There are many diet books and plans on the market today, each claiming to be the best way to lose weight. If you believe the hype, you can eat only carbs and lose weight, eat no carbs and lose weight, eat only cabbage and lose weight… the list goes on and on. These plans would not be popular if people didn't follow them, but it is important to be reasonable as well.
When choosing a diet plan, avoid fad diets. These plans come and go each season, and some can even be harmful to your health. Take the time to consult your doctor and design a weight loss plan that works for you. Your plan should allow you to lower your calorie count while consuming foods from all major food groups.
Follow these guidelines to avoid dangerous diet plans:
Avoid Massive Calorie Cuts—Some diets drastically restrict the amount of calories you take in per day. These diets can lead to malnutrition, so avoid them at all costs. Instead, consult your doctor for a target calorie count per day. He or she can take your height, weight, age, and medical conditions into account to design a diet plan that is safe and effective.
Avoid Cutting Out Food Groups—Just say no to diets that cut out entire food groups. Your body is designed to function at an optimal level by eating a variety of foods. Cutting out an entire group can cause severe health issues, such as malnutrition or organ failure. Choose a diet that balances grains, protein, dairy, and fruit and vegetables. Your body needs these nutrients to function.
Avoid Crash Diets or Pills—If your diet comes in a box, it's probably not the healthiest option. Most diet pills and supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so use them with extreme caution. Avoid stimulant medications and crash "cabbage-soup" types of diets. You may lose weight quickly, but it will come back as soon as you're off the diet or supplement.
Use these guidelines to develop a diet plan that's right for you. Avoid unhealthy calorie restrictions, cutting out entire food groups, or diet pills. Take the time to consult a medical professional and tailor a diet to meet your caloric needs. You’ll be able to lose weight and keep it off effectively if you use a combination of diet and exercise to do so.
This article entitled "Dying to Lose Weight: Why Kill Yourself" is not medical advice. It should not be used as or substituted for medical advice from a medical professional. This article is for informational purposes only.
