Dieting, otherwise known as calorie reduction, is the process of drastically reducing calories through a controlled diet. The reasoning behind this is that an increased percentage of calories should come from protein, carbohydrate, or fat sources in order to improve overall health and reduce related risk factors associated with excessive weight gain and obesity. However, many dieters often begin their diets with unrealistic expectations or unrealistic goals. Before you start on your weight loss journey, you need to be sure you have realistic goals for yourself.
One way to begin your diet is to set realistic calorie intake limits based upon your height and gender. If you are overweight, consider adding lean meats and fresh vegetables to your diet in order to lose weight. It is important to note that calories should not be used to fill hunger pangs. You should eat when you are hungry and stop eating when you are full.
Your next step is to create a weight loss program that is realistic. It is best to include small meals rather than large ones, but you still need to eat at regular intervals throughout the day in order to keep your body properly hydrated and replenished. Your schedule should include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It will be important to avoid “snacking” during these meals or skipping breakfast altogether. Many people think skipping breakfast is a good idea in order to “feel full,” but skipping meals can be unhealthy and even dangerous for people who are trying to lose weight.
In addition to having a diet plan, it is important to set daily caloric intake limits for most of the day. Some diet plans recommend a certain amount of food intake during the day as well as a recommended number of meals, but it is important to keep in mind that many diets can lead to overeating and other unhealthy habits.
In the months leading up to your diet, you will likely experience some degree of weight loss. During the initial stages of your diet, it may be difficult to stick to your daily calorie allowance and can be difficult to stick to the diet if your lifestyle is not conducive to healthy dieting.
Once your body begins to adjust to the new plan of eating, it becomes easier to lose weight and the results can be noticeable in as little as a few weeks. If you stick with your diet and maintain a regular exercise routine, you can lose significant amounts of weight in a short amount of time.