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With over two thirds of our country overweight or obese, it’s
no wonder that millions of American’s embark on a dieting
program everyday. Sadly, experts report that 95% of diets end
in failure. Could the popularity of low calorie crash diets be
to blame? By reducing caloric intake dangerously low or
eliminating entire food groups, many diets can cause
frustration and long term health problems. Let’s look at a
number of pitfalls of crash dieting and discuss some safe
alternatives.
=95Hunger & cravings =96 Cutting calories below healthy levels can
lead to feelings of deprivation which may lead to bingeing and
gaining back the weight you lost, plus more. Solution =96 Take
the advice of nutritional experts and consume healthy diet
foods in sufficient quantity. This way you’ll feel full and be
able to refrain from less than optimal choices such as high fat
snacks and processed sugars.
=95Your metabolism slows down =96 Extremely low calorie diets trick
your body, telling your brain you are entering into a famine or
starvation mode. As a result your body tries to conserve, and
slows down the process of burning calories for energy.
Solution =96 Make use of metabolic support such as strength
training, aerobic exercise, cleansing and detoxification and
sufficient water intake. Certain nutrients such as B vitamins
& trace minerals are also required to promote healthy thyroid
and adrenal function, both key players in human metabolism.
=95Failure to get adequate nutrients =96 Often, as we decrease the
size and frequency of meals we also cut out key nutrients
needed for optimal health. For example, fatty foods are often
rich in fat soluble vitamins, and whole grain carbohydrates
contain needed fiber and minerals. Solution =96 Carefully read
packages and food labels, and seek the advice of a dietitian
when needed. It may be that you’ll need to add a whole food
multi-vitamin or nutrient shake to your regime.
=95Feeling tired and lethargic =96 Too few calories means less
energy to fuel activity like exercise and even normal metabolic
processes. Solution =96 Determine a healthy caloric intake based
on your height, weight and energy expenditure and don’t dip
below that so you can conduct the healthy exercise needed for
maintaining a healthy weight and cardiovascular system.
=95Digestive problems =96 Failure to get adequate amounts of fiber
to can lead to irregular bowel habits and poor intestinal
health. Low calorie and liquid diets are often deficient in
this key ingredient. Solution =96 Investigate supplemental
dietary fiber supplements such as powders and capsules, and
include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
High fiber foods can actually help stimulate weight loss by
promoting feelings of fullness and satiety, as well as
supporting balanced blood chemistry so you don’t experience the
dips in blood sugar often responsible for excessive snacking.
=95No long term plan for maintenance =96 The short term focus of
many crash diets often fails to provide a solution to keep off
the weight and help you maintain your success. Solution =96
Think long term and set realistic and comfortable goals for
weight loss. Focus on balanced nutrients and moderate your
caloric reduction as you transition off the plan. This will
help create lasting habits of healthful eating which will
benefit more than just a slim waistline.
About The Author: Cassandra Cox is a 10-year veteran of the
natural products industry. Having received her credentials as
both a Nutritional Consultant and Digestive Care Specialist,
she is passionate about educating others in nutrition and
digestive care. http://www.fiber35diet.com
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