Diet Programs
Do They Work?
Diet Programs Are Calorie Controlled Diet Plans
Most diet programs are simply calorie-controlled eating plans. They usually provide
between 1000 and 1500 calories, per day, which is LESS CALORIES
than most people need if they are overweight. So Yes, diet
programs should help you to lose weight.
Diet Programs Rely on Calories IN vs. Calories OUT
The science of diet
programs is fairly straightforward. If you eat fewer calories than
you need ('calorie-deficit'), your body uses up calories that are
stored in your body. This is mostly fat, but it may include
muscle. Sometimes up to 25 percent of weight loss may be muscle
loss. Whatever diet programs you follow, in order to lose 1 pound
of weight, you need to create a calorie-deficit of about 3500
calories. So, if you burn 2000 calories a day, but only eat 1500
calories (calorie deficit of 500 calories per day), you will lose
1 pound of weight every week.
Effective Diet Programs Recommend Diet and Exercise
You can create a calorie deficit by eating less, or by exercising
more, or by doing a combination of both. The latter approach to
weight loss helps you to lose weight faster AND keep it off.
That's why diet programs that recommend sensible eating PLUS
regular exercise are usually more effective for weight loss.
Healthy Diet Programs Recommend ALL Food Groups
In order to lose weight fast and stay healthy, your body needs it's
full requirement of vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients.
Without good diet nutrition your body may become sluggish and
inefficient. This is why healthy diet programs are based on ALL
food groups. Because if you miss out a whole food group (e.g.
carbs), you are likely to take in fewer nutrients. Fad diets often
suggest that dieters focus on eating a narrow range of foods.
These diet programs are less healthy and therefore less effective
for long term weight loss.
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