Archive for the 'Weight Loss' Category

Weight Loss Supplements: Worth the Icky Side Effects?

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

As mentioned before, I began taking the Akavar 20/50 weight loss supplement as one of my new years resolutions. This past week I have been taking it in conjunction with my daily jogging and new sugar-reduced, low-fat eating habits in hopes of shedding a few pounds. So far, I have lost two pounds (it’s only been a week, people!) and I swear I am eating less (no easy feat for the girl who eats like a horse).

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However, I have a girlfriend who insisted on using Alli, the first FDA approved over-the-counter weight loss pill. Unfortunately, I don’t think she read the label very thoroughly and experienced by far one of the most embarrassing and horrifying moments I have ever heard. Before I tell you what happened, let me give you a little background on Alli.

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The pill is designed to block body fat, which is supposed to pass through your body. Thus, the makers of Alli suggest users wear dark pants or bring a change of clothes when they leave the house until they get used to the pill’s plausible (and disgusting) side effects. In other words, stray too far from a low-fat, very healthy diet and you’ll probably poop your pants - no joke! In fact, the official Alli website warns users of these possible side effects:

  • gas with oily spotting
  • loose stools
  • more frequent stools that may be hard to control

I’ll spare you the grisly details of my friend’s humiliating experience, but I will say it involved one of the previously mentioned “side effects,” a silk dress, and one damn sexy date who will never call her back.

Personally, I would rather try something that helps stave off hunger rather than something that makes me mess my drawers! But I’m curious…would you take a weight loss supplement with such awful side effects if it meant shedding some weight?

The Secret to Keeping Up Fitness Motivation

Tuesday, February 19th, 2008

I’ve done it; I’ve found the secret to wanting to keep working out! Buy a new swimsuit! Even though there is still snow on the ground, I bought one. What can I say, it was on sale. I was a little more adventurous this year. I usually will wear shorts over the swimsuit, or like last year, get a bottom that comes with a cute little skirt. But this year I got just regular bottoms. AHHH! Now that is scary. But I find that I definitely don’t want to miss a day of working out! I have a limited amount of time before summer hits, and I want to be ready and confident! So there you go; the amazing secret is revealed. Try it out. I bet it will work for you too!

A Quick Energy Boost

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007

Since I’m not much of a coffee drinker, I’ve had to find other ways to get going in the mornings. Occasionally, I can get up early enough to exercise, which always gets me hyped for the rest of the day.

However, most of the time I prefer to take a Zantrex energy pill. It has caffeine just like coffee, but is much easier for me to swallow. It gives me the energy I need to get going, particularly when those difficult Monday mornings come around. Try it and see if you don’t like it better than coffee. However, be sure to eat breakfast or some food after you take it or you’ll be really wired!

Losing Weight

Friday, October 5th, 2007

I decided to finally update everyone on my weight loss progress. I started taking the Akavar weight loss pill about three and a half weeks ago and I’m already seeing progress. Along with the weight loss pills that I take in the morning, I take a multivitamin two times a day.

I’ve also added exercise to my weight loss plan. Although I planned to exercise about four or five days a week, I have been exercising about three days a week, which is still an improvement from me.

The first time I went to the gym when starting the program, I lifted weights and walked on the treadmill for about 20 minutes. You wouldn’t believe how sore I was the next few days. However, I’ve stuck with it and I think my strength and endurance is increasing. Plus I have more energy and feel a little better about my body when I look in the mirror now (I’m five pounds lighter)!

Although my eating hasn’t been perfect, I’ve tried to eat my favorite junk foods like ice cream, pizza, and Wendy’s on the weekends only. I slip up occasionally, but I always get back on track. I’ve also found it helpful to take smaller portions, which has really helped me cut back on calories. I eat slower too, which along with the Akavar pills, helps me feel fuller longer.

