How to Detect SCAM Weight Loss Products

Miracle Weight Loss Deal Just for You!

US Dieters spend about $50 billion dollars annually on diet scams and programs to help them lose weight.  A majority of them gain back any weight they've lost, and more.  We are lazy.  We want a quick, painless, effortless fix to an age old problem, and there isn't one.

To lose one pound (about 1/2 kilo) each week, you need to eat 3,500 calories less than you  need.  If a weight loss product doesn't advocate eating less and exercising more, then it's most likely a scam.  No "product" can make you lose weight by itself.

Here are some weight loss scams to watch out for:

**Weight Loss Miracle:  Lose up to 50 pounds in 8 weeks!**

According to an FTC Staff Analysis, it is extremely dangerous to lose more than three pounds per week without being supervised by a healthcare professional.  The side effects can include gall stones and, if the "diet" is part of an extremely low-calorie program, it can even lead to serious health problems or death. The most weight you can safely lose each week is about 2 pounds.

**Revolutionary Diet Plan:  Eat Cookies, Lose Weight - it's that simple**

Diets based on "one food" can cause an extreme nutritional imbalance and lead to health risks, they are boring and, even if you lose a few pounds, you will gain them back when you start to eat "normal" again.

**Alli:  Weight Loss Wonder!**

Well, Alli is what I would call a semi-scam.  Alli blocks an enzyme that helps you absorb fat.  So you absorb about 25% less fat when you take Alli three times a day.  The problem is that the fat is flushed out of your system when you have a bowel movement and some of the side effects include:  flatulence, with oily spotting of your underwear; loose and more frequent bowel movements; and bowel movements that are hard to control.  I don't see anything "wonderful" about this product, do you?

**Lose that fat without dieting or exercising**

According to the FTC, if you buy a product like this the only thing you lose is your money.  It's impossible to lose weight without eating fewer calories than you burn each day and exercise is an integral part of burning calories.

**Eat all your favorite foods, and still lose weight!**

So, you're going to lose weight if you eat at McDonald's every day for lunch, eat donuts for breakfast, and pizza and beer for dinner?  I don't think so.

Eat healthy, eat less than you burn each day, and exercise.  That, and patience, will bring you success in your weight loss efforts.

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Quick Health Tip for the Weekend

Health Tip for the weekend
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

A way to encourage yourself to continue working 
towards your goals is to give yourself an incentive 
or reward. Treat yourself to a massage, bubble bath, 
concert, new clothes etc. to celebrate your successes 
toward your goal.

News about Dr. Huizenga

Biggest Loser Physician, Dr. Huizenga

I read an article a while ago on Dr. Huizenga. He spoke to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists about the improvement in health in BL contestants.

It was an interesting peak into the methods used by the show to get the pounds off contestants. One of the most surprising facts that I learned is that the calorie restriction isn't that extreme - around 80% of daily requirements.

However, the exercise is intense. Contestant do 4 hours of exercise per day. Half of the exercise is more intense consisting of either resistance or cardio.

The audience was impressed by the decrease in diabetes medication use and blood pressure medication use. The methods are extreme but so are the results.

BL Trainer Updates

In case BL fans aren't aware, NBC has postponed Season 14 premiere until the beginning of 2013. I think the postponement is a good long term move after the Season 13 disaster. I'll miss BL in the Fall, but it will take a while to get rid of the negative vibes.

So, what's a reality show TV trainer (including former trainers) to do without regular employment?

Dolvett Quince 

Dolvett Quince's New Reality Gig

Dolvett already has a successful personal training business and lots of recognition from his Biggest Loser role. While BL is on hiatus, he'll stay in the reality spotlight as a contestant on the new NBC show Stars Earn Stripes.

My quick read on the show plot is that it features various below A- list stars competing in military style challenges for charity.

I'll give it a look and report back.









Bob Harper 

Bob shooting for Guest Host Spot with Kelly Ripa

Bob's been busy as well. I just learned that he has a new book, Skinny Rules (affiliate link). The book appears to be doing well on the New York Times list. He's done a major revamp of his website, BobHarper.com, into an online fitness club.

I have a great deal of respect for Bob's experience and technique, but I was beginning to think that it was time for him to leave BL. Maybe, his new efforts will freshen up his skills and make him more interesting.

Bob is also interested in a guest host spot with Kelly Ripa on Live with Kelly. Good luck Bob! I'll DVR that show if it happens.

Summer Cardio Exercise Quandry

Head for Cover, Beat the Heat, and Keep the Cardio Going

Summertime can be a really tough time for fitness. The outdoor exercise options become limited by the heat. Here are four quick indoor exercise options to keep on the fitness path.


1. Elliptical Trainer

This is a great way to get into shape and increase your endurance without high impact on your joints.  Runners especially like to use this machine as an alternate to running outdoors.  An average build person can burn 300 calories in just half an hour.

2. Step Aerobics

Step aerobics are a lot of fun and the only equipment you need is a step pad about 6" high.  It's not the easiest workout by any means, but it's not complicated.  Your hips, butt, and legs will get a major workout and you can burn up to 400 calories in just half an hour.  The easiest way to do stepping is to start with your right foot, step up on the step, step up with your left foot, then step down with your right foot, followed by your left foot.  About half way through you can change to starting with your left foot.  A good intense workout would be to try to do 40 steps in about two minutes.

3. Rock Climbing

This exercise isn't for the squeamish and requires training and specialized equipment.  It uses the strength and power in your legs and arms and burns almost 400 calories in half an hour.  Many cities have climbing gyms. A climbing gym can also open up a potential new group of friends.

4. Handball and Raquet Ball

Your heart rate and legs will get a great workout with the sprinting you'll be doing with one of these sports.  Go to a health club where you can get training with a personal training and take your time learning to do it well.  An average sized person can burn more than 400 calories in just half an hour!

Four Fitness Tips for the Fourth

Get Fired Up on the 4th 

I hope that most everyone has the day off today. The holiday is both a day of celebration as well as reflection on the freedoms we've gained becoming a nation over 200 years ago.

TIPS

1, Be active today - hit the pool, workout, go for a walk, or do a fun run.
2, Reach out and spend time with friends or family
3. Make the menu healthy
4. Eliminate or moderate the alcohol