Diet teas and weight loss
Dear Donovan,
I am overweight and have seen where people have taken diet teas and lost weight. I am considering this route. What’s your advice?
The idea of dieting for health and losing weight has become very popular and necessary for many people around the world. With the emergence of several diet plans has also come the use of diet teas. These teas are supposed to help with the weight loss process — either with diet or on their own. These teas normally work by cutting the appetite, detoxing the body or increasing the metabolic rate of the body.
In your situation, the best way to lose the weight and keep it off is to adopt a lifestyle programme which involves diet and exercise. In a general way, in order to lose weight you will have to reduce your calorie intake and increase your calorie-burning activities — and this includes exercising. This means you will have to make some changes in your diet so that the body can use up some of its reserved fat. Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and drinking vegetable juices can assist you.
As for your plan to try diet teas, I am assuming that you would choose one of the detox types. Generally, proper use of the tea can help your weight loss programme. Hence this tea can be used to cleanse the bowel and remove toxins from the body. If the body is free of toxins, this could speed up the metabolic rate and induce weight loss.
The diet tea can also cause a reduction in tummy size by removing unwanted food substances from the intestines. However, it is important to note that diet teas can have certain unwanted effects if they are not taken in the right proportion. For example, it is possible that they will cause loose stools for extended periods, thus increasing bathroom time. Also, if they are too strong, they can be harsh on the digestive system. In addition, if consumed right after eating, the diet tea is capable of removing both good and bad nutrients. Therefore, one could become malnourished or even deficient in some minerals and vitamins.
It is therefore important that you take the diet tea at night, at least three to four hours after dinner.
Be warned, however, that overuse of diet teas can cause diarrhoea. It is recommended for use for nine to 14 nights, after which you must take a break.
It is very important to note that diet teas are usually not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Also, people with digestive system disorders should not take diet teas. Good luck!
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
