Diet Sense

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Dieting has been around for thousands of years, although in many different forms. The word “diet” comes from the Greek word “diatia” which means “a way of living’.

Being overweight is a problem faced by millions of people and the repercussions of carrying extra weight on your body can be devastating for your health. Obesity can lead to heart problems, strokes, diabetes and a host of other health issues.

Diet programs and books are found everywhere you look. They range from basic healthy eating guides to your all-out completely rework your entire body programs. Some even seem to give conflicting information on ways to lose weight.

Things to realize when considering a diet:
Not all diets are the same and not all people are the same. What works for your friends or co-workers, may not work for you. A grapefruit diet for a person who craves carbs and hates fruit just will not have a chance.

Have realistic expectations
Don’t go on a crash diet in order to lose 20 pounds in two weeks! It just will not work and will cause you more stress and wind up adding weight to your body instead of removing it.

Consider your lifestyle and habits
If you are currently living a sedentary life, don’t enroll in a program that stressed high-impact, aerobics five days per week. It is important to pace yourself and only work on a program that will fit into your lifestyle. If you hate exercise you will want to look into walking as a form of exercise and not marathon-style running.

Consider your budget
What you have to spend on your diet program plays a big role in what you can do. Some programs require you invest in buying all your foods from the company and this can be quite expensive on a long-term plan. In addition, if you have to invest in fitness equipment (treadmill, gym membership) – this could wind up costing you more than you are prepared to spend.

Support staff
Before beginning a diet plan consider the role of people around you. If you are not surrounded by people that are “on-board” with your decision you will have to overcome serious roadblocks during your diet. When you are living and working around people who support your decision, it is much easier to succeed in your weight loss goals.

Check your current health situation
Before you begin a serious weight loss program (including changes to your diet and an exercise program) it is important to consult with a physician who can analyze your current health situation. If you have any health issues that will affect what you can eat or not eat or limitations on your physical exertion, your doctor can alter you to these issues.

No miracle diet is out there
Once you accept this fact, it will be a lot easier to move on. Although many diets and programs are promoted in this way, it is not realistic to think there is a quick fix plan, miracle diet pill or one piece of exercise equipment that does that does the work for you.

A balanced diet is always the way to go
Although much hype surrounds the low carb, high protein type diets, it is not usually the best way to proceed when dieting. Considering the human body needs foods from all food-groups to work at its best, it is not smart to deprive it of any one type of food.

Things to remember when you begin dieting:

• In order to lose weight the body must take in less calories than it burns so in is important to watch your calorie/fat intake and burn more calories by having an active lifestyle.
• A good rule is to keep your calories from fat under 30% of all your calories for the day.
• Try to eat smaller portions and more mini-meals during the day. It is better to eat five or six smaller meals than three large ones.
• Watch your sugar when choosing your foods – many foods have hidden sugars – read the labels!
• Balance your diet with foods from all food groups -limit the sugars and fats, but do include them in your daily diet.
• Have a personal goal – this might be losing weight for an upcoming reunion, wedding or vacation. It might be just being able to play with your kids, or walk around the block without tiring. Whatever it is, keep it in your immediate thoughts (and maybe posted on your refrigerator) throughout the day to keep yourself focused.
• Drink water – it has been said many times, but it is true – drinking water does fill you up and help you digest your foods. If you cannot stand drinking water, try non-carbonated, flavored ones
• Work exercise into your daily life – if you are non-active when you start your plan, begin with basic walking even if it just around the block each day. If you are fairly active, begin to step up your routine in endurance level or frequency.
• Become friends with your scale – although it is scary to look, it is the only way to tell how you are progressing. Don’t weight yourself everyday, but do try to weigh in at least once per week.

The best advice that can be given is to do your research and find a plan that works for you – only you know what your inner goals are and what your limitations are. If you choose a plan and find it is not working, don’t be afraid to change to something new. Just keep healthy choices in mind and you can reach your long-term weigh loss goals.

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