Have you noticed how many lose weight fast-get in shape fast-miracle pill-guaranteed-to-work programs there are on the market today? Frankly, it’s frightening. During one commercial break on cable television last evening, I counted no less than four advertisements that ran nearly 30 to 45 seconds a piece. Every single one promised the same thing. The pounds will melt, fall, vanish or my personal favorite “disappear” as long as you use their product/diet/miracle pill/equipment.
The problem with all these get thin fast promotions is that 99% of the time they aren’t going to work. Read the small print on just about any advertisement. The pills aren’t FDA tested or approved and should be used along with a regimen of proper diet and exercise. Okay, if you’re doing a regimen of proper diet and exercise I would submit to you that the pills aren’t going to be responsible for the effects as much as the diet and exercise. Many products include the addendum that they must be used exactly as directed and the results are not guaranteed.
So if you read the fine print, losing weight and getting in shape becomes even more of a headache! What is the miracle solution? Expensive surgeries such as a tummy tuck, liposuction or gastric bypass? There is a definitely visible and measurable success rate to each of those options, but if you’re not up for an invasive procedure or a financial investment that would make a gym membership look like nickels and dimes, then maybe not so much.
You might be thinking you know all this and so what?
Well – here’s what.
You want to get in shape and lose weight. Don’t get suckered in by the schemes, promises and lures that success can be found with a quick phone call and a credit card number. Getting in shape involves lifestyle commitments to exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and reducing stress. It’s about an overall change, not just one quick thing.
If it looks and sounds too easy, then chances are it isn’t going to be able to deliver on the promise. Yes, there are dozens of infomercials out there demonstrating their products with endorsements from people who they really worked for, but a lot of those are just paid actors. They can justify their endorsement by using the product (even just once) and say that they have used it and feel great.
It can be darned discouraging to think that our instant gratification society has bred this need into us to find the quick fix and that it really doesn’t exist. It’s a fairy tale. So rather than being disappointed at midnight when your quick fix turns into a pumpkin, make the following promise to your own future:
My once upon a time is now. My path to a fairy tale ending is through my commitment to myself. I will eat healthier. I will get plenty of rest every night. I will take the days as they come and stop over-committing myself. I will make time for me. I will exercise. I will get fit in mind, body and soul. Then I will have my happily ever after.
For more information on weight loss (and just how disappointing those quick fixes can be) visit our Weight Loss Blog!