There are a million diets out there. Some are traditional and some sound just crazy. If you have done any research on dieting over the years you probably know that there isn’t any easy way to lose weight. And you probably also know that losing weight takes time. You have seen all those ads about people losing lots of weight in a hurry. Of course a lot of them gain that weight back in a hurry.
So what do you need to look for in a diet?
- The pounds come off slowly. A good diet will have you losing a pound a week. This gives your body time to adjust to the weight loss. I know most people are in a hurry now a days but in the long run losing weight slowly is the best way to go.
- Go for the diet that includes all the basic food groups. Grain, Fruits, Vegetables, milk products (low fat), lean meats, nuts, seeds and legumes. If you have a medical condition always check with your doctor to see if some of the foods in these groups are harmful to you.
- Any diet should have exercise included in it even if it is just walking. Once again you need to check with your doctor first.
- Keep track of what you eat and plan you meals ahead of time. This will help keep you honest.
- The most important thing to remember is that you feel comfortable with your eating habits. Add variety to your meals.
In order to make any diet work you must have patience! There are going to be setbacks, don’t let them get you down.
At some point you will forget that you are on a diet and consider your eating and exercising as a new lifestyle.
For more information about the food groups click on the CDC website about nutrition.
For more information about basic exercises that you can do click on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness.