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Reality TV vs. Reality Weight Loss
By Keisha Nuby
America is said to be one of the top 10 fattest countries, so it’s no wonder shows like Biggest Loser, Heavy, and most recently Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition, to name a few, are so popular. On these weight loss shows contestants have extreme weight loss in a relatively short amount of time, and the weight loss looks inspirational, but how practical is it? What should be kept in mind when watching these drastic transformations is the amount of time that the people on these shows put in. On some of the shows the people are secluded from the outside world away from their everyday lives. On most, if not all, of the shows the contestants are working out four to five hours a day at least.
While it is great to see people going out and taking control of their bodies and health, it is important as a viewer to know that it is not only okay to lose weight at a slower rate but healthy as well. Losing 1 to 2 pounds a week is considered a healthy, and safe weight loss pattern. Losing at a much more rapid pace may make keeping it off more difficult. Taking your time to learn and internalize healthy eating habits as well as constant exercise patterns will help in making your lifestyle change permanent. Start small and build up to help insure your success. Some healthy weight loss tips that can help you meet your goals are:
• Drink lots of water
• Burn more calories than you take in
• Try to keep your caloric intake between 1200-1500 calories a day
• Do at least 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week
• Lift weights to help build muscle and burn fat
• Keep a journal of what you eat each day, as well as your physical activity
• Try to get the recommend serving of fruits, and most importantly vegetables each day
• Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night
A positive aspect that weight loss shows bring to light is the reality of plateaus and setbacks. Often you will see them fall short of a goal or have a week where they don’t lose any weight at all. This is a reality for anyone trying to shed some extra pounds. Sometimes no matter how hard you work or how well you eat the weight just will not come off. Changing up your workout routine as well as fluctuating your caloric intake between 1200-1500 calories, and not just consuming the exact same amount every day can help kick start your body back into burn mode.
Next time you are watching one of your favorite weight loss shows keep these things in mind. Don’t get down on yourself because you are not losing ten pounds a week that is not realistic. Go at your own pace. It’s not about how fast you lose the weight; it’s about getting the weight off and keeping it off in a healthy way.
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