THE DANGERS OF “CRASH DIETS”

<h1>THE DANGERS OF “CRASH DIETS”</h1>Author: <a title="James Davy" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/james-davy/284782.htm">James Davy</a> As much as we might like for there to be, there is unfortunately no such thing as "losing weight while you sleep" or any of the other dramatic promises commonly made by less-than-honest diet plans. While "crash diets" can make you "lose weight," the weight you lose tends to be lean muscle and water. Once you stop, the water weight will go right back on and the lost muscle will depress your metabolism, making your body store more calories as fat. People who are constantly going on and off the latest fad diets are not only wasting time and money, but also putting their health in danger, since many of these diets include no real nutrition. Once you begin eating normally after a "crash diet," your body is so starved for nutrients, and your metabolism is so deeply entrenched in "starvation mode," that it will hang on to every last bit of body fat it can conserve in preparation for the next time you starve yourself. The end result is that you are likely to actually gain weight over the long term, rather than lose it, and your self-esteem will take a beating along with your waistline. This works well for companies that are happy to sell you on the next fad diet plan, but it will not work very well for you if you are concerned with actually losing weight and keeping it off. For actual weight loss, you need a realistic meal plan, not a fad diet. While a meal plan will not deliver results overnight, you will lose more weight (and keep it off) in a given period of time than any two crash dieters put together, and you will not be forced to starve yourself or risk your health in the process. If you are unsure about how to put a healthy meal plan together, consult a nutritionist who can help put together a custom plan that will meet your needs. Otherwise, there are many books available on the subject that can help. Above all, you should try to eat frequent sall meals and drink plenty of water, while eating more fiber. Even if you only followed those simple recommendations, without learning anything more, you would be ahead of the 60% of American adults who are estimated to be chronically overweight or obese.About the Author: Article by James Davy. If you liked this article, you'll love the free content you'll find at his website: 
Click here now: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.WeightLossRevenge.com">http://www.WeightLossRevenge.com</a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/the-dangers-of-crash-diets-1449284.html" title="THE DANGERS OF “CRASH DIETS”">THE DANGERS OF “CRASH DIETS”</a>

As much as we might like for there to be, there is unfortunately no such thing as "losing weight while you sleep" or any of the other dramatic promises commonly made by less-than-honest diet plans.

While "crash diets" can make you "lose weight," the weight you lose tends to be lean muscle and water. Once you stop, the water weight will go right back on and the lost muscle will depress your metabolism, making your body store more calories as fat. People who are constantly going on and off the latest fad diets are not only wasting time and money, but also putting their health in danger, since many of these diets include no real nutrition.

Once you begin eating normally after a "crash diet," your body is so starved for nutrients, and your metabolism is so deeply entrenched in "starvation mode," that it will hang on to every last bit of body fat it can conserve in preparation for the next time you starve yourself.

The end result is that you are likely to actually gain weight over the long term, rather than lose it, and your self-esteem will take a beating along with your waistline. This works well for companies that are happy to sell you on the next fad diet plan, but it will not work very well for you if you are concerned with actually losing weight and keeping it off.

For actual weight loss, you need a realistic meal plan, not a fad diet. While a meal plan will not deliver results overnight, you will lose more weight (and keep it off) in a given period of time than any two crash dieters put together, and you will not be forced to starve yourself or risk your health in the process.

If you are unsure about how to put a healthy meal plan together, consult a nutritionist who can help put together a custom plan that will meet your needs. Otherwise, there are many books available on the subject that can help. Above all, you should try to eat frequent sall meals and drink plenty of water, while eating more fiber. Even if you only followed those simple recommendations, without learning anything more, you would be ahead of the 60% of American adults who are estimated to be chronically overweight or obese.

Article by James Davy. If you liked this article, you'll love the free content you'll find at his website: Click here now: http://www.WeightLossRevenge.com

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/the-dangers-of-crash-diets-1449284.html

Article Tags: How To Lose Weight Fast, Fast Weight Loss, Weight Loss Program, Weight Loss Programs, Body Acidity

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

Are Diet Pills Safe?

Play

How Not to Lose Weight

Play

How to Lose Weight

Play

Reasons Why You're Not Losing Weight

Play

How To Lose Weight Using Self Hypnosis - Part 1

Latest Nutrition Articles
More from James Davy

Healthy Trail Mix, A Great Snack Alternative

By: Chris Xavier | 02/01/2010
Trail mix is not only for hikers -it can be a healthy substitute for junk foods as a between-meal snack. Some trail mix ingredients are healthier than others, however, so you should know what to look for.

