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Author:
Troy Francis

Is Your Weight Loss Diet Weighing You Down?

Americans spend billions upon billions of dollars every year trying to get in shape. We try weight loss diet after weight loss diet, only to fail miserably, or lose a little and then gain it back once we stop the diet. We've all heard the advice that "diets don't work," but what DOES work? Is there really a healthy weight loss diet we can start today and stay on-- reasonably--forever?

There is no simple answer to this question. There is so much confusing research and so many conflicting studies that people don't know where to turn. Every book that comes out claims to contain the latest and greatest weight loss diet. Every guru you see on TV says they have the secret. But it seems that every time you try something new, you end up disappointed.

So, when you need a weight loss diet, what should you look for? There are a few basic principles that everyone should keep in mind when searching for a weight loss diet. Let's mention them briefly.

First, many experts would probably agree that the solution to America's weight problem can be summed up in one phrase: calories in, calories out. Speaking strictly about weight loss (not necessarily about health), in order to lose weight you must burn off more calories than you consume. Every pound equates to 3500 calories. So even if you consume 2000 calories every day, if you don't burn off 2000 or more, you'll gain weight. If you consume 1500 calories and burn off 2000, you'll lose weight. It sounds simple, but as anyone who's ever tried (and failed) to lose weight can tell you, it isn't that easy! People have varying opinions on how your weight loss diet should go about achieving the proper calories in / calories out ratio, but calories certainly do matter when you're on a weight loss diet.

Second, look for something that makes good nutritional sense to you. A weight loss diet that promises a 10-pound loss in a weekend might sound great, but if you achieve that loss by consuming only some special juice or lemon water for three days, you're probably smart to give that program the heave-ho. A good weight loss diet will allow you to consume fewer calories without losing vital nutrients or risking your health. And any weight loss diet that works that quickly and requires such drastic measures will likely result in weight GAIN over the long haul.

Third, any weight loss diet or program you go on should encourage exercise. If they tell you that exercise is not required, they're not looking out for your health. Even when you're not on a weight loss diet or trying to get into shape, exercise is good for you and beneficial in too many ways to count. Some exercise, even a little, is better than none at all. Any weight loss diet that encourages or promises substantial, "healthy" weight loss without exercise is better left alone.

Basically, look for a program that isn't too extreme. You need a weight loss diet that you can stick with--at least most of the time. Beware those lofty promises of miraculous losses, all while eating ice cream and sitting on the couch. A weight loss diet that's worth trying will require some work. It will ask you to make some modifications to your current lifestyle, but without sacrificing your health.



About the author:

Copyright Troy Francis. Troy is founder of Exercise-Diet.com. You can find more great articles on Weight loss, Diet, Exercise, Health and much more by going to: http://www.Exercise-Diet.com/

| Article Keywords: Healthy Diets

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Healthy Diets... Six Reasons Why Doctors & Nutritionists Are Turning To The Mediterranean Diet In recent years, doctors, researchers, scientists and nutritionists have taken a close look at the Mediterranean diet. Nearly universally, these experts and professionals have come away from their examination of the Mediterranean diet with positive perceptions of the dieting scheme. There are a number of reasons why experts of all sorts -- from doctors to researchers to nutritionists -- look favorable upon the Mediterranean diet regimen. By considering the benefits of the Mediterranean diet that have been identified by experts, you will be able to better determine if the Mediterranean diet is right for you. 1. Low in Saturated Fat On the surface, a person giving only a cursory review of the Mediterranean diet might conclude that it is not a healthy diet plan because it is “high in fat.” Concluding that the Mediterranean diet is high if fat and harmful is an erroneous conclusion. While it is true that the Mediterranean diet does derive a significant percentage of its calories from fat (around thirty percent daily in most instances), the calories come primarily from olive oil and consist of unsaturated fats. In other words, being low in saturated fat, doctors are recommending the Mediterranean diet for their patients. 2. A Plentiful Array of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Doctors are recommending that their patients eat at least six servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the course of the day. Many of these same doctors are turning to the Mediterranean diet because as a matter of routine people who follow this diet program are eating more than the minimum recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, rather than using processed fruits and vegetables, the Mediterranean diet features an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. 3. Low...