A healthy eating plan and sensible lifestyle choices are the key ingredients toward an energized fat-burning body.  Please do not hurt yourself by taking notorious diet pills.  

   Over-the-counter diet pills are known to have several adverse effects on one's health.  Numerous varieties work in different ways.  Some target the brain to suppress appetite and others work in the gut, claiming to diminish the absorption of fat and/or carbs. 

   The most popular diet pills act as stimulants to suppress your appetite and have amphetamine-like qualities.  These drugs elicit our body to go into a panic mode, known as the fight or flight response.  Your body is designed to turn off it's appetite in extreme situations when you are under severe and immediate threat.  By sending your body into a state of acute nervousness (as if you are about to run head-on into an enormous semi barreling up the highway towards you) you will not be hungry.  

               

   Did you ever notice that the last thing on your mind before a public speech, job interview, or a major exam is food?  If you were being chased down an alley by a crazy, evil being with a shotgun screaming in rage, would you stop off for a burger and fries?

   This is the state of emergency that your body is in when you are on appetite suppressants (diet pills).  Unfortunately, this adrenaline rush, when induced by these pills, does not subside quickly as it should naturally.  Instead, it lasts for hours, taking a nasty toll on the body.  

   Adverse side effects have been shown by extensive medical testing.  In naming a few: we have nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, high blood pressure, fatigue and hyperactivity, heart arrhythmias and palpitations, congestive heart failure or heart attack, stroke, headaches, dry mouth, vomiting and diarrhea or constipation, intestinal disturbances, excessive perspiration, dizziness, confusion, and shallow breathing.

   Warning: several of these diet pills contain L-tyrosine.  L-tyrosine is a nonessential organic amino acid (building block of protein) and sounds harmless and good.  But, it has been shown to promote the growth of malignant melanoma through encouraging the division of cancer cells.

   The diet pills that work to inhibit the absorption of fat and/or carbohydrates are also dangerous.  These pills cause intestinal distress, diarrhea, unexpected fecal discharge, and oily stools.  Pretty, hugh? 

   Unfortunately, big business is becoming more powerful and so are their drugs.  These unregulated drugs are sometimes useless, fraudulent, and very dangerous.  Drugs that claim to be "natural" or "herbal" are not necessarily any safer or healthier.  

   Buyers Beware: of energy drinks!  If the label claims the product will give you energy, it just might contain the same stimulants as found in diet pills.  Look for Guarana or Mau Huang, these are widely used herbal stimulants.  I do not feel that they are safe for general consumption.  Certainly not for children, the aging, or anyone with health concerns.

   Shop wise, do your homework, read and understand the labels, and talk to your doctor.

   Invest in my book, "Ms. Muscles' Cookbook and Targeted Optimal Nutrition Guide," and start eating to live well.