Yo-yo dieting is bad for your waistline and for your health.

By Sofia Segounis, Nutritionist

Yo-yo dieting is the cycle of repeated loss and regaining of weight. Many individuals experience this pattern when they try the latest fad diet, realize that it does not work and jump to the next diet.

A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that the weight fluctuation associated with yo-yo dieting can harm your immune system. The study found that losing and regaining weight more than five times decreased immune function by a third. Remaining at a stable weight, even if it is slightly higher, had a positive effect on the immune system in the long run.

Healthy weight loss
By decreasing your weight, even by as little as 10 pounds, you will reap health benefits: a decrease in the risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers and obesity. The trick is to find a weight loss program that is safe and effective over the long term.

A healthy weight loss plan is one that promotes healthy eating and exercise. Anything that promises a quick fix will not result in lasting weight loss. You have to be realistic with your goals; it took you years to accumulate this weight, so you can’t expect it to disappear overnight. Lasting weight loss is gradual and requires hard work and dedication.

Eating right
A diet that is well balanced and incorporates a variety of foods is the way to go. Our 40:30:30 philosophy (40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, 30% fat) has brought excellent results to many.

The Truestar Metabolic Booster Phase is based on the same philosophy, but with slightly increased protein (40% protein, 30% carbohydrates and 30% fat). Eating in this ratio boosts your metabolism, allowing your body to burn more calories at the onset of your weight loss plan. The second phase of our plan is Continuum Weight Loss. Here, you will lose weight at a slower, more consistent rate. You will remain in this phase until you reach your goal. This phase consists of 30% protein, 40% carbohydrates and 30% fat.

When following any weight loss plan, ensure you make healthy food choices. Choose very lean protein, such as fish, chicken, very lean meat and soy. Carbohydrates should be unrefined, fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and whole cereals. Fats should be the good fats, monounsaturated fats and essential fats; these can be found in olive oil, canola oil, flax oil, fish oils, nuts and seeds.

Move it and lose it!
Eating properly is just one step; you also have to incorporate a regular exercise program. Exercising increases your metabolism and burns calories, an essential part of any weight loss plan. Combining strength training and cardio is the optimal way to give you the most favorable results.

Get a boost from supplements
You can give your body an extra boost by taking safe and effective supplements. Always speak with your naturopathic doctor or healthcare practitioner to make sure the supplements you choose are safe. A supplement that has been designed specifically for weight loss and is both safe and effective is TrueLEAN. It has been specifically designed by Truestar’s vice-president of natural medicine to boost your metabolism and burn extra calories.

Compromising your immune system in any way puts you at higher risk for developing colds, infections and even diseases, such as cancer. We only have on body to last us a lifetime. Make that lifetime more enjoyable by taking care of yourself every day.

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