« Pregnant? Don't forget to exercise! | Main | Weighty study finds wealthy battle the bulge. »
May 23, 2005
For weight loss, keep the word ‘diet’ off your mind.
Many people have been done in by their diets. All too often, diets turn into cheating and then into splurging. Many people gain what they lost and then some.
Why do diets fail? The American Dietetic Association offers some theories:
When you give up too much, food becomes all you think about. It’s hard to resist a "forbidden" food. And restricting calories so much that you feel hungry is a recipe for eventual overeating and diet failure.
You miss part of the equation if you’re not exercising. Pounds fall away more easily -- and stay off more easily -- with regular physical activity.
Overlooking the big picture is a common mistake made by dieters. They want a quick fix and don’t consider making small, realistic changes that can become part of a healthier lifestyle.
With the help of your healthcare professional, rethink your notion of dieting, the dietetic association suggests. Try this:
Get real. Set realistic goals that match your lifestyle. Write them down.
Plan to go slowly. Losing one half to one pound weekly is healthful and more sustainable.
Ease stress. Excess stress can lead to emotional overeating and cheating.
Fit it in. Add some regular activity into your routine, and eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods with fewer total calories than you’d normally eat. Simply follow healthful eating advice. That might mean smaller portions.
Source: "365 Days of Healthy Eating by the American Dietetic Association."
Posted by Lisa at May 23, 2005 07:58 AM
Trackback Pings
To send a trackback, use this url. If you know anything about this subject, please post a comment.