. That's when you realize that all those parties, home cooked meals, and holiday spirits went right to where you don't want them. Or, some folks come to the conclusion that last year they just might have eaten a little too well and now have an extra 5 or 10 pounds that they neither want or need.
If you want to lose those extra pounds quickly, one of the most popular, and for many successful, methods is to go on a few days fast. Fasting has been around forever and probably is one of the first weight loss methods used. And there are many different methods used based on personal preference or even medical considerations.
All fasting should have at least water allowed. Although most people might not be aware of it, drinking more water actually helps your body reduce the amount it stores. The reason is simply, once body realizes that it will get a good quantity of water ever day, it automatically starts flushing out any excess. And that's usually good for a pound or two of weight loss if you haven't been drinking enough water.
Once you have the basic water element, everything else is up for grabs. There are the more famous versions like the Lemonade Diet, several popular supplemental liquid diets, and then your health and beauty magazine flavors of fasting, which are very detailed. The good new about fasting as a method of weight loss is that if properly done, it can flush away a lot toxins and other garbage that you absorb through processed foods.
Two factors to always keep in mind are your current health condition and what impact fasting might have on any necessary medication you take. If you have any type of health issue or problem, always consult with your doctor before attempting any kind of fasting. And some medicines might not work, as they should without food, fiber, or have some other requirements that are missing from any type of fasting.
Fasting can be as simple as just drinking 12-15 glasses of water a day, mixing in some kind of nutrients to provide the minimum nutrition your body needs to operate. The most popular duration seems to be three days for many of the simple fasts. If you choose a longer period, make sure you do get enough nutrition to help keep your metabolism and immune system working.
Common side effects of any fasting method are intense cravings, possible stomach upset or aches, irritability, and lack of energy. Some people feel these more than others based on their daily routine and even what they might do at their job. If you have a very physical occupation, you might want to start any fast on a Friday and go through Sunday.
Many of the more serious fasting routines involve natural laxatives or something to cleanse your colon and bowels. That's probably a good idea in theory but can also be a problem for some. Along with dehydration, other problems can develop if you go too heavy on the cleansing part. Some people may find they are allergic or suffer extreme body functions as a result of too strong a dose of even natural versions of cleansers. Try a very small dose at first and also do some research on what possible side effects any of these type of supplements might have.
Also remember that fasting is a quick fix at best and if you don't change your eating habits the weight will come right back. Someone who has over indulged for the past 2-3 weeks of holidays and wants to drop those extra 5-10 pounds quickly, this is a possible weight loss method that will work.
But if you have more than a few pounds to lose and you struggle with your weight, you need to find a weight loss method that will help you change your eating habits over the long haul. Any effective and safe weight loss program involves cutting back on fatty and high calorie foods, choosing healthier foods, and even exercise to help you burn some additional calories.
Want to know more about the Lemonade Diet? Go here: Free Detox Diet. Ever hear of the Negative Calorie Diet? Find out about it here: Negative Calorie Diet. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Dow |
