Lose weight healthily? Yes, it is possible!

It is usually at this time of year that the affluence to gyms increases and the demand for products that contribute to weight loss soars. Especially this season, we are bombarded by a series of advertising campaigns that dictate to us what are the characteristics of a “summer body”. Nowadays, social networks are platforms that promote stereotypes and encourage society to meet certain standards of beauty. And it is precisely in them that we often look for tips that, simply and effectively, help us achieve the goals we set for our body. On a regular basis, catchy titles appear that address the “forbidden foods”, the tricks of the dream bodies that we see in the public figures we admire, or even the exercises that we must practice in order to have a flat stomach. All these promises are enticing and respond to what we are mostly looking for: quick results that involve little effort.

The bad news? There are no diets or miracle tricks! Nor are there good results without being consistent in our options. Therefore, if this topic is to be addressed, it is necessary to take into account that each one of us is an individual with specific nutritional needs. What works for some will certainly not work for others, and as such, listening to our bodies is extremely important. Achieving balance should be our main motivation and the starting point for any weight loss process. It is taking into account the benefits that our decisions can bring to our physical and mental well-being that we must base ourselves on when we change our habits and lifestyles.

There is no right or wrong. Talking about intermittent fasting or diets such as Mediterranean, ketogenic, low-carb or paleo can be perfectly valid, depending on the person for whom these options are aimed. The important thing is to ensure that, on a daily basis, we ingest the necessary amount of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, in order to keep our body strong and healthy. To this end, monitoring by a health professional is particularly important, as it allows identifying the main needs of each person and working together with them on a plan adapted to their preferences and main objectives.

Nevertheless, there is some general advice that allows us to live a healthier lifestyle. Among them, I highlight the intake of a good amount of water per day, planning meals, regular physical exercise, and replacing less healthy options with more nutritious foods. Basically, the secret is to “peel more and unwrap less” and to enjoy the moments we dedicate to nourishing our body. Eating slowly is essential for our brain to assimilate, at the right time, information about our state of satiety. That is, it allows you to know our plasma concentrations of ghrelin and leptin, which are the hormones responsible for our feeling of hunger and satiety, respectively. In addition, it is also important to highlight the impact of anxiety and stress on our weight fluctuations. And the same may be related to the increased production of another hormone, cortisol, which may not only be responsible for the reduction in metabolism but may also trigger the craving for high-calorie foods.

It is taking into account all these factors that, in a healthy way and with an integrated vision, we can look for other alternatives that act as supporting weight loss processes based on these premises.

The truth is controlling your appetite isn't always easy. Chromium is a very good mineral in this regard, as it allows you to maintain the normal glycemic index, as is garcinia, which is a plant that helps to control the craving for sweets. However, soluble fibers can also be an excellent option, as they increase the feeling of satiety by delaying gastric emptying. EasySlim Lipo3 is a food supplement that combines these compounds and also acts on localized fat. As much as we manage to lose some weight, there are parts of our body where it is more difficult to reduce fat mass, such as in the abdomen or thighs. Hence the emergence of thermogenic dietary supplements, with the ability to accelerate metabolism and even activate the lipid metabolism so that the “fat” is used in our energy production pathway. Caffeine, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), green tea, and yerba mate are examples of ingredients with this action.

It is important, however, to bear in mind that often what we want is not essential to lose weight but to lose volume. When the body is not able to properly eliminate toxins and fluids, it is normal for them to accumulate, resulting in edema that is located mainly in the abdomen, legs, and ankles. However, fluid retention can be minimized by taking drainers with ingredients that promote liver detoxification and allow the draining of accumulated fluids in the body.

In short, these examples serve to demonstrate that there are many ways to achieve our purposes and work on the issues that affect us most. However, these options must be selected knowing in advance what interactions these supplements may have when administered concomitantly with drugs intended for the treatment of other pathologies. Also, where does it make sense to start? Appetite suppressants, metabolism boosters, or drainers? Look for your answers with a healthcare professional! We are always available to help you achieve your goals in a healthy and balanced way. At Farmácia Saúde you can even count on our nutrition service, on Mondays and Thursdays. Contact us and book your first appointment!

A “summer body” is a healthy body capable of responding to everyday challenges and protecting it from external aggressors. Let us make this summer a time of bodies that are properly nourished, cared for, and in perfect harmony with our emotional well-being.

See you soon!

Dr. Andreia Moreira