The Right Advice for Effective Fat Loss

Many of us would agree we are bombarded with an abundance of information much of it conflicting especially surrounding the issue of weight loss. The truth is that once we come to terms with the fact we are carrying too much fat on our frames, we panic and want it gone!

Nothing disturbs me more than companies that make outlandish claims about products to rid the body of unwanted weight in a ridiculous period of time. Although we have enough common sense to realize these products are really nothing more than gimmicks, we are still willing to take a chance, all in the name of losing a few pounds.

This is the major reason I strongly believe in supporting our health food retailers as opposed to mass-market pharmacies and grocery chains when it comes to finding the right product(s) for healthy weight loss. Health food store owners and employees understand what works and what doesn't. These people actually attend health seminars, go to product information sessions, and listen to the feedback from their customers. The majority of these people are more interested in having their customers see results than having them waste more money on products that promise the world but deliver very little.

The fact is, there are no miracle products available today. There are, however, a few fundamental truths when it comes to losing excess body fat in the least amount of time:

Regular proper exercise. This is no longer an option. In fact, new research presented in the January 2004 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine proved that at least 30 minutes of daily walking can help people lose excess fat.

Proper nutrition. By eating smaller portions (300-500 calories) of high-quality preferably organic sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fats throughout the day (at least every 3 1/2 hours), you will maintain blood-sugar chemistry, which will further increase the body's ability to use fat as energy.

Effective supplementation. Here are my top picks in this area:

• One-hundred percent low-heat or cold-processed isolated whey protein powders with high alpha lactalbumin levels to ensure higher tryptophan levels, which in turn help to increase the neurotransmitter serotonin needed to stabilize excessive cravings.
• Natural, non-irritating fibre formulas (preferably organic) containing a mixture of both soluble and insoluble fibres including fruit and vegetable sources. Researchers from Tufts University believe that the addition of only 14 extra grams of fibre to a person's diet per day should lead to a 10-percent reduction in their overall calorie intake.
• Natural, ephedra- free metabolic formulas containing natural forms of caffeine (i.e. Yerba mate, guarana, and high-EGCG green tea extract). These formulas are best used first thing in the morning before exercise.

Losing those unwanted pounds may be as close as a visit to your local health food store.