Dieting and Weight Loss

Successful dieting involves two things:

Almost any calorie-controlled weight loss diet will help you lose weight, but only some will help you maintain your weight loss in the long term.

Best Dieting Plans

The best sort of dieting plan is one that teaches you to eat right in the long term.

Because when you stop dieting (i.e. stop following a specific diet program), you need to know which foods are healthiest and which foods contain the most/ least calories. This sort of diet information is vital for good eating habits and long term weight control.

Dieting for Life

Ideally, your weight loss diet should contain an eating plan you can follow for life. So instead of choosing a fad diet or other short-term diet program, choose a diet that is balanced, healthy and easy enough to follow in the long term.

Dieting to Lose Weight Fast and Low Calorie Dieting is a Waste of Time

Most dieters lose weight, then regain it. Why? Because they aim for fast weight loss, either by fasting or low calorie dieting. Unfortunately, this often causes food cravings (stimulated by uneven blood sugar levels) and bingeing. Result? Dieters start yo-yo dieting and their eating patterns can become more and more disordered. Such dieting habits can last for years and often lead to weight gain if not obesity.

Don't make this elementary dieting mistake. Aim for gradual weight loss of no more than 2 pounds, per week. This rate of weight loss helps you to lose more fat and less muscle and water.

The Dieting Solution

This approach to dieting leads to lasting weight loss with fewer problems.

Useful sites with sensible information and tips on dieting and weight loss, include:
American Heart Association
CheckWeight Diet Directory & Forum
National Women's Health Information Center
NIDDKD