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Health
Dieting
Sensible Diets Really Do Work
How many times have you decided that you wanted to lose weight? How many times have you given up trying to stick to diets that just don't work for you? Don't feel so alone.
Failed New Year's resolutions and bikini dreams that disappear in the face of rich desserts and fast food life styles are common. According to the National Eating
Disorder Information Centre between 95 to 98% of all diets fail1.
Why? Because most people set unattainable goals and approach
dieting with a list of forbidden foods which leaves them feeling
deprived and frustrated.
According
to the Dieticians of Canada, moderation and exercise is the road
map to healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle. Their "All Foods
Can Fit!"2 total diet approach
says that foods should not be labelled as good or bad.
In fact,
all foods can be part of a healthy lifestyle when choices are
based on moderation, variety and individual needs. For those who
enjoy a few treats from time to time, this is good news – all
foods can fit.
Four
key items to keep in mind when trying to lose weight:
Be
Realistic: Don't take on too much at once and make small changes
one step at a time there is a better chance that the change will
last.
Be
Adventurous: Don't stick to the same foods day after day.
Expand your tastes to enjoy a variety of foods. This will cut
down the chances of getting bored or tired with your food selection.
Be
Flexible: Eat regularly, choose wisely and include some physical
activity in your day.
Be
Sensible: Enjoy all foods and beverages. If you're craving
your favourite food or soft drink, have some and enjoy it. Just
don't overdo it. Can't stop at a little and want to finish the
entire thing? Look for smaller portions – Coca-Cola has a mini-can,
half the size of their regular can, so you can enjoy a smaller
quantity of your favourite soft drink.
Exercise
is also important in order to maintain a healthy weight. Find
activities that you enjoy and can stick to. They don't have to
involve a lot of equipment or a gym. You can walk, plant in your
garden, bicycle or any other activity. Just get up and try it.
It is important to remember to keep hydrated while exercising.
Drink plenty of water, milk, juice or a sports drink like PowerAde,
during your activity. When exercising, do not wait to be thirsty
to drink. Consume about 150 to 350 ml (2/3 - 1 1/2 cup) of fluids
every 15 to 20 minutes.3
But
always remember – you didn't put the weight on in a week so don't
expect to lose it in a week. Take weight loss slowly losing a
maximum of 1-2 pounds a week. Diet a day at a time and the weeks will speed by as the pounds disappear. Changing your diet to include sensible foods and adding a little exercise will make your weight loss goals a reality.
You
should always check with your doctor before beginning any diet
or exercise regime.
Source... Credit www.newscanada
1
The National Eating
Disorder Information Centre
2
Dietitians of Canada – FAQ
and Facts Sheets "The 'Good', The 'Bad' and the Well-Balanced
Diet"
3
Dietitians of Canada – FAQ
and Facts Sheets "What should I eat before and/or after an
endurance activity?"
More
Chiff.com Diet Resources:
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