Fastest Way to Lose Weight

When you decide to lose weight, you probably want if off as soon as possible. The advertisements you see about losing 30 lbs. in 30 days may look tempting, but deep down you probably know that this mainly hype and not the best way to lose weight. Also, "fat-burning foods" are unsubstantiated myths, according to the American Heart Association.

Fad Diets
Fad diets that promise you will lose weight fast may keep their promise. You may lose weight fast at first, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. Most people, however, who do lose weight quickly on a fad diet also quickly gain it back. Many fad diets require you to cut certain foods from your diet, and, as soon as you go back to your regular diet, you will probably gain the weight back.

Limits on Food
Limiting your food choices can also be unhealthy, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. You may not get all the nutrients you need, and you may be at risk for developing gallstones. Diets that restrict you to fewer than 800 calories can put you at risk for heart rhythm abnormalities. If you want to lose weight, keep it off and stay healthy during the process, aim to lose no more than 2 lbs. a week.

Your Mindset
Having the mindset to lose weight fast is not going to keep your weight off for long, according to the American Heart Association. What will is to eat a moderate amount from all the food groups and to balance your food intake with some sort of exercise. Eat foods that have plenty of vitamins, minerals and fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat or non-fat dairy products and lean meats. You can lose weight and maintain a healthy weight the rest of your life by eating a good diet.

Diets and Diet Products
The Colorado State University Extension website points out that only 5 percent of people who go on diets keep the weight off. Some diet products that do not work are diet patches, magnet diet pills, certain bulk fillers, electrical muscle stimulators, appetite suppressing eyeglasses and magic weight-loss earrings. Drinking diet shakes can be problematic, too, because they don't suppress hunger well, and they don't teach people how to eat healthy foods or what proper portion sizes are.

Diet Pills
You can get prescription diet medication, which typically is for short-term weight loss. Over-the-counter pills that contain ephedra can be dangerous and can cause dizziness, increased blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and even death, according to the Colorado State University Extension website.

Weight Loss Programs
Before you join and invest in a commercial weight loss program find out how their clients do long-term, what the follow-up program is, what types of food and exercise the program emphasizes, whether you need to buy special foods or supplements, the costs of the program and the credentials.