Diet Tip #10:
So... you think your favorite pastries and snacks are the only diet traps? Sometimes your choice of diet and fitness plan could be the biggest trap of all. Look at these 5 popular diet traps that many of us continue to fall into.
1. Eat all you want and still lose weight.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Your extra weight is energy stored up as fat. To lose weight, more energy in calories has to be used than what you take in. You activities burn calories. Eating or drinking anything with calories adds calories. Only when you burn more than you take in, will you lose weight.
2. I have to starve myself to lose weight.
Very low-calorie diets are dangerous. Only consider this with medical supervision, and a medical problem to be resolved. Slow weight loss is easier, safer and healthier.
3. I need to diet.
If you do need to consider weight loss, a long term healthy lifestyle change is a better plan than many quickie diets.
4. This great fad diet worked for a friend.
I bet you know someone who went on a fad diet and claims quick results. But, these diets seldom work for long. A radical change in your eating may produce a quick weight loss – followed by quick weight gain when normal eating is resumed.
5. I'll lose 20 pounds in two weeks!
Not... Early and quick weight loss from fad diets is usually water loss, not fat lost. Losing one pound each week is a more realistic expectation. You can cut 500 calories per day by learning and using these healthy eating habits:
See a pro. A doctor, a dietician, or another qualified health professional can help you determine your ideal healthy body weight -- and the safest way to get there.
Eat smaller portions.
Eat a wide variety of foods to be sure to get the nutrition needed.
Eat lots of fiber including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Eat less high-fat foods like dairy products (cheese, butter, and whole milk) red meat; cakes; and pastries.
Exercise for at least 20 minutes three times every week.
Visit WebMD for information and recommendations on safe weight management.