A good question. In fact, some extreme diets pare that down to 500 calories a day. Considering that burgers like a Whopper are weighing in at 670 calories +, you can see how tough it can be to survive (or at least feel like you are surviving) on a sub 800 calorie diet.
There is not quesiton that American’s eat way too much. Our portion sizes have increased in lock step with our waistlines. Not to continue to pick on Burger King, but does anyone really need a BK Quad Stacker? At 1100 calories and 70 grams of fat, it is an enoumous amount of nutrition to consume at any one sitting. Throw in a super lage fry and 32 oz Coke, and you have consumed a simply massive amount of calories, at just under 1980, in one meal!
However, is the opposite any better. Are extreme diets that limit your intake to 800 or less calories a day any better for your overall health? This CNN art seeks to answer that question with a closer look at Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCD).
The first thing that people considering a diet like this needs to know, is that it most definitely isn’t for everyone. It is expensive, costing from $6,000 to $10,000 a year to stay on the program. It is also quite demanding from a mental and physical standpoint. Applicants for the four certified programs in the US are pre-screened for any mental or physical issues that might not allow them to complete such a plan. Some clinics require bloodwork and heart health monitoring monthly to ensure physical health. This leads to the last issue, the side effects. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, gout, kidnesy stones…kind of scary. You have to remember that you aren’t exactly eating a balanced diet on one of these plans, and you can place a great deal of stress on your primary body systems.
You also don’t want to do one of these diets if you are looking to drop 5-10 pounds to get into that dress for the holidy party. These diets are designed for obese patients, with off the chart BMI ratings. Anyone can lose 10 pounds in a month with some strict nutrition. But to safely lose 200, 300, or more pounds, you need the strict management these plans provide.
So, what if you need to lose more than ten pounds but don’t feel like you need to be on a VLCD? How about Medifast? With the approval of over 20,000 doctors since the program was launched, it is a proven, respected and won’t make you feel like you are starving to death. A win-win…
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I found your site on bing. I couldn’t agree more. Weight loss isn’t rocket science like some people would have you believe. It just takes some dedication and discipline. I will definately be back to check your site.
Thanks!
I’ve just come across your blog on Bing and to begin with I’m loving your graphics
I agree with what your saying here, your opinion is dead right. I’m sure going to hook up to your rss feed so i can keep informed of furture posts.
Ciao. Wonderful job. I did not expect this on a friday night. This is a cool story. Thanks!
It is great to discover a site that has this weight loss information.
I enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for all the hard work. Sara
I really liked reading your post!. Quallity content.
Am I able to buy this in the shop as well or simply online?
I’ve lost almost 50 pounds on Medifast and I can certainly survive.
I have a long way to go, however.
Tim
wow interesting stuff, do you have any more info on this…
The truth about weight loss is that, none of the quick fixes work for it. It starts with a firm determination that you want to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Once you achieve that mindset, the rest of the journey becomes very easy. We first need to plan with a sound mind what our objectives in life are and why do we want to loose weight. Once we decide to do it, it helps a lot to read weight loss motivating articles.
I came across your piece during my morning break. I have to admit the whole work is done well and has been inspiring.