How often have you wondered, which program is best for me? What is the right program for you to lose weight... and keep it off permanently?
I've learned that all diets work, and no diet works, unless you make permanent lifestyle changes to maintain the weight loss. It's ironic... today we actually eat fewer calories than we did at the beginning of the 20th Century. However, we're eating differently -- we're eating more refined carbohydrates in white flour and hamburger buns, we're drinking empty calories in soda and we're not eating enough fruit and vegetables.
Food manufacturers spend billions in advertising to tempt us to eat fast and eat large. Fast food franchises tempt us by offering super-sized portions, for pennies more than the usual (large) sized, which translates to larger-sized waists. Living large... that used to mean living richly and living well. Today, living large means being overweight.
What's the best diet for me?
The program that's best for you is the one that approximates the way you eat and the way you live. If you hate to cook, don't pick a program that says you have to eat fresh, home-cooked recipes daily. Some people hate to even boil water! Some people don't have time to cook, so that gourmet meal is wasted on someone who prefers steak... broiled only. If you hate frozen entrees, then don't choose one that has them on the menu nightly. If your idea of a great meal is spinach and pasta with tofu, then you need the program that satisfies your taste buds with great vegetarian recipes.
Fear and loathing
Some people approach weight loss with dread and trepidation. They think that by going on a diet, they're going to feel deprived. They may say, "Well, I can do this for a week, even two. Maybe even a month." They think that their "diet" will not last forever; they'll lose some weight, but can't wait to return to their usual habits. It's like running a marathon. Each year thousands of people undertake this huge challenge and go into training for one of the most difficult physical events they'll ever do in their life -- to run more than 22 miles. And many do it! They can't walk for weeks afterward, and some may suffer permanent injuries, but they do it... they cross the finish line. And never run again. A year later, and 20 pounds heavier, they wonder, hey, what happened? How did this weight appear?
Make your diet work... permanently
Be literal, and take a clue from the dictionary. The first definition of "diet" is a noun, as in "what you usually eat and drink." However, the definition as a verb is "to eat and drink according to a regulated system, especially so as to lose weight or control a medical condition." The reason all diets work is because, by definition, a diet is something you "undertake" for weight loss. But if once you've accomplished weight loss, you return to your previous pattern of overeating and under exercising, you'll regain the weight.
The "diet" that's best for you is what you usually eat. Make your diet a balanced one, with the right portions of food for your needs... and voila! It's your perfect diet!
eDiets understands that there is no single dietary program that works for all people, which is why we provide weight loss and healthy eating plans customized for each individual member. eDiets is inexpensive, convenient and represents a marked improvement on traditional programs. Our website offers a wealth of information on food, exercise and lifestyle change, along with 24/7 chat rooms, online counselors and nutritionists. Our free personal profile is helpful to let you know where you stand.
Do You Know?
When you're thinking about achieving a healthy weight, think about your pets. Lately pets have been in the news, as they're following the national trend toward overweight, with similar health consequences. Dogs are said to age seven years to our one, similarly, for every pound over their healthy weight their health is affected more profoundly. Veterinarians report an increase in pet obesity-related illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension and certain cancers. Keep your pet's weight within a healthy range, and he'll live 15 percent longer -- approximately two extra years.
If you're looking for the solution to your weight loss woes, you can find it at eDiets with our results-oriented nutrition and workout programs. We have more than 20 incredible plans to choose from.
Nutritionist, Susan L. Burke, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian, and a Certified Diabetes Educator who specializes in both general and diabetes-related weight management.
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