When one first thinks of dieting all they can think about is not eating. The normal thought process is that if I eat less I gain less so if I dont eat hardly anything at all I will lose weight fast. This thinking is very dangerous and can lead to many catastrophic health issues.
In order to lose weight it is necessary to provide the daily nutrients your body needs to sustain normal health and bodily functions. If you do not eat the necessary foods that contain water, protein, carbohydrates, natural sugar, vitamins and minerals your body will go into starvation mode and actually cause you to gain weight ~ yes gain weight; while placing you in a serious state of dehydration which could lead to death.
I am a diabetic and I know the tools to assure good health. However, when I started my last diet I did all the WRONG things. I cut back on food, I added a diet supplement shake, I didnt drink enough water, I stopped eating good foods, and while I lost weight I threw myself into starvation mode, severe hydration, and my potassium and magnesium (valuable minerals for health) bottomed out to zero. I was critically sick and unhealthy! Yes critical ~ not only was my diabetes out of control, I suffered malnutrition due to mineral loss. I found myself at the doctor’s office every other day for blood panels, was placed on a very strict diet, potassium pills, a mega-multivitamin, and learning to like to drink water. I was lectured about the risks I placed myself under and thankfully I listened. Gradually, I began to regain my health, but it took me over 8 weeks to just get my vitamin, mineral, and body levels back close to normal ~ I was very sick and it was a nightmare!
Why do I tell you all this you ask? I tell you my experience because there are millions of people in our country that are doing the exact same thing everyday and placing themselves in risk of death! Yes DEATH !!!! Some are in this position due to poor living conditions but MOST and I will say 98% are doing this to themselves daily because they want to lose weight! While every person’s weight and health issues are individual, everyone can benefit from good eating habits, drinking water, exercising, and simple good health practices. Hopefully, my near death experience and my continuing road to recovery and better health will benefit you.
In my next few articles I will discuss the importance of nutrients, vitamins, water, etc., in aiding metabolism, weight loss, a healthier you and avoiding critical health issues ~ but today please please start drinking WATER! Not sodas, not diet drinks, not alcohol but WATER! It has been said that in order to prevent dehydration we need to consume at least 8 glasses of water a day and preferrably half our body weight in ounces of water a day! This is critically important in higher temperature climates. If you are like me and you dont like plain water, there are several easy ways to spice it up! But please start drinking water today!
If you have a friend or family member who is dieting please pass this along to them it might prevent them from risk!
~ Kathy
