Low Calorie Diets

Low calorie diets are generalized term used for diets that restrict daily caloric intake to 800-1500 calories coupled with exercise and activity.   Based on the sound nutritional fact that weight loss results when the body burns more calories than it takes in through nourishment.  This type of diet can provide significant loss of weight, expecially when paired with regular exercise.  However, as with any diet or weight loss plan, it has both its risks and rewards.

Low calorie dieting is the most basic way to lose weight.  Calories are defined as the energy in food and it is that energy which fuels each action of your body.  One pound of body fat is the equivalent of 3,500 calories.  In order to lose one pound of weight each week, you would have to decrease caloric intake intake or exercise to use up an additional 500 calories per day.

Do not make the mistake of depriving your body of a balanced diet based solely on caloric values.  By continuing to chose overprocessed, nutritionally deficient foods in smaller quantities will only provide temporary weight loss.  You should eat a wide variety of fresh, healthy foods that incorporate all of the food groups to maintain a proper level of  nutrition that is crucial to your overall health.  Behavioral modification is absolutely vital to your ability to keep the weight off.  You must confront emotional issues and triggers that twist your relationship with food.  This is often the most painful step that any dieter will experience, however, once you are able to identify the reasons behind an unhealthy relationship with food, you are better able to overcome it and develop a healthy lifestyle.

Incorporating regular exercise into a low calorie diet can produce great results.  Just think, if you need 500 less calories per day to lose 1 pound of weight per week, you could split that between diet and exercise.  For example, you can restrict 250 calories from your daily intake and then burn off 250 calories by exercising to meet the daily goal.  In addition to increasing your overall fitness level, you are also jumpstarting weight loss!

Do not go overboard on your low calorie diet plan.  Your body requires a certain amount of nutrition to remain healthy.  Make sure that you are not restricting your caloric intake below 800 calories without the supervision of your doctor as very low calorie diets have their own set of complications and hazards.  Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, diarrhea or constipation while participating in a low calorie diet. 

A low calorie diet, along with exercise and behavior modification are a great start to a new life of wellness.  Be sure to learn as many basic nutritional concepts as you can.  This will help you begin to chose healthy foods that provide nutrient rich fuel to your body which not only help you feel better, but also promote a healthy weight.