Trim the Fat!

Why Do Americans Have Such A Hard Time Keeping The Fat Off?

We all know that obesity in America is a growing crisis. We've all been plagued with persistent media attention on the epidemic our nation is facing. Those fad diets, those supplements, those articles on how to lose fat and keep it off that you read in misleading magazines. It's all getting old. It's time to examine this problem that this country is facing, as it seems as if those struggling to overcome obesity or simply lose a few pounds for vanity purposes are simply misinformed when it comes down to losing and keeping the fat off. Put down that magazine article, and listen up! 

1.Fad Diets

Most of America has taken part in some sort of fad diet in hopes of shedding those unwanted pounds of fat in the quickest amount of time. A fad diet is basically a weight loss program that promises breathtaking results. Despite what you may hear about these fad diets, the truth of the matter is that these diets are not very healthy for your body, and don't provide the dieter with long-term success. One of the main reasons these fad diets are so popular are because there is a plethora of them that actaully do work, but for a short time. How can these crazy fad diets work for the short-term, but fail in providing the dieter with long-term success? Easy. When most dieters begin implementing these "rules" that many fad diets have such as food separation techniques, eliminating an important macro-nutrient (such as carbohydrates), or sticking solely to a liquid-based diet regimen, these dieters are ultimately eating fewer calories than they normally would. Also, with most of these diets, the dieter gives up his or her favorite foods and begins to become more aware of the foods they eat. This is the main reason why these fad diets work in the short-term, and conclusively, the dieter ultimately cannot remain on a program that restricts their food choices and calls for the dieter to monotonously eat the same foods again and again. Obviously, these dieters return to their old ways of eating eventually, and end up putting on the pounds they lost in the short-term with these fad diets. In some cases, the dieter ends up putting on EVEN MORE weight. 

2.Living the Sedentary Lifestyle

What do most Americans do after a long day at work, chauffeuring Susie to soccer practice, and taking little Tommy to his guitar lessons do? That's right. They often sit in front of the television and pound down some junk food. Let's face it, most Americans live sedentary lifestyles, and take part in little or no physical activity.It only takes 30-45 minutes to exercise. Whether that form of exercise is a light stroll in the neighborhood, a jog in the local park, a run on the treadmill, or a weight-training session at the gym, it simply does not matter as long as you get moving! Exercise and a sound nutrition program are vital to achieving your dream physique. Now put down that TV remote, and get moving!

3.Fast Food and The Truth About Trans Fat

You are what you eat. We've all heard this phrase millions of times, but somehow, Americans faced with weight issues don't acknowledge this little phrase. If Americans only knew just how fast food was prepared, and just how many calories and fat it contains, they'd be surprised. A burger and fries from your favorite fast food joint will cost you anywhere in the neighborhood of 600-950 calories! What about those awful trans fats? First, let's define what a trans fat is. It is an unsaturated fatty acid molecule that contains a trans double bond between carb atoms. Fast food is loaded with trans fat! Diets that contain high amounts of trans fat have been linked to coronary heart disease and even athersclerosis. Trans fat is not only found in those favorite fried foods at the local fast food joint, but also in baked goods, fried goods, snack foods, and other foods which have been processed. So why do many Americans eat fast food and food items with trans fat? Simple. Americans live busy lives, and will chow down on fast food and conveniently packaged goods just because of the fact that these food choices are quick and easy. A much better option instead of gorging on these unhealthy food choices would be to simply prepare your own meals. Therefore, you know just what you're eating!

4.Poor Eating Habits

One of the most obvious examples of these poor eating habits is the collapse of structured mealtimes and snacks. Why is this so? Americans live busy lives. In many homes, families don't even share dinner together at the table, and snacking is prevalent with no limits. Then you have those Americans who skip breakfast for whatever reason. They pile down the calories at lunch to compensate for not eating breakfast. Guess what? The more food the body has to digest at one time, the more food it stores as fat.There is only so much the body can digest and process in one sitting. Eating much smaller meals more periodically throughout the course of the day increases the body's thermal effect, which ultimately results in an increase in metabolism! Another poor eating habit among Americans is eating too fast. Those who eat fast tend to consume more food because they don't give their brain an oppurtunity to signal to the body that it is satiated. Chewing often and more slowly can easily avoid this poor habit. Another big problem is some Americans looking to get rid of that spare tire try to hard to constantly eat a healthy diet. They simply try too hard. Eating healthy is great, so don't get me wrong, but eating too healthy can be a bad habit for those looking to shed a few pounds. Don't try too hard, and follow a nutrition regimen that you're comfortable with.


5. Why do most Americans have a weight problem? What would you tell all overweight Americans if you had five minutes on national television on the subject of getting in shape and staying in shape? What are they doing wrong?

Most Americans have a weight problem due to a number of contributing factors. The sedentary lifestyle most live,the frequency of eating fast foods and trans fat, the lack of exercise,the poor eating habits,the lack of motivation,it all correlates to the weight problems many Americans face. If I had just five minutes on national television to address the issue of getting in shape and staying in shape, I would advise overweight Americans to take a step back and really analyze just what they're doing about their problem. I would tell them to examine their nutrition programs along with the amount of physical activity they perform daily. Secondly, I would advise them to simply follow the basics and neglect the thought about following a fad diet. A simple nutrition plan that is based around having an energy deficit by restricting calories and performing cardiovascular activity will overrule any fad diet. Getting fit and in shape is one thing, but what about maintaining that figure that has resulted in hard work in the long-term? Simple. Continute following a healthy eating plan, but do not restrict calories so severely. Instead, perform more cardiovascular activity and eat at matience caloric levels to encourage an atmosphere that will not cause you to lose any weight or gain weight. I would also tell overweight Americans the old phrase, "Rome wasn't built in a day." There are no shortcuts. Breathtaking results require hard work, dedication, and constant devotion. I would suggest that all overweight Americans apply this principle to their plans to accomplish what they are working for! With a little bit of hard work, determination, and persistence, anything is possible!