When it's cool to not be an Angel



Uh oh, Adriana! I don't think you can eat this piece of lettace. Yikes!



If you've read the entertainment news lately--you've heard about Adriana Lima's, extreme dieting before the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to look super skinny in the floss-inspired bra and panties. Her diet includes the following: Work out twice a day,  drink only protein shakes for nine days,  indulge in "no solids" for those days, and then, for 12 hours before the show no liquids so you can lose weight. She goes on to prove the success of her efforts by saying you can lose up to eight pounds "just from that".

I must admit that I was a bit taken back by Adriana providing her "game plan" with the public. She has to know that many young girls and women aspire to have the figure of a Victoria's Secret Angel. Don't even get me started on the unrealistic image of women that this lingerie company has enforced for decades. I would hope by our 20s, we understand that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.



However, I know that many of us in our 20s have a lot of "major events" in our lives--this including becoming a bride, being a bridesmaid, going on a dream vacation, or fitting in that hot dress for your birthday. So Adriana's method may seem appealing when under a time crunch. Before you take such a drastic measure to lose weight, I want you to consider the following dangers:

· You're depriving yourself of essential nutrients that your body needs to be strong.

· You'll be less able to concentrate or have the energy to make it through the day (let alone working out twice a day).

· It's only a temporary fix. Once you stop, you're more likely to binge like crazy and even double the weight you've gained.

 So what are some healthy options to look and feel fit & healthy in a short amount of time? Go back to the basics, burn more calories than you consume. WebMD suggests 1,050 to 1,200 calories and one hour of exercise a day (but be sure not to dip below this calorie level for safety's sake). On this type of plan, you can expect to lose 3-5 pounds the first week, or more if you weigh over 250 pounds. You can lose even more weight if you limit (not cut-off) starches and salts. And don't forget to drink plenty of water, eat lots of healthy protein, and keep a food journal to make sure you're meeting your calorie goals.

Bottom Line:  I personally recommend not waiting to the last minute to worry about your dress size. If you practice healthy eating and physical activity on a daily basis, you won't feel the urge to go to such extreme measures. Trust me, I know--it's easier said than done! The way I see it, the Angels can afford the health costs that come with extreme dieting. The rest of us should cut our losses, stay sane, and enjoy solid food like a healthy & fabulous 20something should.