Friday, September 16, 2011

Are You Breaking These Dieting Rules?

Are you breaking the rules?  If you're having a hard time losing weight and keeping it off, you may be doing one of these dieting no-nos:

1.  Starving yourself.  While, it may seem sensible that if you eat like a rabbit, the fat will just melt away.  The fact is that your body needs fuel (food) in order to burn energy (calories).  Also, starvation diets rob your body of the nutrients it needs for normal cell production. It's really a balancing act.  Eating more healthy foods in moderation and less of the bad stuff.  

2.  Reducing your calories too quickly.  If you suddenly eliminate your calories, your body is going to react by slowing down your metabolism.  This is exactly the opposite effect that you want on a diet.  You need to gradually reduce your calories over a period of time so that your body gets used to less calories.  The healthy food choices that you replace in your diet will speed up your metabolism.     

3.  Not answering your cravings. Dieters often feel that they need to give up their favorite high fat foods in order to lose weight.  It's OK to cheat every now and then.  The key is setting aside a cheat day several times a month.  Have pizza or enjoy your favorite ice cream.  Whatever your heart desires.  Just don't eat all of your favorite dishes in one day.  Spread them out and you will not feel that you are missing out on anything.

The bottom line is that common sense and planning goes a long way towards a successful weight loss program.  

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