10 Ways to Lose Weight

Here's a quick countdown for some of the worst ways to try to lose weight. I've deemed them as the 'worst' either because they don't work or they may be dangerous to your health. (Or they simply weren't fun for me).

10. Dehydration- There are rubberized vinyl suits on the market that are designed to help you retain body heat; in other words, cause you to sweat more than you normally would when working out. While this rids your body of excess water and causes you to drop a few pounds, it isn't permanent weight loss and, depending on your health condition, could cause some problems. Besides, when was dehydration deemed healthy?

9. Fasting- This is only dangerous if you fast for a long period of time. Plus, if you fast for a few meals, be sure to drink plenty of liquids, even just water, in order to keep yourself hydrated.

8. Weigh Yourself Every Day- Stepping on the scales every day is a sure way to become completely obsessed and disappointed in your weight. For all of us our weight fluctuates a little from day to day. It's better to weigh once a week or less to accurately assess your weight gain/loss.

7. Watch exercise videos- Simply popping in an exercise video will not count for doing the exercise yourself. (Yes, I've done this).

6. Caffeine- While caffeine intake may boost your metabolism, it may also cause a rapid heart rate, as in my case. Plus, if you're going through menopause, it can exacerbate those hot flashes and night sweats!

5. Keep a Diet Log- Writing down everything you put inside your mouth was simply miserable for me. I did this for two weeks and the only thing I gained was a dose of depression. Definitely not fun.

4. Alli®- This is a proven, effective way to lose weight. So why did it make the list? The side effects! If you take your Alli pills per the directions, you can eat any way you want. Sounds great, right? However, if you do eat foods with a moderate to high fat content, you will pay the price. Let's just say, if you choose to do this, don't go too far from the restroom.

3. Skip meals- This only makes you hungrier and may cause you to binge on unhealthy foods once you do eat. Besides, it's unhealthy to destabilize your blood sugar by not eating, plus you'll need that fuel to keep from feeling tired throughout the day.

2. No-carb Diet- Eliminating all carbs from your diet may cause you to lose weight. (I lost 12 pounds this way). But it wasn't fun not having bread or potatoes and most veggies. Unless you're a carnivore this diet is not fun and, at least for me, impossible to stick with. (Yep, I gained all the weight back once I went off it).

And the Number 1 way NOT to lose weight is.... Do nothing. Yes, I've been here, too. In fact, I think I'm doing this right now. And, believe me, I'm not losing any weight.

In order to lose weight and keep it off, the most effective way is to eat healthy foods and exercise. Basically, any 'quick weight loss' program that promises the loss of two or more pounds per week should be avoided. To be on the safe (and healthy) side, check with your doctor before beginning any weight loss program.