Subscribe Feed (RSS)Fad Diets And Weight Loss
May 17th, 2010 by admin | Filed under Uncategorized.With weight loss products and programs a multi-billion dollar industry, it’s no surprise that another profit seeking fad diet seems to show up every week. Although many of these diets contain small elements of truth, they represent good marketing skills and not good science.
You are probably familiar with the 3-day diet. This diet instructs you to eat fruits for three days, following up with vegetables, meat, or grains on the other days. This diet has many variations.
While we are all understand the good health benefits of eating fruit regularly, it is also important to understand that eating too much fruit can lead to an imbalance in carbohydrates, fiber, and additional otherwise healthy components. After all, there are limits to what the body can use or store.
The opposite is also true. High protein, low carb diets advocate the drastic reduction of carbohydrates consumed while significantly increasing the consumption of foods that are high in protein. Protein is vital for proper nutrition, but so are carbohydrates. Too much emphasis on protein over carbohydrates may lead to rapid, temporary weight loss, but at what cost?
A healthy level of carbohydrates are essential for the supplying of energy to all our biochemical processes. When needed the body will turn to other sources for energy, such as fat and protein to meet these needs. However, too much emphasis on protein will reduce the bodies ability to store and regulate the proper amount of water. Carbohydrates are necessary for this proper water regulation.
Then there are the ultra-low fat diets. Reducing fat in our diet can be a good thing. The problem isn’t with the reduction of fat, but going to extremes when doing so. The right amount of fat in our diet is a healthy thing. It’s best to think of controlling our fat intake, and not eliminating it.
We have all heard the claims; promises of rapid or radical weight loss - these, or any other extreme claim, is almost certain to be more harmful than helpful. The human body has been around for a long time, evolving over millions of years. Now, with decades of sound nutritional research we can confirm what is a common sense truth: moderation is healthy, and balance is good.
Here is an example of moderation and balance: For vitamins, carbohydrates, and fiber; eat moderate portions of fruits and vegetables at regular intervals. For vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, and fiber; eat whole grain foods. For amino acids; eat protein. For calcium; eat dairy products, provided you are not lactose intolerant. The average person should consume between 2000-2500 calories per day. This amount of calories, on average, should be slightly less for women and those looking to lose weight. Daily calorie with weight loss in mind should be discussed with your doctor, and may go as low as 1200 calories per day.
Eating a balanced diet along with a regular program of age-appropriate exercise, will result in good muscle tone, along with a healthy percentage of body fat. With this method, and your avoiding any fad diets, you will not only look good, you will feel good.
Copyright ©2007 Carl DiNello
Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internet’s most popular topics.
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Tags: diet, lose weight, mineral, weight LossRelated posts
Tags: diet, lose weight, mineral, weight Loss
