Women's Health

K is for Ketosis, L is for Leptin

The point at which your body runs low on carbs and starts burning fat stores for fuel, ketosis can jump-start a diet or bust a plateau. Studies show that dieters who restrict carbs typically lose more weight during the first 3 to 6 months, but after about a year their results are comparable to those who go low-fat.

So after dropping those initial kilos, it's okay to have wholewheat pasta and bread again - in moderation.

L is for Leptin
Fat cells secrete this hormone to tell your brain you're full. But researchers have found that fasts and extremely kilojoule-restrictive diets can lower leptin levels, prompting you to eat more. To keep this hormone in balance, strive for a slow, steady weight loss--no more than .5 to 1 kilo per week.

Photo by stock.chng Oct 27, 2011