Trying to lose weight can be difficult and there are many different methods available ranging from free to expensive. The weight-loss industry is a big money-spinner with it being human nature to climb on and fall off the weight loss wagon. If you would like to get in shape without getting in debt, consider the following options…

Slimming clubs

Reminding you that you are not alone in your battle to banish the bulge, slimming clubs have a great sense of camaraderie and support from fellow dieters, while a bit of healthy competition can do wonders for your motivation. The emphasis is on gradual weight loss and developing a sustainable sensible eating plan for life, the best way to lose weight and keep it off. Weekly meetings are usually held in local community halls, gyms, etc. and prices will range from €7 to €10 per week.

Reduced calorie foods

Unfortunately, clever marketing has led us to believe that any product with the word “light” or “diet” on it has to be better for us. Just remember that people want flavour and if something has less fat in it, it could still have a high sugar or salt content to keep it tasty. Always check the nutritional value and know your daily requirements. Of course, your best option is to avoid processed foods and try to stick to a high protein, low fat diet, but we know that the time and inclination is not always there…

Diet pills/products

When all is said and done, the way to lose weight is to eat less and move more. Recent years have seen numerous diet pills and products all promising fast and effective weight loss results. While they are huge sellers, if they truly worked there would be a lot fewer overweight people around. If you read the small print you will see that they only work as part of a calorie controlled diet. While many have health benefits in their own right, such as antioxidant rich herbal teas, ultimately it will be diet and exercise that works. One particular weight-loss tea advises users to walk for half an hour after each cup of tea to receive the full benefit (recommended 3 cups a day). Essentially, the tea manufacturers are taking the credit for the benefits of walking!

Spa treatments

While not the cheapest alternative, there are a lot of salons offering great deals at the moment and treatments such as body wraps and colonic irrigation offer fast, tangible results. The latter requires you to leave your modesty at the door but is very effective for immediate weight loss, improved digestion, and a detoxifying effect. Colonics cost approximately €95 per session. Be careful to ensure you visit a certified colon therapist as with any treatment there can be side effects.

Slendertone

This product has been around for 30 years and in a world of fads and fashions it must be doing something right to have survived this long. Ideal for the lazy majority, it works by delivering electrical impulses to your abdominal muscles, ideally resulting in a flatter stomach. Like any weight loss aid however, a calorie controlled diet and regular exercise are essential for the full toning effect of the belt to be revealed. There is a huge range of Slendertone products available, the popular Flex Abs Belt for Women is available for around €90.

Wii - fit

A fun, interactive way to get in shape, Nintendo’s hi-tech fitness gizmo continues to fly off the shelves. The Wii Fit measures your BMI (body mass index), your target for ideal weight and suggests an exercise plan. This is your chance to enjoy football, skiing, snowboarding, yoga and hula-hooping without leaving your living room. Packages including the console and the Wii Fit cost around €300, the Wii Fit being sold separately for around €90.

Tags: health tips, weight loss tips

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 at 3:34 pm and is filed under Health and Beauty, Weight Loss. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.