Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Dieting Mistakes To Avoid


Many people set out to lose weight with good intentions of sticking it out until they reach their goals। In fact, they intend to lose those unwanted extra pounds for good without ever seeing them again. So then, why is it that so many people lose weight only to gain it all back again? And why is it that so many people get frustrated and quit trying before they even lose any weight?


Of course dieting to lose weight takes some planning and some will power to stay with it, but a big part of the reason why so many people seem to be on a perpetual diet but never seem to lose weight often has less to do with their will to want to do it, and more to do with falling victim to some common mistakes dieters regularly make। Let's look at some of these mistakes and some solutions to them.


One big mistake that dieters make is assuming that certain foods can be eaten in high quantities such as fat-free foods। It needs to be understood that just because a food is fat-free doesn't mean it is calorie free. When you consume more calories than you use, you will gain, not lose, weight.


Many people who tried one of the many low-carb diets out there thought that they could eat as much as they wanted as long as the food they ate had low or no carbs। This way of thinking is wrong. It is still a matter of controlling the size of your portions that makes the difference. Keeping track of your overall calorie intake each day is imperative to a proper weight loss plan.


Another mistake that is made by dieters is expecting too much too soon। When you come to the conclusion that you want to lose 30 pounds, this is a realistic goal. When you decide that you want to lose those 30 pounds in one month, this is not a realistic goal. Maybe your 25th high school reunion is coming up and you want to be able to fit into that dress or suit you wore 25 years ago.


This is only possible if you take the time to allow yourself to properly attain that goal। Weight loss is best done at 1-2 pounds a week, not at 1-2 pounds a day, so set a small goal of say losing 5-7 pounds in a month, then set another similar goal and so on, until you reach your ultimate goal.


Not eating enough is yet another common mistake dieters make। The fact is, if you eat too little calories, your metabolism will slow down and you will go into what is known as "starvation mode". This promotes major fat conservation for survival purposes and any weight loss will therefore come from the breakdown of muscle tissue, not fat! For the average adult female, it is not recommended to consume below 1000 calories and the average adult male should not consume below 1200 calories unless under the direction of their doctor.


One of the biggest mistakes dieters make by far is not planning for how to keep their weight down once they lose it। Often, people make the mistake of going on a "miracle" diet that promises super weight loss and although these types of diets are very dangerous and I absolutely do not recommend them, some people actually do lose weight on them. The problem is, these types of diets are designed to end at some point (which is a good thing since you would probably make it into the obituaries with a prolonged stay on these diets). That means that you would likely resume your old habits when it's over thus accounting for the returning of all the weight you lost on the diet.


Of course getting some exercise is a key part in successful weight loss as well, but putting together a well thought out eating plan designed to stay with you for the rest of your life is the real key to taking that extra weight off and keeping it off for good। Be careful not to get caught making the mistakes mentioned here and you will have a much better chance at weight loss success.


About the Author
Jim O'Neill gives you tons of valuable information on the subjects of weight loss, fitness, and nutrition to make it easy for you to live a healthy lifestyle. Sign up now for his free 7 part mini e-course at: http://www.mrgymfitness.com/minicourse.php

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Dieting the Healthy Way


Healthy Eating and Dieting are often confused as the same thing। They are not. Personally I am not in favor of so-called diets - I believe that following healthy eating guidelines allows your body to adjust to the best weight for you. However it is an undeniable fact that diets are a part of many people’s day-to-day life. Regrettably some diets can be most unhealthy if you make poor choices simply in order to lose weight. It is essential that you learn the guidelines that mean your diet is healthy and good for you rather than unhealthy and unbalanced, and consequently not good for you. We are what we eat so the foods you choose should nourish your body and keep it healthy.


The first thing you need to know is what your body needs in order to function well, rather than what it craves - particularly if you have built up some bad eating habits। You need to have adequate amounts of all the food groups to maintain your health. Is the reason for your diet to lose weight or gain muscle? Do you want to change your body shape rather than your weight? These are all factors that you must bear in mind when choosing a diet regime.


Diets that limit you to a single food are quite simply not healthy। No individual food item can provide all of the nourishment our body needs. Diets that require you to remove a whole food group are also not healthy. It is perfectly acceptable to cut back on carbohydrates for example, but some are good for your body and you need them to stay healthy. Good diets will provide you with food choices from all the main groups so that your body continues to function properly. You need proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and even fats in moderation if you are to stay well.


An important ingredient of a healthy diet is your fluid intake। Any regime should include a minimum of 8 glasses of fluid every day whether it be water, juice or any other drink of your choice. Energy drinks and Smoothies can work well in a diet but they should not be your sole intake. It is all about balance and drinks will not contain all the food groups. In summer when it is hot you will need to drink more water and don't forget that Coffee and alcohol have a dehydrating effect so you must compensate for that as well.


Following healthy eating guidelines when dieting is all very well but you must have healthy amounts of exercise as well। Any diet that says you can lose weight without appropriate exercise should be regarded with suspicion. Even with a suitable physical regime, it is unhealthy to lose weight too quickly. Exercise should be a supplement and compliment to your diet. You should be eating enough calories to sustain the amount of exercise you are doing. High levels of exercise will require you to eat more food, and to eat more regularly than you might otherwise think. People often hit a 'wall' when dieting and find it difficult to shed the last few pounds, almost invariably this is because they are not eating enough rather than eating too much. Consequently their metabolic rate slows and they do not burn even the few calories that they take on board.


