Many people look for a quick fix when it comes to losing weight. It may come as a surprise to learn, however, that “crash” diets and fad diets – like the “very-low-calorie diet” (VLCD) or the HCG 600-calorie-a-day diet – make weight loss even more difficult in the long run. The reason? Metabolism!
After a crash diet, you’re likely to regain the lost weight – and even weigh more than ever – as part of a cycle of yo-yo dieting. Ultimately, crash diets and yo-yo dieting can cause a long-term slowdown in metabolism.
Why and how do crash and yo-yo dieting damage your metabolism? And what can you do to repair a slow metabolism? Let’s take a look at some practical advice.
We usually think of “metabolism” in terms of speed: the speed at which we transform food into energy. Metabolism is defined as the complex chemical reactions – occurring at the same time – that take place in the body to convert food into energy.
The most obvious signs of a damaged, slow metabolism are weight gain, weight loss plateaus, and difficulty losing weight — even on a low-calorie diet with exercise. Many other signs and symptoms of a slow metabolism mirror those of hypothyroidism. These include constipation, ongoing fatigue, brain fog, irritability, mood changes, erratic or absent menstrual periods, muscle loss, poor immunity against infection, and sleep disturbances. In addition, some people with a slow metabolism have digestive symptoms such as feelings of intense hunger, heartburn, gas, acid reflux, bloating, and diarrhea.
Crash dieting triggers the body to go into starvation mode. Your body protects itself by becoming extremely efficient at absorbing more calories from food. At the same time, your body also deliberately conserves stored energy and burns less of it. It’s a double whammy that results in a slowed metabolism.
how to stop the yo-yo dieting cycle for good
skinny fat to fit transformation strategy forum
skinny fat to fit transformation strategy forum