I signed up with a local metabolic diet center. The experience was interesting. The first meeting consisted of a consultation where they cover basic information about my goals and my current diet. The diet plan was explained in detail. The plan claimed that I would lose up to 5 pounds a week. I decided to give it a try because honestly I did not have anywhere else to turn. The cost was a bit high and did not include the nutrient supplements that are a part of the diet.

The first step was to meet to choose the menu plan. I tried the vegatarian menu. After the first week and a half of following the plan diligently I had lost 8 lbs. I was a little uncomfortable about losing so much so quickly. I ate a log of eggs initially for my main protein source. The downside was the amount of cholesterol I was getting with the egg yolks. For the second week of the program I replaced the eggs with boca burger patties. I was suprised how good they tasted. I added a little bit of blackening spice and a small amount of ketchup.

I had a horrible week in which I was ill prepared when I went on vacation. I ended up eating things I shouldn’t have. I really tried hard to watch my portion sizes. When I returned from my three day vacation I was pleased to have still experienced weightloss. I was down to 203 pounds. Three weeks I had lost 13 pounds. The fourth week I have seen a much slower rate of loss. By the end of the week I weighed in at 200 pounds. In fact I got stuck at 200 pounds for a week. After starting the fifth week I began to lose again but at a slower rate. In order to continue my success I had to increase my fitness level.   I am now working out 3 to 4 times a week burning 300 - 400 calories per workout. I am still wearing loose casual clothes.

The metabolic diet is really about controling the diet side of the weight loss problem. Here are some additional tips that should be followed:

We all have our problem areas, and few of us are ever really satisfied with our shape. However, by taking some simple steps we can improve our body shape, health and general well being. If you are like me, and carry excess baggage round your middle you are probably very keen to lighten your luggage!

Not only is belly fat unsightly but it has been scientifically linked to many health problems such as bloating, heartburn, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and dementia. And you thought having a muffin top was the worst part! The good news is there are a number of ways to reduce belly fat, to feel more attractive and avoid those scary health risks.

Let me outline twelve steps to take that belly down a notch!

This is going to sound crazy, but …

1. You need to eat more meals and more often!

Don’t get too excited because at the same time you need to reduce the size of your portions. Eating 5-6 small meals per day will first of all prevent you from binging or overeating at meal times and it also keeps your metabolism running as it is constantly burning up food.

2. Never skip breakfast …

If you don’t eat after many hours of sleeping your body goes into ‘starvation mode’. This is bad news for shedding belly fat as it slows your metabolism down in an effort to save energy and burn less calories.

3. Carefully monitor the food you are eating …

Try to eat more fat burning foods such as brown rice, whole grains, vegetables, natural fruits, skimmed milk, lean poultry or meat, seafood and egg whites. I’m sure you already know all the ones to avoid as they are likely to be your favourites! The list includes pizzas, burgers, deep fried foods, bakery foods, fatty meats and all products that contain lots of sugar.  Learn which foods are the worst in 10 Worst Foods for Your Hips …

4. Eat slowly …

Get into the habit of taking smaller bites and chewing them slowly. By doing this you will avoid overeating and bloating.

5. Do the most effective exercise efficiently …

Cardiovascular exercises are the ones that get your heart thumping and the fat burning, so cardio workouts such as brisk walking, jogging, aerobics and cycling are best for slimming your tum. If you exercise before breakfast your body will burn the excess fat in your body as there is no food available to burn, making it the best time to burn off that belly fat.  To know which ones are the most effective, see this post: 10 Top Exercises to Lose Weight …

6. Drink, drink and drink again!

Keeping your body hydrated is essential to losing belly fat as if you are dehydrated your liver won’t function and the fat burning process won’t be as effective. Drink lots of water and also hot green tea neutralizes the effects of fatty foods.

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