Following healthy eating guidelines, being moderate in the amount that you eat, drinking plenty and taking adequate exercise is the best diet regime you can follow। You may not lose massive amounts of weight overnight but your body will adjust gradually until it reaches the best weight, size and shape for you without putting your health at risk. Do remember at all times that if you are making major lifestyle changes in terms of diet and exercise you should consult your medical practitioner first.


About the Author
Annie Horthorne grew up in the catering business and has always been an enthusiastic and highly regarded cook. She has a special interest in healthy eating and how to make it tasty and fun. Annie's delicious healthy eating recipes can be found at The Healthy Eating Guide

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Dieting Without Having To Be Hungry At


The main reason you might be reading this article is that you want to lose weight without having to go hungry for long। Dieting does not involve starving yourself until you get your desired result. The common idea for weight loss meals for most people is that it is still a complete meal - meat, fish, and grains without any trace of preservatives. Yes, it may be a good idea but this kind of diet will not satisfy your hunger at all. This form of dieting only lasts long enough for the next meal. Some may even be tempted to make nibbles in between meals because their hunger was not satisfied. By doing so, it destroys the whole idea of dieting.


This may bring in some good news for you। There are weight loss meals out there which allow you to take in as much as you can. Read on and hopefully this article will bring in some fruitful results.


Take in a lot of fresh fruits as needed। Whenever you feel hungry, grab a banana to satisfy that hunger. Limit yourself to taking in only fresh fruits all the time. What about the amount of nutrition we can get out of them, you might ask. Fruits have been the source of food for almost any organism for ages. They have long been in existence and the benefits you can get out of them have been affirmed by most nutritionists, dietitians and doctors.


For some people who, for some various reasons, can not have fresh fruits can opt to consume dried fruit foods instead। These are similar to the fresh fruit diet mentioned above except that of course, this alternative involves consuming only dried fruits. Be careful in choosing dried fruits from the market. Ensure that they do not have preservatives or any chemicals added to it. It defeats the purpose of being healthy as you may be taking in toxins that could be harmful to your health. It is important that they be all natural (no coloring added or any preservative added to retain its color) or they be organically grown dried fruits.


Of course, you could always choose to have the fruit juice alternative। Just like all the forms of "fasting" mentioned above, this alternative only allows taking in juices to lose weight. Only juices made from fresh fruits are allowed so forget about buying ready to drink juices or ready to mix juices from the market because they also contain preservatives that may be harmful to your health. Try shopping for a good juicer instead. Ensure that you pick the one with the best quality as this machine will be your best tool in helping you lose weight.


All these types of meals have a common denominator - you can have as much as you want। That is what makes it advantageous over the other forms of weight loss meals. You won't have to deprive yourself in case you get hungry. Whatever type you choose, a combination, or all of them perhaps, it is important that you stick to it. Be determined to lose that excess weight and you'll surely be on the go to have the weight and shape you have always wanted.


About the Author

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Dieting For Health


Dieting is important for your personal health and well being। Those who are over weight have already realized that most of the health related issues and problems they face is due to their being over weight.


Eating habits maybe born of an addiction to certain foods, an emotional need, or years of learned behavior। It will not change until you completely adjust your eating habits and your lifestyle choices.


Today dieting for many has become more of a lifestyle trend with people rapidly flip-flopping from one diet to another, with little success though। But one should not give up. Failures are the steps to success.


One should learn from their experiences। A simple diet isn't going to magically make the pounds disappear. You will only be depriving yourself of those things you enjoy most and thus may result in more of a detrimental effect than a positive effect.


One must remember that dieting has it's negative sides too। Thus one must not only rely on dieting as it may lead to many side effects. What would be more effective than anything else is to incorporate positive lifestyle changes into your daily routines.


There are many simple daily activities which are equivalent to exercising and most of all cost free! People crib at the thought of taking the stairs or parking farther away and yet those are perfect methods of working a little more physical activity into your day।


Well... Not enjoying any of the above? How about learning to dance? Seriously, there are beginner dance classes in most communities that will welcome and invite people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels if you are willing to make the effort। This can be a great way to keep fit while enjoying yourself. A dance class with your sweetheart or spouse can add a lot of spice into your life. A great way to exercise and enjoy some special moments. Moreover you are burning those calories you didn't eat.


If dancing isn't your kind of thing, try joining a walking club or finding another hobby। Anything that gets you on your feet and away from the temptation of your refrigerator is a good thing when it comes to dieting and weight loss.


However remember that you cannot lose a significant amount of weight by dieting alone। Incorporating physical fitness into your daily routine in order to achieve those immediate and visually stunning results is a must.


One of the pitfalls that people have faced while dieting is loss of patience। People give up far too quickly. Just as the results are beginning and progressing people get tired of the process or frustrated that they aren't accomplishing enough dramatic weight loss as quickly as they had hoped for.


When it comes to dieting remember that the scale can be your best friend or your worst enemy। If you are weighing yourself every day in hopes of catching the scale tick off yet another pound you are doomed to fail. You will never achieve the results you are hoping for overnight. When it comes to dieting there are very few diets that work. There are however, many lifestyle changes that when practiced consistently and aggressively will work. But finally it lies on you to take the big step.It's only your confidence, belief in your self, patience to stick to an improved lifestyle and a planned diet that can help you acheive the desired results and help you lead a healthy and happy life. Wishing you the very best!


About the Author
Eirik Comm is the professional freelance writer. He's also the webmaster of Health-fitnessweb.com

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