Questions you must ask before you diet

There is an abundance of different facts, statistics, research and other points about our bodies and our health in today's world. There exist so many experts, doctors and drug companies all telling us many things about what we need and what we're deficient in, as well as all the accolades of some new supplement or drug that will provide us with the effortless weight loss, optimal health and sweat-free fitness we seek. There are so many in fact that we are confused as to what we should believe.

With so many people telling us all these things, or better said, selling us all these things, it's little wonder that our heads are spinning. So let's slow down and take a closer look at a few very important facets of this very important issue.

First, a word about drugs: Did you know that estimates show that drug companies spend about 15 million pounds a day in advertising. 15 million. A day. How's that for influencing your thinking and beliefs about what's good for you? With so much money being spent by drug companies to get the message about their products in front of us by using billboards, TV, radio, magazines and newspapers, we are bound to start to think of their products as the solution.

If you read a couple of different magazines each day, and watch some television, chances are you've seen some form of advertisement that touts some great benefit of a certain drug. Have you ever taken the time to read the fine print? You know, the print that talks about what bad effects you could have from taking such drug?

The side effects for most drugs are more numerous than the benefits. So if you're taking something for, let's say arthritis, then you might see some of your joint pain reduced, but you might also develop stomach cramps, occasional diarrhoea, headaches and potential other symptoms. Hardly an improvement in your health. I love the weight loss drug where they say you could have runny bowels and uncontrollable movements. You may be thinner, but your social life will be non-existent. What a trade off.

What about the weight loss pills that make you believe you can have the perfect body if you use their product. Same thing. Ads designed to make you think there is a simple solution that requires no change in what you're doing, just take this pill and everything will be alright. An easy solution, and a way out of whatever problem you might have.

And that includes emotional problems. Psychiatrists write many prescriptions for emotional troubles. I realise that many of these problems are real, but we are all aware of many instances where the medication prescribed worsened the person's mental state and took on severe consequences. Perhaps a regime of exercise, proper sleep, better nutrition and some counselling would benefit the person more than a pill ever would.

Don't get me wrong, I think there is a place for prescription drugs, and maybe even some weight loss pills or liquids. But, I think we need to change what we believe these things can do for whatever is ailing us, be it being overweight or otherwise. I believe there is no better prescription for health and sickness than drinking plenty of good water, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and if possible, getting regular exercise.

Everything else is probably just a little extra help, or needed help in a small percentage of cases.

Now I'm not a doctor, so if you do have health problems and are taking some medications, you may be the small percentage that absolutely needs them. Defer to your doctor for those problems. But I think we have become a society that is over-medicated and under-educated.

It reminds me of one of the funnies you may have seen in the paper. It's the one called B.C., and as denoted by the name, is set thousands of years ago. One of the characters comes up to the main character, B.C., and is holding a plant in his hand and says, "I found a cure for cancer!" Well, B.C. is sitting behind his rock and says, "Great! Now all we have to do is figure out how to make it into a drug!"

As you are trying to figure out what program will be the most beneficial for you, ask yourself these questions:

1. Ask who: First, who is providing this information? And also, who else is using this information or product. Then ask...

2. What: What is the subject and it's importance? Is it something that is specific to my goals? Is it distracting to my focus? Or, is it something that will help get me closer to achieving my goals? After you have determined that this might be something worth pursuing further, then ask...

3. When: When did this become available? In other words, since when has this product or information been successful? Recently, or for the past 100 years? What is the long-term success, what are the results and ramifications associated with this product?

4. Where: Where does this information or product come from? This can also be a question of place and time. Then ask...

5. Why: Why is this important? Why do I need this? Again, is this something that will help me in my goals? And finally...

6. How: How does this product work or how is this information going to help me? Will it make my life easier or more complicated? How has it worked for others?

Keep this mind as you come across programs, diets, drug ads, and other easy roads to weight loss and fitness:

One. Over 300,000 people die per year from obesity related causes.

Two. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. This can be directly related to a poor diet -- one without enough fibre, and too much fat from fast foods and similar items.

Three. The percentage of people who are overweight has been increasing a little bit each year, and so is the number diagnosed with colon cancer.

Four. It only takes a couple of changes in your daily life to make a big difference. Cutting about 200 calories per day, which is equivalent to about a 12-ounce soda, and adding a little bit of exercise, can make a dramatic difference over a few weeks.

Five. Doing too much almost always fails. 95 percent of those who restrict their diet too much gain all or more of the weight back.

And Six, you don't need a degree in nutrition to lose weight and get fit. Just doing some simple things each day is all it takes.

Honestly, I think we are getting so bogged down and confused with the recommendations and suggestions from experts that we lose touch with the basics - you know, missing the forest for the trees. Stick to what is simple and easy to understand. Results will happen.

Remember this about your weight loss journey: when you do gain some knowledge, you have a responsibility to learn from it, and use it. And the best knowledge comes from experience.

What you have experienced has probably already taught you that you can't oversimplify good health and a balanced life to just taking some pill, but you can simplify your actions to balanced meals, exercise and a positive attitude. That will get you to a life of health and fitness.

It was Mark Twain who said, "Don't let your schooling get in the way of your education." In other words, be sure to stick to these basic important points. The rest of it may just be what's clouding these important truths. Make a habit of the basics and you will keep moving toward a healthy and fit lifestyle.