It Is Not A Diet

If there were no diets a lot of people would be broke. We who buy into them lose our money to those who invent them. A large portion of any bookstore would be empty if not for diet books. Here is a secret. Are you ready? A diet is temporary! Once you hit your goal weight what do you do? The only way to lose weight and keep it off is to forget dieting.

"No way, Dan!" Yes way my friends. I am offering this advice at no charge. The only price you might pay is to have your preconceptions shattered. One must change how they eat, live, and think of food in order to stay healthy for life. There are certain keys. I hope that these will open the doors that lead you to a better tomorrow.

The first is your attitude. You must see food as only what is necessary to live. It is not the end-all and be-all of existence. We must care enough about ourselves to do what is truly best for ourselves. It is common to be our own worst enemies. Positive self-talk will lead us to care about our inner selves.

What we eat is also a factor. There are some foods that are better than others. Let us not kid ourselves. Some foods have no redeeming value at all. If you are going to eat this crap, at least admit that it is crap. Having a little bit every so often feels better than complete denial of that food. It is best not to piss ourselves off.

What types of food are best? These are the aspects of food I concentrate on. Calories, fat, sodium and fiber. Pay attention to these words on the ingredients label. Compare items and consider your tastes and diet restrictions, if any. An item may seem like a proper choice but the truth is there in black and white. Protein, carbs, whole grains, fruits and veggies are what our bodies need.

How much should we eat at any given meal? This is where calories come in to play. A balanced meal is always best. Your caloric intake determines the makeup of what you put on your plate. Fat content is also crucial. My humble suggestion would be 2000 calories and 50 grams of fat per day. Your doctor can best advise you. As one pound of fat equals 3500 calories I suggest one eats 200 less calories and exercises 300 calories worth each day. One pound will be lost each week.

As I mentioned above exercise is part and parcel of my plan. Eating a bit less is great. One must also exercise daily to lose that pound every week. What exercises burn what calories? I have two suggestions. A heart monitor will take your vitals into account. It will accurately count calories burned for any activity you choose. You could also try this site which offers calories burned depending upon the activity and your own particular weight.

Water, water, everywhere. Our bodies are almost all water! We need to drink it in specific quantities to remain hydrated and healthy. It is a simple concept. Plenty of water helps all of your bodily systems. Not enough and we begin to break down. I have heard some say that six to eight glasses per day is plenty. Others have suggested that one should drink one ounce of water for every pound you weigh - this must be done daily!

I have covered the what, when, why, which and how of making a permanent lifestyle change. You can do it. Others have and they started off just like the rest of us. It will not be easy. Nothing worth having in life comes easy. The road is long and hard but the rewards are great and last for a lifetime. Do not do this for me. Do not do this for your family. Do not do this for your pet no matter how much they beg! Do it for yourself. You are the most important person of all. One look into the mirror is all the proof you will need.