While one program may have dramatic results for one person, the same diet may have no affect on the next person. It all comes down to body chemistry and metabolism. But some basic guidelines will lay a foundation for healthy weight loss -- guidelines that aren't part of most fad diets.
Most quick-fix or fad diets, particularly those based on eating only from one food group -- foods rich in protein, for example -- aren't nutritionally balanced and may harm the body over time. A rapid loss program is usually robbing the body of nutrients, which is why the programs will only show initial weight loss results. These programs are not sustainable, and your body will begin to regain body fat.
Craving a thinner image is one thing. But studies also indicate that being overweight is a risk factor for chronic illness such as heart disease and diabetes. The goal of losing weight is a great idea, but it is important to follow common medical sense, very believing the "success stories" that are all too common in the informationals or sales ads (if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is).
Calories fuel the body and unused calories are stored as fat. The Dietetic Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Institutes of Health all say that the best way to shed pounds is twofold: cut back on calories and increase your physical activity.
Starving your body is not going to get rid of those extra pounds... instead, you have to safely and effectively lower your daily caloric intake. The safe way to cut calories is by eating fewer foods high in fats and sugars -- which are loaded in calories -- while following a balanced diet drawing from all the major food groups. Besides being healthy, diets rich in variety are easier to stick to and therefore more likely to succeed over time.
Eat less, exercise more. It sounds straightforward and yet only 20% of the people that are trying to lose weight are actually taking a two stage approach. The ideal weight loss program will feature a gradual transition to a healthy meal program with a gradual increase in daily exercise and intensity.
Rather than accepting the fad diets at face value, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any diet program. Your doctor may have clinical information about the program that you won't get from the sales pitch on TV or on the internet.
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