Normally a rapid weight loss result in such a short period of time would be considered to be excessive. That's because the body goes into starvation mode and stores fat because it thinks that there's a famine going on.
This happens if the fast is done incorrectly. Some people will only drink water for 10 days or else eat microscopic quantities of food in order to force their body to lose weight. That is incorrect because our bodies are programmed for self-preservation.
If a normal diet is reduced to a fraction because of an ill-conceived diet plan, our body's age-old instinct (from our caveman days) is to go into survival mode. It has no way of knowing when the 'famine' will end and will treat any scrap of food as a treasured asset to be stored at all cost.
That is why we enjoy fat so much. Along with giving a nice texture when chewing, it also gives the body a signam that ample nutrition is veing consumed. I'm pretty sure that our cavemen ancestors felt much more satisfied after eating a mammoth than they did after a day of eating only nuts and berries.
We feel the same way still. There is more contentment for the body eating a Big Mac and Fries than there is eating a tofu salad. We KNOW that the salad is healthier but the feeling of fullness after eating a Big Mac gives that age-old feeling of "My hunger is satisfied and I won't be hungry for a long while". Comfort food, indeed!
The Proper Way To Do A Fast
1) Keep the nutrition level constant while restricting the intake of calories
You must not eat more calories than you exert but you must also not do excessive physical activity while you are fasting. Let the body rest a bit and rejuvenate. Make sure that you are eating good calories that will provide all the vitamins and minerals you need
2) Follow the plan and stick to it without eating anything extra
Over 10 days, that was actually pretty easy for myself since it flew by. I didn't miss eating anything extra because that 'extra' usually included potato chips (salt and vinegar), bags of chocolate chip cookies and excess sweets.
3) Keep busy
That is, keep your mind occupied with fun things and other regular activities that will keep your mind off any cravings. Hunger won't be an issue but you might crave a pizza or some junk food as a source of 'comfort'.
4) Don't worry!
The fast will be over before you know it! You will find that losing excess weight will feel wonderful at the end and seeing the number get smaller on the bathroom scale will be very encouraging. The fact that your clothes will feel less tight will also be a bonus.
Which Program Should I Use?
You should definitely look around for a good diet plan that will give you the nutrition you need so that the body won't be deprived of vitamins and minerals.
The program I used consisted of Purium Health Products. I lost 13 pounds in 10 days and plan to get back that V-shape using core workouts. I also lost the craving for junk food and won't be buying that bags of chips anymore!
As of July 22, I am at 205 pounds and have found my ideal weight. It's been pretty easy to maintain and a lot easier on the joints. If you're playing sports, then a lower playing weight will keep the aches and pains to a minimum.
Whatever program you choose, be sure to give it a try. You have nothing to lose but the pounds!
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