Fruit Comparison Chart - Not all fruit calories are equal so we've created a nifty Fruit Calorie Comparison chart to help you make the best choices based on calories.

The Best 3 Day Diet Plan - Getting portions under control can place an individual on the fast track to weight loss. While three to five-course meals may be the standard, the Diet Bites 3 Day Diet places the focus on one-food meals that are nutritious, which in turn assists the dieter by getting a handle on portion control.

How Much Should I Weigh? Recommended weight based on gender and height plus daily calorie needs.

Alli, a Weight Loss Product

Side Effects of Alli & Weight Loss Information

What is Alli & How Alli Works for Weight Loss

Odds are, if you're trying to lose weight you've probably heard about Alli. Or perhaps you have seen it displayed inside your local supermarket. But is Alli right for you?

What is Alli?

On February 7, 2007 the FDA approved Alli (trade name for the 60 mg capsule of Orlistat) to be sold over the counter as well as to be marketed as a weight loss aid. This non prescription weight loss aid is intended to help the overweight individual lose more weight than dieting alone (you'll lose about 2-3 more pounds for every 5 pounds you lose). In studies, most individuals lost 5 to 10 pounds over a six month period with most of the weight that was lost occurring within the first six months.

Weight gain may ensure after Alli is discarded, even with a reduced calorie diet and exercise plan in place. In such event, the recommendation is to resume use of Alli.

There are many things to consider before taking Alli - and even the product label recommends embracing a reduced calorie diet and exercise program for weight loss before taking this product.

The most troublesome downside to Alli appears to be bowel issues, some of which may prove embarrassing as well as uncomfortable. Getting gas at work, then having an accident ensue can present bigger issues than the need to lose weight. Only you and your doctor can decide if Alli is right for you.

How Alli Works

- Alli works in the digestive system by attaching to the body's intestinal enzymes, preventing them from digesting the fat in the foods consumed. Alli supposedly blocks about one quarter of the fats consumed which transfers into calories being passed out of the body rather than excess calories being transferred into fat.

- Alli reportedly does not cause jitters, sleeping difficulties or a racing heart - common symptoms associated with most weight loss products.

In conjunction with Alli the following is recommended:

- Individuals taking Alli should take daily multivitamin supplements.

- Alli should only be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie, low fat diet plan - about 15 fat grams per day which in our opinion can present fertile ground for health issues as the body requires a certain amount of fat per day from the daily diet. Too little fat in the diet can lead to serious health issues - as well as disturbing 'appearance' issues such as massive hair loss.

- Alli should be used in conjunction with an exercise plan.

Diet Bites Recommendation for Individuals Considering Alli for Weight Loss

Unlike the FDA, Diet Bites cannot recommend Alli for weight loss due to intestinal disruptions as well vitamin absorption issues. In addition, the weight loss reported in studies is less than the weight loss which typically occurs with a reduced calorie diet (2 pounds per week). Perhaps the participants didn't reduce their calories sufficiently to achieve a 2 pound per week rate of weight loss - because the amount of weight lost over a six month period is unimpressive, particularly considering the side effects associated with Alli.

In addition, loose stools on a regular basis (no pun intended) is a serious issue and has the potential to create an imbalance in the body's precious electrolytes - as well as other intestinal track issues, such as an irritated colon.

For argument's sake, let us use the 10 pound rate of weight loss over the six month period. This equals a reduction of 35,000 calories and works out to 194.4 calories per day over a 180 day period. And let us keep in mind that Alli supposedly helps one lose an additional 2-3 pounds for every 5 pounds of weight that is lost. Therefore, based on this information the amount of calories that necessitated reduction from the daily diet over a 6-month period (or 180 days) is less than 100 calories per day. Surely the participants subtracted this tiny number of calories from their daily diet?

What are the Side Effects of Alli?

Reported side effects of Alli include:

- Change in bowel habits. Predominantly, loose stools (a low fat diet reportedly reduces this side effect). In some individuals, the stools may be difficult to control.

- Alli may reduce the absorption of vitamins.

- Alli may cause gas with oily spotting.

Who Should Not Take Alli?

- Alli should not be taken by individuals under the age of 18.

- Alli should not be taken by individuals who are not overweight, who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding.

- Alli should not be taken by individuals who have food absorption issues.

- Individuals who have diabetes, thyroid disease, or who take blood thinners should first consult their doctors before using Alli as well as those with prior gallbladder issues, kidney stones or pancreatitis.

- Alli should not be taken by individuals who have had an organ transplant.

- Individuals taking cyclosporine or warfarin should not take Alli without first consulting with their doctor.

- Alli should not be taken in conjunction with other weight loss products without first consulting a doctor.

What Does Alli Contain?

Active ingredient: Orlistat 60 mg. (Orlistat is a weight loss aid.)

Inactive ingredients: FD&C Blue No. 2, edible ink, gelatin, iron oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium lauryl, sodium starch glycolate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

In Summary

It's important to keep in mind that Alli is not intended to be a miracle weight loss drug, rather a weight loss program which teaches the individual how to subscribe to a healthy daily diet while losing unwanted pounds. In short - Alli isn't going to peel off the unwanted weight unless the individual reduces their daily calorie intake as well as embraces a moderate activity plan. Alli must have your commitment before permanent weight loss can be achieved.

If you are considering Alli for weight loss - Diet Bites suggests the following:

1. Give weight loss a try without using Alli try for 1 week and record your results.

2. Give weight loss the Alli try for the following week and record your results.

You may be surprised to learn that you'll do just as good without Alli than with - without being dependent upon pills and their uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing side effects.

If you are considering Alli for weight loss please meet with your doctor or nutritionist to discuss beforehand to see if Alli is right for you. You may even have a hidden medical condition contributing to your weight gain which can easily be treated.

AND if you have used Alli and would like to share your experience with Diet Bites, please email us at skyatdawn@aol.com. Please note that by doing such you grant Diet Bites permission to publish your Alli experience online to share with other Diet Bites readers. Real names will not be used, rather a first name and a last initial - or initials only. Also, please keep in mind that Diet Bites cannot provide health advice and questions relating to your health and the use of Alli should be directed to your family doctor.

Get our free diet plan - The Shape of Things to Come

RETURN TO DIET BITES

Web	www.dietbites.com

Why Buy the Cow When You Can Get the Skim Milk for Free?

Diet Bites is a Trademark