When you listen to weight loss advice, would you rather consult a diet or fitness expert, or someone who has actually put their wellbeing through the process? Luckily, Chris Pirillo is both, as he is a wellness writer who managed to lose 30 pounds in three months. Here are just some of the ways in which he did it:
1. Ignore Magic Pills…: ‘Take a magic pill,’ says Pirillo. ‘Nonsense! There is no such thing as a magic pill. Don’t fall victim to the hype of the latest fat-burning drug commercial. If you listen or read closely, you’ll see that every single one of these things is effective when combined with proper diet and exercise (which they even state in their advertisements). The side-effects for these drugs are usually worse than your additional weight, anyway.’
2….But Do Take Vitamins: ‘Vitamins are good for you,’ Pirillo asserts. ‘If you’re going to take any pills, let them be natural supplements (like Essential Fatty Acids or multivitamins). Be careful about overdoing it, though – especially with herbal remedies. Too much of anything is a bad thing. You can consult a nutritionist, but always buy on your own – and keep these supplements to a minimum. Remember, too, that specific vitamins are no good without specific minerals.’
3. Deck Your Desktop: Pirillo recalls, ‘In the beginning, some of my friends sent me complicated spreadsheets to help chart progress. Uh, no – not for me; I’m the kind of guy who likes taking the easy route. As such, I scoured the Web for the best desktop tool and remembered CalorieKing. You won’t find anything easier to use. Trust me, this is the one; I can keep track of everything I eat and expend (without hassle). While the statistic-addicts will love CalorieKing for its thoroughness, the utility was truly designed with non-geeks in mind. The CalorieKing Web site and service are fine on their own, but the downloadable client is what you really want to get. Pay the registration fee, man – how much is your health worth to you?’
4. Identify Your Ideal Weight: ‘If you’re 5’5″ with a certain build, there’s an ideal weight that matches your body type,’ Pirillo explains. ‘Find it – and make that your goal. And if you don’t know what that might be, try searching the Web for a calculator (though results and calculations will vary by a small margin). Now you have a weight goal to shoot for.’
5. Consider the Source: Pirillo admits, ‘I’m going to make a gross generalisation here, but… why would I trust an overweight doctor or nutritionist to give me proper advice on weight loss? “Do as I say and not as I do” is not a maxim I’m willing to accept from anybody who would be qualified to tell me how to do something. Talk to people who are doing it, or who have done it and been successful. You don’t have to mirror their regimen, but at least you’re getting help from someone who’s really been there. Or, as they said in the Christmas episode of Two and a Half Men, people who live in fat asses shouldn’t throw waffles.’
6. Ignore Ronald McDonald: ‘You don’t have to eliminate fast food completely, but you should avoid it at all costs,’ says Pirillo. ‘Most of it is nasty, bad stuff anyway – if you’d even go as far as to call it food. If you’re looking for convenience, find a more convenient meal source. Besides, most of what they serve would be considered “food product,” not food. There’s a gigantic difference as far as your body is concerned. Your bloodstream does not have taste buds, need I remind you?’