Less Doesn't Mean More

If you really want to drop those unwanted pounds, starving yourself is definitely not the best course of action. Research is showing that by skimping on your food intake too much, you can actually defeat your purpose. When your body doesn't receive an adequate number of calories, especially in the form of carbohydrates, it resorts to converting the protein in your muscles to fuel. Protein is the tissue in your body that burns the most calories; therefore, you are actually depleting the number of calories your body will burn. In addition, because this tissue is so important to the body, it will be quickly replaced when you start eating normally.

When you're selecting a weight-loss plan, consider the following:

• Choose a diet plan that will not only help you lose the weight, but will also teach you how to keep it off. The more times you have to diet, the slower your metabolism seems to become, and the more difficult it is to lose weight.
• Eat a sufficient amount of food and eat at frequent intervals, so you aren't tempted to binge.
• Combine you're dieting efforts with an exercise program. Several studies have shown that this is the most effective way to lose unwanted pounds and keep them off.
• Set periodic goals and be sure they are realistic. If you haven't cheated on your diet, and still can't reach your weekly goal, it may be because it's not attainable. Time to reevaluate.
• Make sure you are eating the right types of calories. Does your diet feature a sensible balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, while still being conducive to good weight loss?

  The next time you decide to lose weight, take a close look at your diet and make sure it's going to meet all of your needs for successful weight loss. 

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