Since i started my fitness kick about 6-7 weeks ago i have been thinking a lot about healthy living. Not only in terms of exercise but also nutrition. There has also been a lot of chatter in the media and interwebs about “fad diets” {in terms of gluten free living} and with it being still near the beginning of the New Year there’s a lot of media attention on these topics as well.
I want to be healthy. I have enough health issues that i can’t control that i would really like to take control of the areas of my life that i can. Watching tv I see all these commercials for “weight loss” programs that are set up as a “we bring food to your door, you heat it in the microwave and eat what we tell you when we tell you & you will loose weight”. There seem to be a lot of programs like this.
That got me thinking. What is the point of these programs? I have never been on one of these programs & really haven’t done too much looking into them – going on “face value” here & perhaps you guys can point me to the correct information if i don’t seem to be getting this right…
Are these programs really healthy? Are the “home delivery, pre-packaged, no thinking needed” programs really teaching us anything in the long run? I bet they do work quickly – dropping the pounds and inches … in the short term.
I guess if your goal is to temporarily lose 20 lbs then you’re good. What i am wondering is what happens when you go off that pre-packaged, pre-portioned, cook in microwave food? You can’t stay on that food forever, right? Does the weight just come right back on?
Healthy weight management should be the goal – not quick weight loss. Where are the tools teaching someone proper portion size, proper calories, healthy choices, healthy recipes to cook at home for your whole family, choices that even fit our busy, over-scheduled lives in these programs? Am I missing something?
::Do you have any experience with these programs? What are your thoughts? ::
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: Newmomsexaminer
January 21, 2011 at 10:12 am
My friend’s wife used one of those programs and lost lots of weight in a relatively short period of time. Of course, she gained some back when she stopped. I think people are just impatient and want results asap without having to do much work, i.e. exercise or learn about nutrition. I doubt those meals are very healthy…
Twitter: AccustomedChaos
January 21, 2011 at 12:48 pm
That is exactly what I though would happen – gaining it all back.
I dont have much experience with weight loss programs, but I have to say I love your drive…You are inspiring me to keep up with my work-out routine..finally after 2 yrs!
Tina @ Life Without Pink recently posted..Dress Up Your Camera With SheyB
Twitter: AccustomedChaos
January 21, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Tina!! That is the sweetest thing to say! GOOD FOR YOU for starting {that is really the hardest part!}
Twitter: LinnieDeLuxe
January 21, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Honestly, when it comes to weight loss and management it all comes down to simple math.
You need to take in less than you burn to lose pounds. Recently, there was a professor who ate nothing but twinkies and chips and still managed to lose weight.
A friend of mine suggested an AMAZING website that I’ve started using as a means for balancing my nutrition. It lets you log your food and energy consumption, and make plans for managing your weight.
Best part? It’s FREE! CHECK IT OUT: caloriecount.about.com
Lindsay Ann recently posted..Wordless Wednesday- Spock Up Your Life
Twitter: AccustomedChaos
January 21, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Lindsay
I saw that professor who did that & thought it was a great case study!!
What i worry about with these type of programs is the people on them dont understand how to cook or prepare their own food within whatever calorie range the prepackaged stuff was in. .. ya know?
OOH – off to check out the caloriecount!
Twitter: RobynLeeINC
January 21, 2011 at 5:21 pm
I feel exactly the same way! I find that these programs (which Ive never been on myself) are in NO way going to help an individual LEARN anything really. Sure someone will lose weight following something like this, but once they stopped they’ll be screwed. And confused. I blame it on society just wanting a quick fix, & not wanting to actually do a lot of work. People need more accountability.
Robyn recently posted..Sweet Shot Tuesday
Twitter: AccustomedChaos
January 21, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Ah interesting — society is very much about immediacy & quick fixes!
I’ve never used one of those programs and I am sure they are great in certain circumstances as long as you learn while doing it so you’re not lost without them.
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