Why so many are taken in by weight loss promises.

Desperation, frustration, anxiety over health etc, lots of normal human reasons, but these reasons can render you vulnerable to dodgy products. Don't despair, there is a real solution. How many advertisements have you seen for weight loss? The special exercise device that promises amazing results- Big Lie. If you read the small print, you will see it needs to be used in conjunction with a 800 a day calorie diet.

Of course you lose weight, its called starvation, loss of muscle mass, completely unsafe and unsustainable. What about the magic diet pills that work wonders according to the testimonials? Most of these pills do one of two things.

1. They block fat absorption in the small intestine. In theory this is OK, but! They also block the essential fatty acids; they are called essential because we need them to sustain life. They also block fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin A, D, E & K. Again life sustaining nutrients.

2. They are said to burn fat fast, blast the fat off! What they refer to is trying to increase your metabolic rate, i.e. they speed at which your liver processes fats.

Again this is Ok in theory, but! The process of stimulating liver function is not fast, nor is it simple, and is very much dependent on the state of toxicity in the gut and the cells, and the extra cellular matrix, i.e. the space between cells.

Exercise, increases your metabolism, but you have to be patient, as it can take up to 8 -12 weeks before this metabolic change occurs. So don't give up too quickly. Most people quit before they reap the rewards of their exercise.

I can eat what ever I like and still lose weight. Lose all the weight you want without exercise. 2 more great big lies.

Think about for just a few minutes, and you will realize the folly of these stupid claims.

What about the amazing herbal teas. Maybe they have some validity, but most only remain on the market for the duration of an advertising blitz, and a couple of famous con men have been jailed over their weight loss tea scams.

But you say, all those people who have lost weight, it must be true, I saw it on TV.

Many marketingpromotions using celebrities to endorse a product are a sham.

Promoters of many weight loss products just buy them! A few thousand for a faded star and many thousands for a current star, depending on pulling power.

You may be shocked,and feel it is dishonest to have someone promote a programme who had not benefited from it. It is obvious to all that the world of product promotion is just smoke and mirrors.

Expensive protein drinks as meal replacements. Firstly they should not be expensive; these amino acids are not expensive additives. They are mostly soy or whey protein.

Secondly I do see an important role for these drinks, as a means of preventing muscle loss, during weight loss. But remember if you rely on these for more than one meal per day, what will happen when you stop taking them.

A good routine is a shake for breakfast, a light healthy lunch, shake in the afternoon, too keep your energy up and prevent the late afternoon low blood sugar, eating blitz, and another light healthy meal for dinner. You can replace a shake with a protein bar if you are out and about.

The best time for a protein bar is when you are tempted to buy a chocolate or some cake with coffee. When travelling I find it best to have the bar before I arrive at the gas station, so that I'm not hungry, and therefore won't buy junk food.

No sugar diet food is also a big problem. Bottom line is, it doesn't work, it has been shown to cause food cravings, and above all else it is toxic to your health. Sugar alternatives have historically proven to be a hazard for health. This dose not include the natural plant derived sweeteners.

OK, so enough of the negative stuff! So what does work? Firstly detox your liver and digestion. This is important stuff. Next, you have to exercise, it may not be what you want to hear, but it is essential. You must eat fewer carbohydrates, and increase protein, with reduced fat. Not rocket science but it's true.

Certain supplements are important, such as a good quality multi, to ensure good nutrition, a quality omega 3 fish oil supplement and then some of the metabolism boosters, which may include:

Ginger, green coffee bean, green tea, L Carotene, Conjugated Linoleic acid, which comes from coconut oil, which by the way is important for weight loss.

Most importantly is the right mental attitude.

Have fun don't stress over your weight, but do take as many positive actions as possible.