Every year Americans spend $40 billion on diets and diet related products. While these fad diets can trigger an initial weight loss, experts say your bikini fantasies will likely soon come to an end and you may end up looking and feeling worse than before you started. Many people turn to fad diets either in desperation or because they are looking for a quick fix to their weight loss problems. The healthiest way to lose weight and keep it off is by permanent lifestyle changes. Instead of going on a “diet,” begin making small changes in eating and exercise patterns. Soon, the small changes become a habit and are incorporated into your lifestyle. This leads to a lifestyle change instead of a weekend change, which is exactly what, a fad diet is.
Fad diets can be dangerous because they tend to be very low in calories, are limited to just a few foods, produce only short term, rapid weight loss, ignore the importance of physical activity, and increase risks for certain diseases or health complications. They also take the fun out of eating. Food is not the enemy; how you view food is the complication. If you don’t change your outlook on food, and how you manage food, all you are doing with a fad diet is altering your metabolism for a short while, and making it easier to regain the weight after the diet has ceased. After all, you simply cannot live on just Slimfast for the rest of your life.
Some Diets are based on one food with special properties that can cause weight loss. Examples are the grapefruit diet, the cabbage soup diet, and the Subway diet. The problem is these diets don’t tech healthy eating habits and are not nutritionally balanced. While low in calories, your body will eventually start trying to make up for what it is losing nutritionally.
Other diets are based on the idea that carbohydrates are bad. Atkins is an example of this kind of diet. The problem
Then of course there are the liquid diets or meal replacement diets. These diets are very short term and actually give out after about 3 months. In the meantime, you will still have learned nothing about healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle and any weight you might have lost will probably be put back on again soon.
So what do you do if you want to go on a diet and you want to do it right? Here are some questions to ask.
Does the diet eliminate or restrict certain food groups?
Many diets leave out one or more food groups. Restricting a type of food may result in elimination of essential nutrients in the diet causing health risks. A balanced diet modeled after the Food Guide Pyramid, and including a variety of foods should be followed.
Could you follow the diet for the rest of your life?
Good health and permanent weight loss require a lifestyle change, not just a temporary modification.
Does the diet promise quick results?
If so, you’re probably losing water and lean muscle tissue. Weight loss of 1/2lb to 2lbs a week is safe and will more likely be kept off.
Does the diet accommodate your lifestyle?
Any diet that does not allow much freedom or flexibility is less likely to be followed permanently.
Is the diet very low in calories?
Any diet that is below 1200 calories per day could be dangerous. You may not be getting enough energy and nutrients. You may feel deprived and frustrated, both physically and mentally. In the long run, metabolism slows in order to conserve energy with very low calorie diets.
Does the diet eliminate or restrict certain food groups?
Many diets leave out one or more food groups. Restricting a type of food may result in elimination of essential nutrients in the diet causing health risks. A balanced diet modeled after the Food Guide Pyramid, and including a variety of foods should be followed.
If you are ready to get started on a healthy weight loss plan learn the basics of good nutrition. Consult a doctor, consult the Internet, and get moving. Good nutrition and exercise are the keys to effective weight loss.
Mike Bunata has been writing articles for 10 months now. Not only does he specialize in diet, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out his latest website on Sportcraft Pool Table which reviews and lists the best Cheap Pool Tables.
