When it comes to losing weight, I’m not a big fan of synthetic diet pills or dietary supplements. There seems to be an endless number of online reports that point out the possible dangers of such products (beware).

As someone who has asthma, I have to be especially wary of ingredients that may trigger an asthmatic reaction. In December of 2008, the FDA issued a report that mentioned more than 25 weight loss products that contain potentially unsafe pharmaceutical ingredients. Sometime in February or March of this year they issued another report that mentioned 69 unsafe dietary supplements. If you’re curious about the FDA’s findings, I included a link to their reports at the end of this article (what can I say, I’m a nice guy).

My weight loss campaign is comprised of five fundamental steps that are briefly summarized throughout this report. The information isn’t presented as a substitute for professional medical advice, but only as weight loss tips that have been effective for me. That being said, let’s lose some weight!

Although some consumers may not embrace the concept of achieving a “perfect weight”, there is a “healthier weight” level for every individual. One of the easiest ways to determine your healthier weight is to utilize a Height to Weight Ratio Chart. While there’s more to the process than merely reviewing a diagram, Height to Weight Ratio Charts are a good indication of where your weight should be in order to avoid illnesses such as High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Diabetes or High Cholesterol. You can find any number of useful Height to Weight Ratio Charts by doing a search on Google. It may also be a good idea to do a search on “Body Mass Index Charts” or “BMI’s”.

If you’re serious about losing weight, you’ll have to reduce your sugar intake. The USDA recommends 40 grams, or 10 teaspoons of sugar as an acceptable daily amount. Therefore foods such as jelly, jams, sodas, pies, cookies, cakes and the like have to be consumed in moderation, or eliminated from your diet altogether (please, try not to cry).

You should also restrain from unhealthy fats.  Unhealthy fats include saturated fats, and trans fats that are found in foods such as powered milk, sausage, butter, most vegetable oils, hydrogenated oils, French fries, etc. The general idea is to limit your intake of saturated fats and to avoid trans fats overall.

It’s no secret that fruits and vegetables are a great source of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and other components that protect the body against diseases. I encourage you to conduct your own research in regard to the benefits of fruits and vegetables. However, you may not be aware that dark chocolate is also a great source of antioxidants. Am I saying that you can actually eat chocolate and lose weight? The answer is yes! (hallelujah).  You can read more about the health benefits of chocolate by clicking on the following link: 

How to Lose Weight while Eating Chocolate      

Studies have proven that exercising for a mere 15 minutes per day may provide the following health benefits:

• Lowers high blood pressure and hypertension
• Lowers high cholesterol
• Strengthens the heart thus reducing the risk of heart disease
• Helps to prevent diabetes
• Burns calories
• Reduces or relieves stress
• May improve memory
• May help to prevent some forms of cancer
• Helps to increase your energy level

I try to walk for at least 15 to 30 minutes on a daily basis.

Although I’ve reviewed a number of health related guides, the “Eat This, Not That!”book series provides some of the best information on maintaining a healthy diet that I’ve ever read. The books are downright economical and very practical.

Book # 1

The Eat This, Not That! Supermarket Survival Guide lays outs a relatively simply plan to help consumers shop for the healthiest foods. Although my wife does most of the shopping, this guide has helped me a great deal.

Book # 2

Eat This, Not That! Thousands of Simple Food Swaps offers information that can help consumers lose up to 30 pounds or more! The amazing thing about this guide is that it practically reviews the entire food industry. I’m truly impressed with how much useful information it contains.

Well, there you have it; my modest five step process on how to lose weight without diet pills. I go through this ritual every year during the beginning of spring. This approach hasn’t failed me yet and I hope that it’s beneficial to you. As I mentioned earlier, if you’re curious about the FDA reports on unsafe dietary supplements, simply click on the links below. I welcome you comments or questions. Thanks for reading my article!

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/133954.php

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/business/04diet.html?emc=rss&partner=rss