If you’re trying to lose some weight like me, I’ve found the previous post on dieting tips to be very useful. I’ll post another update later. Good luck to all you dieters, and if you want to add any helpful tips or talk about weight loss, I’m always listening!

My Experience

Wednesday, September 19th, 2007

In addition to the previous Akavar post, I found some places where people discussed their experience using Akavar. I started taking the supplement last week and I feel a little less hungry than usual. Hopefully I’ll lose the few pounds I need before my birthday in November.

My Wedding Day is Almost Here

Thursday, September 13th, 2007

Since my engagement is only three months long, I don’t have a lot of time to lose weight. I met with a personal trainer, who created an exercise plan and healthy eating plan for me to follow. He is pretty strict, but he keeps me pushing myself harder so that I reach my goal weight in the short time period.

In addition to exercise and healthy eating, he recommended that I take supplements such as a multivitamin and an energy supplement. Although it is difficult to stick to a strict diet (I keep a food diary ), my personal trainer really knows what he is talking about because already I have lost four pounds! Only ten more pounds to go until the big day!

Perhaps Zantrex is More Your Cup of Tea..?

Tuesday, September 4th, 2007

Yet, another weight loss pill that is creating buzz:  Zantrex-3.  Now, being a huge reality TV fan (pathetic, I know), I obviously watch VH1’s celebrity fit club show. Contestant Dustin Diamond (more affectionately known to all us 80’s offspring as Screech) revealed he had taken Zantrex and lost five pounds.  Even Ms. Britney Spears reportedly used the energy supplement.  So I decided to try it for myself…

The pill contains a high dosage of caffeine, enabling it to increase your energy and speed-up your metabolism.  While it should be taken only as directed and all warnings should be adhered to, Zantrex-3 really does give you the energy boost it claims to.  I have only been using it about a week or so, but so far so good.  I’ll keep you updated…

Akavar, Anyone?

Tuesday, September 4th, 2007

I came across an interesting comparison review site for a couple different weight loss supplements, including Akavar 20/50.  This Akavar review seems rather legitimate and surprisingly unbiased considering Akavar came out on top.  In addition to my gym visits four times a week and my new healthy diet (which allows for carbs – yay!), I may just try some Akavar…I am all for shedding those few extra pounds.  Anyone want to join?

Unconventional Dieting Tips

Sunday, May 6th, 2007

We have all been there: frustrated dieters desperate to shed those pounds so we can reach our ideal and healthy body weight (not to mention, looking smokin’ hot for our men, right ladies?). Dieting can be a exasperating and disastrous if not approached in an efficient method. Yes, your long-term goal is lose X amount of pounds, but setting smaller, more attainable goals to reach that objective will help you be more successful in losing the weight.

Keep A Daily Log – This one is actually recommended often for individuals trying to lose weight. I would suggest keeping a daily log of both your weight and what you eat. This will allow you monitor your caloric intake and portions and track all your weight loss progress – even the smallest amount can make you feel great

Proclaim that Diet – Being on a diet is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, especially considering how image-oriented society is. In fact, doing so can be beneficial. Telling your close friends and family that you are on a diet can serve as further motivation and accountability.

Diet on Weekdays Only – The weekends are reserved for time off, even when it comes to dieting. If you are trying to lose weight over a substantial amount of time, it will start to really wear on you if you do not take a break from it. You will find yourself depressed, tired, and unmotivated to continue your healthy eating habits. Use the weekends as a time to celebrate and have that tempting piece of cake.

Don’t Forfeit Your Social Life – There will inevitably be times when you will not be able to diet or eat healthy, such as eating out for a business lunch or a friend’s birthday. Don’t avoid such occasions simply because of your diet. If you happen to break your diet, say on Thursday, then swap it for a weekend day so you get five full days of dieting.

Supplements – I only include this option because a weight loss supplement used correctly in conjunction with a proper diet and adequate exercise can really expedite and assist in your weight loss. Do your research and find a diet pill that suits your needs, such as a supplement that will curb your hunger.