To
diet, or not to diet
by Lacey Lee, of the Gym
Downtown
More
than 50 million Americans go on a serious diet
at least once a year. Whether it is the Atkins
diet, the Jared diet or any other diet plan,
only 5 percent of dieters successfully keep
their weight loss off for more than a year.
Most weight loss plans include strict guidelines
that are difficult to incorporate into a person’s
lifestyle for any length of time.
Weight
management and good health require a lifelong
commitment. Since everybody’s body is
different, not just any weight loss plan will
work for your specific goals. Before beginning
any weight loss plan, check the following criteria
outlined by the American Dietetic Association
to see if the weight loss plan meets your personal
goals.
- Does
the plan include appealing foods that you
will enjoy for the rest of your life, not
just for a few weeks or months? You do not
want to deprive yourself of your favorite
foods, but enjoy them in moderation!
- Does
the plan include a variety of foods from
all five of the major food groups in the
Food Guide Pyramid? Eating a variety of foods
will ensure you are meeting your nutritional
requirements.
- Are
the foods recommended by the plan available
at the supermarket where you usually shop?
Going out of the way to buy food will make
it harder stick to the plan for an extended
period of time.
- Does
the plan recommend changes in your nutritional
habits that will also fit into your lifestyle
and budget? You will need to consider your
daily schedule and plan your meals accordingly.
- Does
the plan include regular physical activity?
In addition to eating healthy, regular exercise
is key in losing and maintaining lost weight.
Losing
weight is not easy. It takes determination
and consistency. Selecting a safe and effective
weight loss plan before you begin can increase
your chance of success. Always check with your
health care provider before you begin. For
more help with meal planning and other nutrition
related questions, please contact Lacey at www.gymdowntown.com.
Portions
of this article are from "Winning Strategies
for Losing Fat." Mejia, Michael. 1997
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