MAKE A MEAL OUT OF WEIGHT LOSS

UK (SANEPR.com) June 13, 2008 -- Fern Britton’s svelte new physique has attracted plenty of favourable media attention, as a woman who historically found it difficult to fight the flab. Attributed to good diet and embarking on extensive cycling tours, after two years Britton resembles her digitally enhanced Ryvita figure.

However, after it was recently revealed a gastric banding operation played a part in her weight loss, the press have been banding around accusations, from misleading her fans to abusing a position of trust within the public eye.
As a society we shouldn’t come down so hard on someone making an active and healthy effort to lose weight, no matter the method. Levels of obesity in the UK have soared to epidemic proportions, expecting to cost as much as £45 billion a year by 2050 to pay for growing incidents of diabetes, strokes and heart disease as well as the loss of earnings by those too heavy to work.

It’s no wonder that over the past year, the number of people having gastric bypass surgery in the UK has risen by 41%, to 3,459 operations in all. But this is not a simple procedure and not without risks. A gastric band operation is a form of weight-loss surgery where a surgeon puts an adjustable silicon loop (like an elastic band) around the upper part of the stomach to make a smaller pouch, leaving a tiny gap leading to the rest of the stomach.

This makes you feel full after eating only a very small amount. The operation - done with keyhole surgery - is reversible, and involves a general anaesthetic and usually an overnight stay. Studies show that, on average, people lose between 50% and 65% of their excess weight within two years after fitting.

One in 2,000 people die as a result of gastric band surgery, and for between 10% and 50%, the operation is unsuccessful. The procedure is very painful, and any surgery carries a risk of infection, bleeding, blood clots or heart attack - and the dangers rise if you are obese.
According to the British Obesity Surgery Patient Association (BOSPA), studies suggest that one in 10 people will need a further operation at some point, as gastric bands can slip, erode into the stomach, leak or become infected. It is also possible to sabotage your gastric band by grazing constantly, and still managing to take in too many calories.

All in all a daunting diet tool, and it’s no wonder Britton was loathe to be seen supporting such a measure, but are there less drastic, effective means of weight loss for those unfamiliar with their kitchens?

The equation is simple - regular exercise alongside healthy eating is key - but for those unable to cook it’s all too easy to fall into bad habits, surviving on fat laden snack foods that need minimal preparation and cooking time. The good news is there are pre-prepared products out there you can eat.

Wiltshire Farm Foods, the leading provider of nutritious frozen ready meals prepares all their meals in-house at their headquarters in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. An experienced team of chefs create each recipe, with every meal frozen immediately after production, locking in their vitamins and goodness.

At every step an expert team monitors the nutritional content of every product, conducting daily tests and working alongside top dietitians to ensure they’re healthy, address dietary requirements and taste great.

Sue Baic, consultant dietitian for the brand explains how: “We make sure each dish is nutritionally balanced and satisfies a wide range of dietary needs. For example, we provide special products for people with diabetes, those needing low-salt, low-fat diets, vegetarian and vegan, and people seeking milk, egg and gluten-free products. We also offer Kosher and ethnic dishes, so whatever your requirement, Wiltshire Farm Foods has the meal to match.”

The company’s Reducing range is specially designed, low calorie main meals and desserts, with mains consisting of less than 320 calories, and desserts under 75 calories. A sensible weight reducing diet for women is usually between 1000 and 1200 calories a day, with 1500 for men.

Leytonstone resident Carol Seear lost nearly 20 pounds after using Wiltshire Farm Foods following an incident where she was mugged. The assault last year marked the start of a healthy diet, as Carole explains:

“I was left bruised down my right side and couldn’t get out to the shops. It meant I had to order ready-made meals direct to my door, but as it turned out the food was much healthier than my normal diet and the weight fell away!
Although I’ve now fully recovered, I’ve stuck to the food delivery service for my meals. I look and feel better than I have done for years, and best of all there’s no washing up!”

Carole, 60, who has diabetes, had tried to diet several times before but this is the first time she has had any success. She now weighs 14st and is closing fast on her target of 10st.

You can choose from traditional classics like Cottage Pie, tasty Liver & Bacon Casserole, tangy Pork, Leek & Mustard Casserole, succulent Roast Chicken Breast & Stuffing or treat yourself to Venison in Mushroom & Ale Sauce from the Gourmet range.

All main meals come complete with accompaniments, and summer heralds some seasonal dishes you’ll simply snap up – Monkfish with Peas & Pancetta Bacon, and aromatic Spanish Chicken inspired by the Basque region of Spain.
Dieting has never been more enjoyable, with no need to deprive yourself or opt for drastic measures. Give it a go – a little willpower and some nutritionally balanced, nutritious ready meals will go a long way.

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Wiltshire Farm Foods is the leading supplier of nutritious, frozen home ready meals throughout the UK. If you'd like more information about this topic please call Jenene Blackmore on 01225 756081 or e-mail Jenene.Blackmore@apetito.co.uk