In the US the diet industry is worth $40bn — the fifth largest industry. In Britain it is worth about £2bn and rising.
When you think about it, diet products are a marketing director’s dream: the failed dieter almost always blames herself — and then looks for another product. Not surprisingly many companies produce a range of products: slimming clubs, low-cal meals, books, videos.
Can you forget going on a "Diet" forever? You may find it helpful to consider this:
A tiny cherry-sized zone in the brain called the hypothalamus holds a key in controlling weight. The hypothalamus is involved in controlling hunger and thirst -in fact, almost everything connected with the hypothalamus has the power to affect the numbers you see on the scales.
When you are hungry the hypothalamus sends a signal to your stomach that says "Time to eat, expect food". Here's the interesting bit...
Whether you eat or you don't eat, 20 minutes later the hypothalamus sends another signal which says "We're full now. Stop eating".
Hypothalamus aside, let's consider what is common knowledge in regards to weight gain in simple terms:
We know that too much food equals weight gain.
We know that too little exercise can also lead to weight gain when we exceed our daily energy (food) requirements.
We know that when we're hungry, we receive a signal from the body in the form of a growl. The hungrier we are, the bigger the growl.
When your body craves fluids, it's impossible to beat water.
Here are some easy steps you can do right now to lose weight:
1. Eat a balanced diet and only when you are hungry.
2. Put your knife and fork down while you chew your food.
3. Chew for longer. Eat slowly so you don't miss that signal from the hypothalmus that the stomach is full
4. When you are full – STOP EATING!!
5. Get exercise - this doesn't have to be a full on celebrity workout. Take a walk. The fresh air will do you good and lift your mood considerably.
When you think about it, diet products are a marketing director’s dream: the failed dieter almost always blames herself — and then looks for another product. Not surprisingly many companies produce a range of products: slimming clubs, low-cal meals, books, videos.
Can you forget going on a "Diet" forever? You may find it helpful to consider this:
A tiny cherry-sized zone in the brain called the hypothalamus holds a key in controlling weight. The hypothalamus is involved in controlling hunger and thirst -in fact, almost everything connected with the hypothalamus has the power to affect the numbers you see on the scales.
When you are hungry the hypothalamus sends a signal to your stomach that says "Time to eat, expect food". Here's the interesting bit...
Whether you eat or you don't eat, 20 minutes later the hypothalamus sends another signal which says "We're full now. Stop eating".
Hypothalamus aside, let's consider what is common knowledge in regards to weight gain in simple terms:
We know that too much food equals weight gain.
We know that too little exercise can also lead to weight gain when we exceed our daily energy (food) requirements.
We know that when we're hungry, we receive a signal from the body in the form of a growl. The hungrier we are, the bigger the growl.
When your body craves fluids, it's impossible to beat water.
Here are some easy steps you can do right now to lose weight:
1. Eat a balanced diet and only when you are hungry.
2. Put your knife and fork down while you chew your food.
3. Chew for longer. Eat slowly so you don't miss that signal from the hypothalmus that the stomach is full
4. When you are full – STOP EATING!!
5. Get exercise - this doesn't have to be a full on celebrity workout. Take a walk. The fresh air will do you good and lift your mood considerably.
