Weight-Control Success,

A good weight loss program requires a certain amount of intake restriction – the consumption of
fewer calories. You burn off the fat by eating less fat and becoming more active.
To guarantee a lifetime of weight-control success, you have to change the type of foods you eat, so
that you ingest less fat and still get the vitamins, minerals, trace elements, protein, fat and
carbohydrates your body needs to thrive.
Extremely low-calorie diets may help you shed pounds quickly, but they’ll lead to failure in the
long run.

That’s because humans are genetically protected against starvation. During food shortages, our
bodies slow down our metabolisms and burn less energy so we can stay alive.
A part of our brain called the hypothalamus keeps us on an even weight keep by creating a “set
point.” That’s the weight where we feel comfortable. The hypothalamus determines this point based
on the level of consumption it’s used to. It seeks to keep our weight constant, even if that point is
over what it should be.

When we drastically cut back our food intake, the brain thinks the body is starving, and in an effort
to preserve life, it slows the metabolism. Soon the pounds stop coming off. Consequently, we grow
hungry and uncomfortable and then eat more. And then the diet fails.
How can you compensate for this metabolic slow-down? The answer is that you have to change the
nutritional composition of the foods you eat. You will have to cut down on total calories – that’s
absolutely basic to weight loss. More important, however, is reducing the percentage of total
calories you are getting from fat.

That’s how you’ll avoid starvation panic in your system. At the same time, you reduce the amount
of fat in your food, replacing it with safe, low calorie, nutrient-rich plant foods. This will convince
your brain that your body is getting all the nutrition it needs.
In fact, you’ll be able to eat more food and feel more satisfied while consuming fewer calories and
fats.

Plant foods break down slowly in your stomach, making you feel full longer, and they are rich in
vitamins, minerals, trace elements, carbohydrates and protein for energy and muscle-building. This
allows your body to burn off its excess stored fat.