Is Your Diet Weighing You Down?

Americans spend billions upon billions of dollars every yeartrying to get in shape. We try diet after weightloss diet, only to fail miserably, or lose a little and thengain it back once we stop the diet. We've all heard the advicethat "diets don't work," but what DOES work? Is there really ahealthy diet we can start today and stay on--reasonably--forever?

There is no simple answer to this question. There is so muchconfusing research and so many conflicting studies that peopledon't know where to turn. Every book that comes out claims tocontain the latest and greatest diet. Every guru yousee on TV says they have the secret. But it seems that everytime you try something new, you end up disappointed.

So, when you need a diet, what should you look for?There are a few basic principles that everyone should keep inmind when searching for a diet. Let's mention thembriefly.

First, many experts would probably agree that the solution toAmerica's weight problem can be summed up in one phrase:calories in, calories out. Speaking strictly about weight loss(not necessarily about health), in order to lose weight you mustburn off more calories than you consume. Every pound equates to3500 calories. So even if you consume 2000 calories every day,if you don't burn off 2000 or more, you'll gain weight. If youconsume 1500 calories and burn off 2000, you'll lose weight. Itsounds simple, but as anyone who's ever tried (and failed) tolose weight can tell you, it isn't that easy! People havevarying opinions on how your diet should go aboutachieving the proper calories in / calories out ratio, butcalories certainly do matter when you're on a diet.

Second, look for something that makes good nutritional sense toyou. A diet that promises a 10-pound loss in aweekend might sound great, but if you achieve that loss byconsuming only some special juice or lemon water for three days,you're probably smart to give that program the heave-ho. A goodweight loss diet will allow you to consume fewer calorieswithout losing vital nutrients or risking your health. And anyweight loss diet that works that quickly and requires suchdrastic measures will likely result in weight GAIN over the longhaul.

Third, any diet or program you go on shouldencourage exercise. If they tell you that exercise is notrequired, they're not looking out for your health. Even whenyou're not on a diet or trying to get into shape,exercise is good for you and beneficial in too many ways tocount. Some exercise, even a little, is better than none at all.Any diet that encourages or promises substantial,"healthy" without exercise is better left alone.

Basically, look for a program that isn't too extreme. You need aweight loss diet that you can stick with--at least most of thetime. Beware those lofty promises of miraculous losses, allwhile eating ice cream and sitting on the couch. A weight lossdiet that's worth trying will require some work. It will ask youto make some modifications to your current lifestyle, butwithout sacrificing your health.

About the author:Copyright Troy Francis. Troy is founder of Exercise-Diet.com.You can find more great articles on Weight loss, Diet, Exercise,Health and much more by going to: http://www.Exercise-Diet.com/