Fat binders, the next generation

Fat binders are relatively new options for weight management. They have made some noise, but have not yet established as the new wave in obesity, as some supporters claim they are. So far fat binders are represented in the over-the-counter market by chitosan and Hoodia dietary supplements. Despite some claims in their favour, there is little concrete evidence from laboratory research and clinical trials. In the case of chitosan, moreover, some scientific studies have concluded that its effect as a fat trapper are negligible. The hopes on fat binders are not yet exhausted though. A new kind of fat binder brandnamed Proactol is about to hit the shelves and some say that it is bound to replace chitosan and Hoodia. Unlike its competitors, this product is backed by a series of successful clinical trials.

What are fat binders?
Fat binders are organic compunds with strongly lipophilic chemical properties (lipophilic means "avid for fat"). As such, they have the ability to bind and trap dietary fat, reducing the proportion of fat that is absorbed by the digestive system. In this way, fat is excreted naturally and the calories incorporated from an ingested meal are reduced.

Are all fat binding pills alike?
Some brands are different commercial names for the same compound, but there are different variants of fat binders. The extent to which the caloric intake is reduced depends on the efficiency of the agent in "gathering" fat molecules and preventing their absorption by the digestive epithelium.

The most important part of your weight loss strategy

Let's first look at the obvious things about losing weight. The best way to start is by taking a good look at your diet, which is your top priority. You are going to have to cut down (which means reduce, not eliminate) on potatoes, bread and pasta. Try to control your ration of skip chips, soda, fries and all kinds of fast food. It is much better to rely on fruits and vegetables to keep hunger away. And, this is not so difficult. Take fruits with you at all times and places. If you feel hungry and craving for a snack, don’t buy a bag of chips or a burger. You should instead eat a banana or a couple of apples or pears.

The other big point of your weight loss plan is exercising. Winter time may tire you down and make you feel like staying on the couch. Try to overcome this and start by doing only 30 minutes of excercising every day. Don't like the gym? Go for a walk, a bike ride or better yet, do both, one at a time. 30 minutes is not really a big sacrifice, and if you have constancy, you'll find very easy to keep your schedule, and soon enough, you'll be asking for more moving and less TV.

Now read the two paragraphs above agan. Do they look scary? As simple as they sound, if you can keep up with a schedule like this, you are done for a big part with a successful weight loss program. Of course, there are many more helpers like high fiber diets, sugar substitutes, dietary supplements, prescription and non-prescription weight loss pills and so on. Many of them are very useful indeed, but in any case, your chosen treatment will be way more successful if you keep a smart lifestyle.

Think of Summer... already?

Summer is still half a year away and undoubtedly you may be too concerned about winter, Christmas, exams, and other issues, so thinking about next summer seems a little bit awkward. Let's do the excercise though. Pretend it is April and for sure you will want to go out in the sun wearing as little clothing as possible in just a few weeks. For those who look slim and good and have little reason to hide their bodies there are no worries ahead. However, if winter, Thanksgiving and Christmas food plus Easter chocolate and spring asthenia haven’t still brought you down with depression, then you may probably have put off by a glance into the mirror. So you'll com to the conclusion that it’s time to lose that spare weight and get in shape for the approaching summer. In our mental excercise, (remember it's April), you have very little time to get rid of the excesses and make a good impression at the swimming pool deck.

What to do? Well there are options. One is resignation. Other is rushing into the Internet, friends, doctor, weekly magazines and TV ads for a "magic" diet, excercise program, weight loss prescription pills, or whatever makes you believe you can drop 15 pounds in a month.

Fortunately there is yet another option, which is, you guessed, planning ahead. The aim of this blog is providing you with ideas and reasonable options to make your road to find your perfect weight easier. Keep in touch and thanks for reading!