Losing Extra Pounds (23)
Fad diets don't have the greatest reputation but they still hold relatively big appeal simply because they often tell overweight people what they want to hear. Often these sorts of diets promise quick and easy weight loss. Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight knows that it isn't (and shouldn't be) quick and most likely isn't easy either.
Do these diets work in the short run? Yes, often they can but the short-term success comes at a price. What usually happens after you've lost the weight by following such a weight loss plan is that you will gain it back and put even more weight on than when you started.
It has been proven time and time again that those who follow fad diets often end up gaining back more weight than they lost. This is usually because these types of diets involve a lot of straying from the normal diet. So, once you've finished the diet, you can't wait to go back to "normal" eating. At that point, whether you overdo it or not, you will start to gain the weight back.
One way to identify a faddy type of diet is to ask yourself, "How long can I keep up the sort of regimen that this diet is recommending?" If you believe you can stick with it, then this is probably not a short-term fix. If you don't see yourself being able to follow the diet's instructions for a long period of time, then it most likely will work while you are on the plan, but your weight will shoot right back up shortly after you stop the diet.
The only real alternative to these types of diets is to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. This doesn't mean that you have to completely cut out the unhealthy foods that you love (as a short-term stricter diet might suggest). It means making healthy choices and then eating the "bad stuff" in moderation. It also doesn't mean working out heavily all the time. Exercising regularly could just be taking a 20 minute brisk walk three to five times every week. Try to pick an exercise that you don't see as a chore, something that you actually look forward to practicing.
As far as eating right goes, try to eat balanced meals. If you can get regular portions of unfatty protein, carbohydrates and fiber in every meal, you are doing well. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables during meals or even as snacks. Other healthy snacks include cheese and nuts which are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
The right type of weight loss plan not only helps you lose fat and weight, it also starts you on the right path towards a lifetime of healthy eating and activity.
Fad diets promise quick fixes but the real results come from the tried and true methods of a healthy lifestyle and awareness of the benefits of natural foods and regular exercise.
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