If you are a woman who’s: 1). breathing and 2). also has social media, then you’ve likely been bombarded with ads featuring weight loss tummy teas, pills, and other trendy diet plans.
Of course, weight loss pills have perpetuated diet culture for decades, but now that social media is around, it’s easier to fall susceptible to this potentially dangerous trend.
Are weight loss pills safe to take?
Weight loss pills are often marketed as natural health aids, but if you look closely at the ingredients list of some of these bottles, they are far from healthy. According to National Capital Poison Control, many weight loss pills contain contaminated, ineffective, and dangerous ingredients that could lead to serious side effects.
So, if you’re interested in trying out these pills for yourself, proceed with caution and consult your doctor because many popular pills are unregulated by the FDA.
Committing to lead a healthier lifestyle is great, and doctors and scientists recommend making lifestyle changes to achieve sustained weight loss and other improved health outcomes. So, before you tap “Add to cart” on that random diet pill, try out these five healthy lifestyles changes instead:
Take charge of what’s around you
One of the first steps to a healthier lifestyle is taking a hard look at your current habits and your “cues.” Think of your cues as triggers that make you want to eat certain foods or partake in certain activities. Once you identify your triggers, try to replace your usual response with a healthier one! For example, if watching TV makes you snack on unhealthy foods, try reaching for a new, more nutritious snack instead.
Move those muscles
Just 30 minutes of brisk walking for 5 days out of the week will help you reach the optimal physical activity for each week, which is 150 minutes. Many of us have been less active than usual this year, so make it a point to add physical activity to your routine gradually.
Watch how you eat
When we eat in a distracted state, it’s easy to miss our body’s signals. Instead, focus on eating more mindfully, pay attention to if and how you enjoy the food you’re eating, and most importantly, notice when you feel full.
Find your healthy eating style
Who says healthy eating has to be boring? Make the switch to eat more nutrient-dense foods like whole fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein, but have fun with it! Switch up your proteins weekly, or try cooking frozen veggies when you need a break in the kitchen. Find your unique healthy eating style and stick to it!
Drink more water
Are you staying hydrated enough? If you’re constantly fighting off fatigue, headaches, and dry skin, that’s your cue to drink more water! Staying hydrated can help suppress the appetite, boost metabolism, and make exercise easier.
Weight loss becomes much more sustainable when you commit to making healthier lifestyle changes. If you’re interested in any type of diet pill, remember to always consult your doctor first.
Written by Reese Williams
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