Diets are a bit like celebrities…most of them aren’t quite what they’re made out to be and they usually don’t stick around very long. Every time we flip through a magazine or turn on the TV, it seems we are slapped square in the face by the latest no-fail weight loss plan. Each diet that comes down the pipe tells us of the horrors of some aspect of our eating and encourages us to cut something out or whittle a number down. So why is it that none of these diets ever seem to work well? The reality of dieting is that cutting things out completely is usually only effective for a short time and is in some cases dangerous! Read on to find out what fat, carbs, and calories are and why they are important to your daily eating habits.
Calorie Counting
One of the biggest determining factors of weight loss is the number of calories you consume. Every food we eat has a specific number of calories and these calories are what our bodies use as fuel. The amount of calories we take into our bodies should equal the number of calories we burn in a day, give or take just a few calories, to maintain a healthy weight. Taking in too many calories per day for any extended period of time is sure to result in weight gain. Consuming fewer calories than expended will result in weight loss, but an excessive drop in calorie count can have serious and dangerous effects. Not only will eating too little cause you to be severely hungry, it will also drop your energy levels, as your body doesn’t have enough fuel. Also, not getting enough calories can result in an even slower metabolism and bring weight loss to a screeching halt. Consuming a proper amount of calories is essential to safe and effective dieting.
Fat Intake
Low fat and no fat diets seem, in theory, to make the most sense. We want to lose fat when we are on a diet, so it seems only natural that cutting fat out of our diets would affect that change. However, cutting fat out of your diet can cause your body to become unbalanced and necessary processes cannot take place effectively. The real confusion with fat intake lies in the types of fat there are and which should be consumed. Saturated and trans fats are the most commonly consumed fats, found in meats, dairy products, and oils generally used in cooking. These are the so-called “bad” fats that cause weight gain and serious medical problems when consumed in excess. The best way to get the fats your body needs is with unsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, avocados, and olive oil. Completely cutting out fat might be impossible and not at all beneficial, but consuming moderate amounts of the right kinds of fats can greatly benefit your health and promote weight loss.
The Value Of Carbs
One of the biggest weight loss crazes of the last decade or so has been the no-carb and low-carb diet. While most medical professionals will attest to the rapid weight loss effects of these plans, in all reality, completely removing carbs from your diet does as much harm are it does good. Carbohydrates are the major fuel for your body, and by removing these from your diet or greatly reducing the amount, your body must pull from other sources to get the fuel it needs. Much of this energy will come from the fat stores in your body, which is what causes weight loss. However, the body will also pull energy from proteins and other sources, which are needed for other body functions. Another danger of low-carb diets is the accompanying high fat food choices that usually replace the carbohydrates. A much wiser option is to limit carbs to the more natural choices, such as whole grains and natural sugar sources, and cut out the refined, man-made carbohydrate options. This will provide your body with the fuel it needs, without excessive fat storage.
What Diet Really Works?
When it comes to weight loss, usually the latest fad is accompanied by a slew of dangerous potential health issues. The safest and most effective ways to lose weight is with a consistent amount of calories and a balance of healthy fats and natural carbohydrates, accompanied by exercise. Your best bet for developing a healthy plan to reduce your weight and keep the weight off is to consult with a doctor or nutritionist. A professional will help you to analyse your eating habits and enact the changes that will lead to a healthier, fitter body and lifestyle.
Recommended Reading
For more information and advice on fats, carbs and calories, take a look at the following books:
Calories Count: The Truth About Losing Weight
Big Fat Lies: The Truth about Your Weight and Your Health
The 100-Calorie Secret: The Truth About Dieting
Carbophobia: The Scary Truth About America’s Low-carb Craze
Diet Myths That Keep Us Fat: And the 101 Truths That Will Save Your Waistline
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