Blunt Talk About Dumb Diets
March 2009 -- Spring is in the air, which means the airwaves are filling up with infomercials about the latest dumb diets.
The warmer the weather, the hotter the claims about how much weight you'll lose, and how fast you'll lose it.
Feel like being suckered? Betting that you do has helped make a multi-billion dollar business out of the diet industry.
According to reports by TNS Media Intelligence and other advertising trackers, it's not just late-night infomercials and newspaper ads that are selling those "magic" pills and "miracle" diets.
Millions of diet industry dollars now are being spent on Internet ads and elaborate Web sites. Some are sensible programs; most are not.
Overeating is an addiction, and addicts love hearing about any plan, pill or promise that won't make them stop, well, overeating.
I know. I'm a former overeating addict who once weighed in at more than 200 pounds. I didn't lose that weight with a dumb diet, and neither will you.
What's your defense against dumb diets? If the folks selling you dumb diets are increasingly turning to the Internet, you can, too.
For every so-called miracle diet, there's a well-researched report from doctors, independent researchers and other experts - not glamorous spokespeople or those glowing "testimonials" - to debunk that dumb diet.
Go to Google.com or any Internet search engine and type in these two words: "debunking diets." Hundreds of articles will appear that will make you think, save you money and maybe stop you from being a sucker.
Tempted by those diet pill ads? Here's a well-researched article from the respected Mayo Clinic that answers all the hype about those popular Alli pills. (Just reading it might make you lose your appetite.)
What the Mayo Clinic report also says is this: "Many people who take medications to lose weight regain the weight they lost when they stop taking the medication." Get it?
If you're overweight, you'll likely only lose money and your self-esteem if you go for the quick fix. Overeating is an addiction, so lose your addiction for life by eating less, and that means fewer "bad" foods, too, and exercising regularly to get and stay healthy.
The American Cancer Society has an easy-to-use calorie and exercise counter.
The smart way's not the quick way, but it works. I know; I haven't gained back my weight, and it's been 20 years. If you need help, get it. I did. But not from a dumb diet.
About the author: Linda Joy Allan of Santa Barbara, Calif., is the author of the book, "I Quit! Cigarettes, Candy Bars & Booze," which has been described as a "courageous account, ultimately victorious," of Allan's personal journey to overcome three addictions. Dr. Laura Schlessinger, author of the book "Stop Whining, Start Living," has said Allan's book "will motivate and inspire."
For more information about the book, "I Quit! Cigarettes, Candy Bars & Booze," contact Linda Joy Allan at (805) 705-4784 or by e-mail at LindaJoyAllan@aol.com.