There's No Such Thing As A "Quick Fix"

Well, I suppose it's a start -- Facebook and Instagram have (finally) banned the promotion of so-called "miracle" diet products. The ones that seemingly turn you from regular, healthy-sized human to supermodel in just seven days.

Fronted by a well-known face, it's easy to get sucked into believing the products work; if so-and-so says it, it must be true! What's worse is that their followers are largely teenagers and young adults, with these product endorsements preying on their insecurities.

Of course, deep down we all know that the celebrities and influencers pushing the products have not got their figures or achieved weight-loss from these products; this is just an easy way to make a quick buck. They can afford the luxury of having a top personal trainer on speed dial, while several have been caught out with their Photoshop skills.

Back in February, the BBC interviewed NHS medical director, Professor Stephen Powis on the subject. He said: "If a product sounds like it is too good to be true, then it probably is.

"Highly influential celebrities are letting down the very people who look up to them, by peddling products which are at best ineffective and at worst harmful."

We've been manipulated into a mindset that we need to look a certain way, and when an important event is on our horizon, it's easy to turn to fast fixes to help us reach our frankly unattainable goal. But it's important to note that, even if you do manage to lose weight quickly, it's likely that you will put it all back on (and possibly more) once you return to your regular diet.

There is only one way to keep your body healthy: a combination of a varied, balanced diet and regular exercise.

If you feel as though you need to lose weight, chat to a healthcare professional who will happily give you guidance. If you can't afford a nutritionist, visit the NHS' Live Well website which gives a good guide of healthy alternatives to make simple changes to your diet.

Couple that with adding more exercise into your day, and you're onto a healthy and achievable plan; walk rather than driving to the shops, take the stairs instead of the escalator or lift, and join a fun exercise class where you can enjoy a good social environment at the same time.

If you can afford it, you could also consider teaming up with a qualified personal trainer to help guide, encourage, and challenge you.

At LC Fitness, our classes are small, inclusive and welcoming, with a great bunch of people at all fitness levels. I always have an open-door policy and many of my clients feel they can talk to me, whether in-person, by text, or via social media. If that sounds like a good match for you, please get in touch -- I would love to hear from you.