I have researched a lot on weight loss. I have also tried a lot of different types of diets ( GM Diet, Detox diet, Crash diet etc) There are lots of myths floating around for weight loss. The internet sure has helped in spreading a lot of half knowledge.
Let me put some base facts before i dive into dieting.
Fat, Carbohydrate, Sugar are all forms of energy. And bod needs energy. The excess unused energy gets stored as fat in out body. The energy, when it gets converted to fat, it will settle in area that has minimal movement (Belly, hips etc) as compared to places with more movement like hands. But over time, it will settle all over.
Now to get rid of this excess fat, we need to convert it back to energy and then we need to burn it off. In order to convert it, we need to burn more energy than what we eat everyday. Now, this is an area that is misunderstood soo much.
Our body does not absorb each and every calorie that we eat. it depends from people to people. To add to confusion, we have metabolism. Where we burn calorie to meet our body's day to day requirement. Even when we sleep we are burning calories. Now the rate of metabolism is different for each person. Don't we all know some people who eats up huge quantity and yet remain so slim.
We can increase the metabolic rate if we increase the amount of muscle that we have.
Easier said than done. But that's the fact. So what are the other means to achieve fat loss? Eat very less that our calorie intake is too low that body has to burn fat? A lot of people actually do this but notice that there is no significant change. This is because, when we suddenly stop the food supply, the body feels that shortage of supply and reduce the metabolism to increase its survival chances. Unfortunately, it does not increase the rate when we start eating again. And now we have an additional inch than what we started off with.
So what can we really do here?
The best way to ensure a good body and feel great at the same time is lifestyle change. And that too a slow and steady one. Dont stop that KFC burger one fine morning. You will end up having 2 at a time by the end of 2 weeks.
Set a goal to increase your workout and improve the quality of food. One small step at a time. Make the changes simple. For instance, you could start off with adding one fruit with every meal that you have. And add a 10 minute walk around your house as soon as you wake up. Once you are fine with this, add a bit more. May be run for 10 mins. May be restrict the french fries to the first helping.
Our biggest challenge is that we are now trained to see instant results. 6 packs in 6 weeks, loose 10 kgs in 5 weeks and what not. Don't let all these advertisements belittle your efforts. Because every drop counts.
Though i don't believe much in crash diets or any diet that promise a lot of kgs in short time, i do the GM diet once in a while.
The GM diet gets rid of a few kgs every time i have done it. But i dont know if its fat that was taken out or is it water loss. I think its water loss. But this loss of few kgs gives me so much motivation to do my prime goal that it makes it worth the effort.
A week of GM reduces a few kgs, followed by exercise to make sure it does not climb back. Following is the GM diet that i have followed. The source of this diet is http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/~jajoo/gmdiet.html
General Motors: Weight Loss Diet Program
GM diet, as the name suggest was developed for the employees and dependants of General motors. It was first tested at John Hopkins Research center and then used by the employees in GM. A healthy and fit employees will in turn mean higher productivity, more energy, more happiness in office and many more. No wonder a gaint like GM decided to part time and money to device this diet.
Diet targets a weight loss of 10 to 17 pounds per week. This depends from people to people. My personal experience is 8 pounds. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects.
The key idea behind this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value. And this really works when this is combined with excercise.
This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.
During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol
You must drink 10 glasses of water each day. That is at least 10 glasses. More the better.
Day One
Any fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good. Ensure that you have a lot of fruits and that you are not hungry at any point of the day.
Day Two
All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. Try to have more raw vegetables (Carrots, lettuce Cabbage, cucumber etc). There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.
Day Three
A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today. Make sure you have both vegetables and fruits. Every time you feel hungry, take a quick bite.
Day Four
Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.
Day Five
Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef / Chicken (For protein). Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one 3 glasses. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.
Day Six
Beef / Chicken and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited quantity. Eat to your hearts content.
Day Seven
Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.
Tomorrow morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine. Under no circumstances are you to drink any other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer which is allowed. Any liquor (bourbon,vodka, rum) is forbidden. Cream drinks are especially forbidden. If you wine, drink only wine that day. If you have beer, drink only beer that day, etc. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet. However, after the first week it will help your digestion and settle your stomach.
G.M.'S Wonder Soup
The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.
28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavoring (Spices, masala) as desired.
You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, Celery etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.
Beverages you may consume while on the program :
Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired).
Black Coffee. No sugar or sweetness.
Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.
How and Why It Works
Day One you are preparing your system for the upcoming program. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature's perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.
Day Two starts with a fix of complex carbohydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fiber.
Day Three eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.
Day Four, bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You're in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go.
Day Five, Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five "quarter ponders". Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.
Day Six is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.
Day Seven finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it.
Thank you!
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