North Americans seem to be obsessed with losing weight. However, strict calorie-reduced diets may do more harm than good. When the body takes in fewer calories than it needs to function, its metabolism slows down. This means that fewer calories are burned. When we consume extremely small amounts of food, the body responds by storing fat and burning calories from muscle tissue in order to avoid starvation. Consistent and lasting weight loss can only be achieved through lifestyle changes: an appropriate diet, exercise, and useful herbs.

A diet containing more whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables promotes effective digestion and boosts the metabolic rate. Although a lower-fat diet is important, some fats, like those found in nut, seed and fish oils, promote an efficient metabolism. Add B complex vitamins to your diet to help produce energy and reduce stress. Chromium supplements enhance the function of insulin, which in turn moves sugars from the blood stream to active tissues where they can be burned. Certain herbs promote weight loss. Kelp contains iodine and can speed up the metabolism. Dandelion enhances liver function, which can speed elimination of fats from the body.

Exercise is essential to maintain a healthy weight. It boosts the metabolism, reduces stress, and burns fat. Certain types of exercise burn more fat than others. Lower intensity workouts, such as walking or weight training, burn fat and promote muscle development. Weight training promotes calorie burn even after the exercise is finished. Excessive weight loss can be unhealthy. Be aware that the recommended weight loss is no more than two pounds per week. Make a healthy lifestyle your first priority.