Slim Fast is just one of many products on the market that claim to help you lose weight. Slim Fast has many products that are consumed in place of regular meals to help you cut back on calorie intake. Although using Slim Fast may lead to a small amount of weight loss, it may not be the best bet for long-term weight control. If you are considering using a product such as Slim Fast or are concerned about your weight, talk to your physician, who can make recommendations on the best plan to follow.
Slim Fast
The Slim Fast website claims that replacing regular meals with Slim Fast products can help you to lose weight quickly and easily. The goal is to consume a Slim Fast shake or meal bar in place of two of your usual meals and then have one healthy 500 calorie meal per day, according to the Slim Fast website. You are also allowed three Slim Fast snacks per day and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. While following the Slim Fast program, you are encouraged to exercise regularly. The goal is to reduce your calorie intake while burning calories off during exercise to help you shed those unwanted pounds.
Weight Loss
The bottom line in losing weight is that you must take in fewer calories then you burn off no matter what type of food you eat or what time of day you eat. Because 1 lb. pound is equal to 3,500 calories, to lose 1 to 2 lbs. per week, you must create a daily deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories. However, it is important to not cut back calorie intake too low because you may risk malnutrition, and your metabolism will slow to conserve energy. The most successful weight loss plans are the ones that combine calorie control with exercise and focus on slow and steady weight loss of about 1 to 2 lbs. per week, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Considerations
If following the Slim Fast program makes you reduce your calorie intake, it can help you lose weight. Any program that helps you cut back on how much food you eat will produce results. However, to protect against weight-related health problems, it is important to not just lose the weight but keep it off as well. This means finding a program that you can follow for life. Although programs such as Slim Fast will help you cut down on your food intake, you may find it too restrictive, and after you go off the plan, any weight you lost may be regained as old eating habits return.
Instead, MayoClinic.com suggests focusing on a food plan that encourages a wide variety of foods, including an occasional treat. Try to get most of your daily calories from fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains that are high in fiber because fiber helps the body feel full. In addition, aim to get between 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-level aerobic activity on most days of the week.
Benefits
Losing weight is not easy, and counting calories and measuring food to ensure you are eating correct portion sizes can be time consuming. Using a plan such as Slim Fast may help you jump start your weight loss efforts, and using Slim Fast products, may help in times when you are hungry, rushed, tired or stressed. Reaching for a Slim Fast bar, shake or snack is a better option than a high-calorie, high-sugar or high-fat food because the packaged foods ensure portion control and deliver a full day's vitamins and minerals, reports CVS.com. However, it is still essential to establish good eating and exercise habits to obtain long-term results.
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