Dieting

I think that is where the problems lies thou... If you go ON a diet then you are saying someday you can come off of it. Just a few changes to ones eating habits can work far better.

I agree. There are many forms of diet. Some think that in order to lose all that fat, they need to skip a meal or stop eating. It's actually wrong to stop eating because as humans we 'crave' for this things. I agree with you naty because the best way for one to be on a diet is to eat 'little' portions of the food but not to starve yourself or restrict yourself from eating them. As per my doctor recommends. Small portions and eating these portions more times a day is still better with skipping meals and eating one meal with everything on it. Here's a part of an article that I'd like to quote: Problems with Restrictive Dieting When you restrict calories too low in an effort to lose weight very quickly, several negative things happen that can be disastrous to your weight, health, academic success, and social life: ? Your metabolism slows down. Your body slows down in order to adapt to the lower calorie intake (so it can function with less fuel). And, it actually begins holding on to every calorie you eat and storing it as fat (since it’s not sure you will feed it later). This is why people who diet, usually gain back their weight (and then some!) once they start eating normally again. ? When you cut calories too low, you lose mostly water and muscle, not fat. Without enough calories and protein from food, your body starts breaking down its own muscle protein for fuel. When you lose muscle, you slow your metabolism down even more! ? Poor concentration, and low energy. After all, your brain, other vital organs, and muscles are deprived of fuel. ? Terrible mood. Starvation often results in increased depression and irritability. ? Food preoccupation. Your body is starving so your thoughts become consumed with food. ? Increased risk for binge eating. Your body wants to hoard as much food as possible in case it’s forced to starve again. ? Rapid weight regain, usually in the form of fat. Source: http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:xQMJ7p3_digJ:www.snac.ucla.edu/pages/Resources/Handouts/HODodietswork.pdf+do+diets+work%3F&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=ph&client=firefox-a

Yeah, I agree. It's the movement that keeps one lean and healthy. It's not only what we eat. Regardless of how much we don't eat, if we just sit and do nothing all day, nothing will ever happen. I have a friend who started to go dieting. While I, on the other hand, didn't really go for the diet too much but am going to the gym everyday. Well, at this point in time, she lost some weight, but she looked haggard and had flabby looking figure, while I look refreshed and tight. Well, same with you, because of the walking, it gave you the freedom to eat anything, but of course, in moderation. Here's a part of an article I have also read about the topic: When you diet, your body goes into “starvation mode” and holds onto the calories you do consume as fat for energy stores. So while you are trying to lose fat, your body is holding onto it for the fuel it needs to carry out normal daily activities and body functions. Also, your body begins to break down muscle for fuel. Muscle is metabolically active and burns calories and fat to maintain itself even at rest. It plays a key role in metabolism and decreased muscle mass leads to decreased metabolism of fat and calories. Again, this actually makes it harder for you to shed that weight you are trying so hard to lose while dieting! Restrictive eating can also lead to decreased concentration, poor judgment, irritability, low energy, depression, hair loss, and changes in liver function. Also, studies have shown that 90% of people gain back the weight they lose (and then some!) within five years. Most people want to lose weight quickly, but if this is done, the body loses muscle instead of fat and once normal eating habits are resumed the weight is regained as fat and you end up with a higher percentage of body fat than before you started dieting. This makes it even harder to lose weight if you attempt dieting again. Some more tips: * Start your day with a healthy breakfast to kick start your body’s metabolism * Eat in a healthy and non-restrictive manner. If energy intake is too low or important food groups are omitted, your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs. * Set realistic goals and break long-term goals into short-term goals and you will feel a sense of accomplishment. * Drink at least 8 cups of water a day as thirst can often be mistaken for hunger. * Indulge in treats you like, but in moderation. Depriving yourself of the foods you like can lead to binge eating. * Contact a health care professional, such as your physician or a dietician, before beginning any major diet. * Throw away the scale! If you are eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity you may notice your clothes getting loser but your weight going up as you gain more muscle mass. The scale can be misleading and discouraging. * Remember that you have a unique and natural size, shape, and personality and your self-esteem depends on accepting yourself as you are! Source: http://www.mcmaster.ca/health/hwc/Student%20Writers/do_diets_work.htm