Iron Supplements for Weight Loss

Posted: November 10, 2011 in Healthy Eating by

It can be very difficult to lose weight if you don’t have the energy to exercise. Although dietary changes can start the weight loss process, for the best results you should add exercise to your routine as well. Before you decide to try weight loss surgery in Scottsdale due to your lack of weight loss success, you may want to check into why you are feeling so weak and lacking in energy.

One common problem that can cause people attempting medical weight loss in Scottsdale, or any other weight loss diet to be low on energy is iron deficiency. This doesn’t mean you need to start eating a lot of fattening red meat, however. You can start by trying to increase your intake of other foods that contain iron, including fish and seafood, nuts, dried fruit, eggs, lentils and beans, iron-fortified whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Pairing iron sources with foods containing vitamin C increases iron absorption, as does pairing meat-based iron sources with plant-based iron sources. Many of these alternative sources of iron are also very healthy, helping to fill you up with lots of fiber and providing a wide variety of other essential nutrients while still remaining lower in calories than most types of red meat.

If you are very deficient in iron, you may have iron deficiency anemia. Have your blood levels of iron checked by your doctor. If you have anemia, he will prescribe iron supplements. However, you should not take these supplements without a doctor’s orders, since there is a risk of iron toxicity. Once your iron stores are back up to normal levels you will have more energy and be better able to complete your workouts, making it easier to lose weight.