A Diet and a Healthy Lifestyle

Because fad diets do not work long term, we must change our approach to weight control. In general, the only measure that is effective is the change of personal habits in diet and physical activity. Only permanent changes in lifestyle help maintain weight loss achieved. The benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise are innumerable, the most important being the reduction of risk of heart attacks, strokes and other illnesses, better self-confidence, energy level Increased and better quality of sleep.

A basic healthy diet should consist of three nutritious meals a day plus a snack or two. A balanced diet consists of foods rich in carbohydrates, protein and a certain amount - but not too much - fat. It is not necessary to completely eliminate one type of food for a balanced diet. You can still enjoy foods high in fat or sugar, but in moderation. A healthy lifestyle is not based on deprivations and prohibitions, but rather relies on the balance. Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating is a good source of reference for a balanced diet.

When choosing a dietitian or a weight loss program, you should consider the following criteria:

* Dietitian or program recommends a gradual reduction in weight (no more than 1
to 2 pounds per week)
* Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating is used as reference;
* A safe exercise program is recommended.

The Fad Diets Are Effective?

It is recognized: the classical programs of weight reduction and fad diets are not very effective, especially long term.

Someone who is considering going on a diet to lose weight should consider the following points:

* Many people do manage to lose weight, but few manage to always keep it at
that level.
* We can not remain permanently in the plan.
* There is no quick fix.

Most fad diets require you to make radical changes in eating habits, as strictly limit consumption of certain foods. Some plans suggest, for example, avoid sugar and carbohydrates, while others suggest a large protein intake. These schemes lead to rapid weight loss caused by the loss of body fluids, not by reducing body fat. Most of these schemes involve risks and some are even dangerous. One aspect raises no doubts: these schemes can not be sustained long term.

Although people are able to reduce their weight through these fad diets, statistics tracking is bleak. About 85% of people lose weight using weight loss plan, but only 15% of them can maintain this weight after two years. In some cases, the initial weight loss is followed by a gain in body weight even more important.

In weight control, the key is to not focus on weight loss but rather on building a lifestyle and a healthy body.

Body Mass Index ( BMI )

How to tell if your weight is within the natural and healthy for you? The mass index (BMI) provides a good method to determine if you have a healthy weight. Many BMI calculators are available on the Internet (see references). Men and women aged 20 to 65 can use the method of BMI, but it is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding, or people who are very muscular endurance athletes. Under this method, a wide range of weight is considered healthy for a given size, because a healthy body can take different shapes and sizes.

Scores or BMI scores or results will indicate a person know if excess weight puts him at risk to his health. A score of 18.5 to 25 indicates a healthy weight and less risk to health. A score under 18.5 signifies that the person may be more predisposed to certain health problems, including anemia, osteoporosis and cardiac arrhythmias. A score of 25 or more indicates an increased likelihood of health problems related to weight. These health problems include heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. It is recommended that people whose BMI is below 18.5 or above 25 are planning to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Need To Lose Weight

Do you really need to lose weight?

Our society is preoccupied with weight. This is partly due to ideal body images portrayed in advertising, for both men and women. For most people, however, these are chimerical images not suitable to their health.

Indeed, because of our genetic makeup, our weight seems naturally inclined to remain within a certain range. To maintain our weight within this range of variation of internal signals to help us regulate food consumption. However, many people have become insensitive to these internal signals for the following reasons:

* The obligation to always finish their plates in their childhood;
* Used to eat at irregular hours, with long intervals between meals;
* The habit of eating too quickly;
* The habit of eating while reading, watching TV or driving.

What Causes Obesity?

The overeating is not the only factor behind this state, although it may contribute. There are actually several factors that can lead to obesity, including:

* Excessive intake of energy from food
* Lack of physical activity
* Genetics
* Metabolism in our body
* Social factors
* Economic factors
* Psycho-emotional factors

Why all the concern about obesity? Because it has consequences for our health. Complications of obesity may actually adversely affect the quality of life and longevity of a person, not counting the substantial costs they may impose on the health care system. Obese people are prone to many diseases, including heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. Also increases the risk for diseases or health problems include:

* Heart disease
* Certain forms of cancer
* Hypertension
* Gallbladder disorders
* Disturbances of reproductive functions
* Sleep disorders
* Osteoarthritis
* Diabetes