Searching for the perfect body: Eight ways to find exercise and nutrition

Get a fit body without exercise.

Reduce the size of your back, thighs and arms using the fragrant cocoa oil.

“Lose five pounds with just five drops under the tongue.”

As it is said that hypocrisy is the highest praise of virtue, the art of lying is the strongest endorsement of the power of truth, according to William Hazlitt, an English essayist, dramatist and literary critic , painter, social commentator and philosopher.

The rate at which food and fitness centers are attracting fraud and religious fanatics can be compared to the pyramid schemes and possibly the quack trade that swept the country a decade ago.

But to help you avoid confusion, misinformation, disappointment and playing the lab rat for every new exercise trend and product, we’ve put together some useful guidelines to keep you sane.

It’s too good to be true

Nothing important comes easily. Resolutions to lose weight are easy to make but hard to keep. The chance of losing weight successfully just by sprinkling something on/in your food, rubbing oil on your rump, or using a supplement is almost non-existent. According to Getrude Langat, a nutritionist at Nairobi West Hospital, the science is not there. If it could, everyone would walk away looking healthy and straight. So, don’t despair.

Does it promise immediate results? Trick!

One of the quickest ways to tell if a workout is fake is to check its claims. If it promises results with little work on your part, it’s likely a scam. “Those extra pounds took time to accumulate, and they will take time to come off,” says Getrude. Although losing 15 kilograms in two weeks may seem like a great thing, rapid weight loss is proven by scientists to contribute to health issues. Unless you’re overweight, losing a lot of pounds in a short period of time means you risk losing muscle instead of fat, medical issues like malnutrition, gallstones, low energy and gaining weight quickly.

It means that one size fits all

“Every body is unique,” says Getrude. “Effective fitness and nutrition programs should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.” If a product or approach claims to be the only best way to achieve good health, think twice and seek more information before buying or engaging in it.

It has no health warnings

Many exercise fads don’t warn about potentially dangerous interactions or side effects. This should not be the case because even FDA-approved medications come with these warnings. For example, green tea extract, has been widely used in weight loss supplements, however according to Medline plus, a US government website, it can cause liver damage. to some people if taken to extremes.

It claims to reduce fat in one area

Research published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s website shows regional reduction alone does not work. It all comes down to that stubborn layer of fat that covers your muscles. No matter how many sit-ups they do, someone with 40% body fat will not have the same abs as someone with 10% body fat. To lose weight quickly and evenly, you will need to burn as many calories as possible through vigorous exercise.

It promises you permanent weight loss

Be wary of any exercise fad that claims you can indulge in the high-calorie snacks you want and keep your weight off. Losing weight is accompanied by sensible food choices. Eating healthy vegetables, fruits and nuts can make weight loss easier than fattening up on sweets and snacks.

The EU Needs You to Take the Magic Pill

Doctors, nutritionists and other experts agree that there is no weight loss miracle that does not include a healthy diet or regular safe exercise. This includes FDA-approved pills that block fat absorption or suppress appetite. “These pills still require you to take them along with a low-fat, low-calorie diet and regular exercise,” says Getdrude.

It is for men only or women only

Experts say that men’s and women’s bodies respond to the same diet and exercise. There isn’t much of a difference that a fitness fad that targets one gender can make that it can’t make for another. Gender-biased body styles focus on women’s insecurities about gaining excess muscle through lifting or their postpartum weight. They also target men by promising muscle gains and abs.

To dispel these myths, experts say that since women have low levels of testosterone, they will not be able to grow exponentially without the help of chemicals. In addition, postpartum weight loss is reduced with adequate exercise and a healthy diet. The same thing applies to men. The only way to get abs is through exercise and diet.

Getrude advises that one must do a little homework before adopting any exercise or nutritional fad. “Who is applying? What is their purpose? Is there any professional research behind it? Who funded the study? At what cost? What do other experts say? According to him, a quick and thorough Google search can help you find answers to many questions.

“Before you commit to any exercise regimen or start any weight loss or exercise program, talk to a health professional to help you find the best options for you,” she says. the best and monitor your progress to ensure you are safe,” he says.