Obesity Rates Higher Then Ever; Lifestyle Diets Provide The Only Option For Permanent Weight Loss
Obesity rates are rising and inadvertently contributing to a variety of illnesses. Lifestyle diets that teach people how to eat, not how to Diet are proving successful. The Principles of a Lifestyle Diet, listed here work for varying populations, age and ethnic groups.
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) May 7, 2006
Over 65% of all Americans are overweight and half of them are obese. The ensuing medical problems that stem from being overweight are extremely serious and include Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and musculoskeletal problems.
Every year, a different type of diet becomes popular. People try it for a while, lose weight and then quickly gain it back. This is called yo yo dieting and it is very harmful for two reasons. The first reason is that constant yo yo dieting tends to slow down the metabolism which makes each weight loss attempt more difficult. The other more serious consequence of yo yo dieting is a compromised immune system.
Obviously, people need a new approach for weight loss. The reason that most people fail at dieting is because the diet is too restrictive and doesn't suit the way the individual lives. This is where lifestyle diets come into play. A lifestyle diet teaches a person how to eat, not how to diet. Most importantly, it teaches a person how to eat within the framework of their life. This way, they can have flexibility so that they are not a "slave" to their diet.
There are 6 basic principles that people need to learn in order to integrate a lifestyle diet into their lives. They are: - Plan Ahead, - Portion Control, - Fill Up With Fiber, - Balance Your Choice, - Take 3 Deep Breaths and Drink (water), - Cheat. These 6 principles are easy to learn and can be adapted to most every type of person and lifestyle. Let's look at each Principle a bit more deeply.
Plan Ahead: If you don't have an idea of what you are going to eat during the day, then you may end up making unhealthy choices because they are easy and convienent. Healthy choices can be easy and conveinent as well. Make sure that your kitchen is filled with fresh cut and washed fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals and quick to prepare lean meats and tofu. Keep your refrigerator at work filled with low fat yogurt, and other healthy choices. If you know that you are going out for a special dinner, plan ahead and eat lightly at lunch. If you are traveling, keep low fat high energy choices with you so that you are not tempted to grab fast food.
Portion Control: The single easiest thing a person can do to lose weight is to practice portion control. Super sizing and most restaurant portions are 3 to 5 times larger than a recommended portion. Many people can't or simply won't change the foods that they eat. For these people, cutting portions is the most important way that they can lose weight. If you simply leave a third of what you normally eat on your plate, you can significantly lose weight.
Fill Up With Fiber: Fiber is important in any weight loss plan because it makes you feel full so you will eat less. It also is good for your digestive system and your health. Check the fiber content on the breads and cereals that you buy and make sure that it is at least 3 grams per serving. Fruits and vegetables also provide fiber for your diet.
Balance Your Choice: Try to have a small amount of protein and carbohydrate with each meal. Carbohydrates include vegetable so an example of this salad (carbohydrate) with chicken. Another example is a slice of whole grain bread with a tablespoon of peanut butter.
Take 3 Deep Breaths and Drink Water: Most people binge due to stress and high emotions. Often, people over eat due to thirst and lack of sleep. The centers that monitor hunger in the brain are close to where thirst and emotions register. Therefore, it's important for people to pause and stop before literally "eating out of the refridgerator." Before a possible binge, stop and drink a big glass of water. Next, take 3 long slow deep breaths and slow down. You may prevent binge eating this way.
Cheat: It's important to plan one cheat day per week in order to psychologically be able to stay with a weight loss plan. When a person's favorite foods are "forbidden", it causes a person to rebound after too much restriction and binge. One day a week, possibly a party, barbeque or weekend day should be set aside to eat the foods that you love, keeping in mind controlled portions.
You can find more information on Lifestyle Dieting at: http://www. eatrighttips. com (http://www. eatrighttips. com)
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