September 26, 2011
How to get a thin waistline? I want to lose my belly! Hmmm DIETING...? But what kind of diet? Fad diets....
Look at that gorgeous body, isn’t that a waistline to die for! Teenagers always want to be skinny as on TV, and through the media when they see these images they want to look like Kareena Kapoor. Teens are easily swayed by the seducing power of movies and television. And the first thing teenagers usually do to achieve this goal is find a fad diet.
What are fad diets?
A fad diet is a weight loss plan or aid that promises dramatic results. These diets typically don't result in long-term weight loss and they are usually not very healthy. In fact, some of these diets can actually be dangerous to your health.
Important points to remember
You need to ask yourself the following questions before you decide to follow any of the fad diet programmes.
Is it going to help me lose weight?
It the weight-loss maintainable in the long run?
Is it healthy to follow the fad diet plan?
Fad Diet Programmes
Some of the Fad Diet programmes that had made an impression on Indians are listed below:
Special K Challenge Diet
Cabbage Soup Diet
Grapefruit Diet
Some of the diet plans eliminates certain food groups that the body needs which could result to vitamins or other nutritional deficiencies.
For eg: Lower amounts of carbs in terms of roughage can cause chronic constipation.
Those that promote low carbohydrates and high protein can lessen the electrolyte levels in the body.
Some side effects are fatigue, sleep problems, weakness, kidney stone buildup and low blood pressure.
Too much or deficient amount of fluids can lead to dehydration.
What should I do if I want to lose weight?
The following are some tips that apply to any healthy weight loss plan:
- Consult dieticians and nutrition experts before you start following any of the diet plans.
- Eat breakfast every day and don't skip meals.
- Eat a variety of foods (including plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits) to ensure that you get all of your daily nutrients.
- Limit your daily intake of saturated fat, Trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.
- Limit the amount of sugar in your diet. High-sugar foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients.
- Limit liquid calories. Avoid soft drinks, alcohol and juices (choose whole fruits instead).
- Watch the size of your portions.
- Exercise on a regular basis. The best kind of exercise is exercise that you'll keep doing, so choose an activity that you enjoy. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times per week.
- Be more physically active in your daily life.
- When it comes to your health a shortcut is not a good idea. People are always looking for shortcuts and easier ways of accomplishing goals, that is what fad diets are-an opportunity to skip regular exercise and eating sensibly.
EAT RIGHT AND STAY FIT!