Discover Ways On How To Look Taller Than You Are

By: Stephen Steel | 02/01/2010
Discover Ways On How To Look Taller Than You Are Are you sick and tired of people looking at you as if you were a menace to society? It is the height isn't it? Well, if you can't have those routinary exercises and nutritional diet fit your daily lifestyle, then you can look into possible ways of making yourself look taller than you are right now.

Increasing Height Begins With Early Childhood

By: Stephen Steel | 02/01/2010
Increasing Height Begins With Early Childhood We are aware that everything that we experience by childhood is our stepping stone as we reach adulthood. Every activity that takes place in our body during childhood is the best basis of our growth and development in the time yet to come.

Growing Taller Tips - How Can Sleeping Help You Grow Tall

By: Edward Case | 02/01/2010
Are you one of those people interested to grow tall, and have gone through a height increase program to achieve your desired height? If you would notice that, certain height programs include sleeping as a form of the body being in the state of rest, which would therefore be a requirement to succeed with one's endeavor to grow tall.

If a Breakfast Cereal tastes to good it is probably bad for you

By: Paul Ingersole | 02/01/2010
Although the cereals are widely available, it can be problematic because the ones that are already flavored are often very high in sugar. So even though something may read that it is low in fat or cholesterol, that does not automatically guarantee that it will be a good food choice.

Don't get hooked on Sugar Filled Breakfast bars

By: Paul Ingersole | 02/01/2010
There is a dark side to the world of cereal bars, however. Some of them are very high in sugar. If you want something that is nutritious, look at the ingredients list and the nutrition information to make sure that the cereal bars meet your standards.

Best Diet to Lose Weight Quick - This Really Works!

By: tomer | 02/01/2010
A little secret everyone wants to know - how to lose weight quick. You've tried all the expensive plans that require you to eat 300 calorie diet meals. Now, try the plan that in my opinion puts all others to shame - this works.

Omega 3 are Part of the Family of Fat

By: Boombith | 02/01/2010
Omega-3 ALA and DHA are the best known. They are excellent for the heart and blood vessels. They are found in canola oil, nuts, soybeans and especially fish.

HAVING TROUBLE LOSING WEIGHT? DRINK MORE WATER

By: James Davy | 12/11/2009 | Wellness
Although we are constantly told of the importance of drinking water and keeping hydrated, most people go through their days without drinking enough and end up suffering from dehydration, which can drain energy levels and sap productivity.

WALKING FOR WEIGHT LOSS

By: James Davy | 12/11/2009 | Wellness
Walking is an excellent approach to losing weight at a healthy pace, conferring benefits that range from reduced stress to reduced risk of heart disease and other health problems. However, many habitual walkers eventually see diminishing returns from their efforts and hit a plateau.

GETTING RID OF UNWANTED FAT FROM YOUR THIGHS

By: James Davy | 12/11/2009 | Wellness
If you tend to accumulate excess body fat in your thighs, the culprit could be as simple as your genes. Your DNA plays a big role in determining your body shape, including where fat tends to build up. Fortunately, however, even if your root problem is genetic, there are steps you can take to get rid of unwanted fat from your thighs or other areas.

SIX EASY SUPERFOODS FOR FAT LOSS

By: James Davy | 12/11/2009 | Nutrition
One of the easiest ways to help rid yourself of excess weight is to simply include foods in your diet that can improve your results. The six "superfoods" listed below all have well-documented benefits for weight loss, and they can generally be eaten without counting calories, so they can make for healthy, guilt-free snacks on the go. In dieting, food is not the enemy, and can actually be an ally, if you eat the right varieties.

SEVEN EASY WAYS TO BOOST METABOLISM

By: James Davy | 12/11/2009 | Wellness
When trying to lose weight, one of the most effective things you can do to speed the process along is implement small changes in your routine that give a boost to your metabolism. This will magnify the results of your diet and exercise routines and help give you the confidence to keep going. Use the following seven simple strategies for an instant metabolic lift:

HEALTHY EATING HABITS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

By: James Davy | 12/11/2009 | Wellness
For many people, eating habits are tied to other daily activities – some people find it almost impossible not to eat while watching TV, for example. Many people are also conditioned to eat in response to certain emotional triggers, such as boredom, loneliness, fatigue, anger or anxiety. These habits can be extremely difficult to break, and the only way to go about it is form new habits through daily repetition.

RUNNING FOR WEIGHT LOSS

By: James Davy | 12/11/2009 | Wellness
Running is one of the most effective ways to lose weight and get in good shape quickly – you can burn as many as 275 calories per mile, or up to 1,000 calories per hour, making it the most effective calorie-burngin exercise method besides cross-country skiing and swimming.

THE DANGERS OF OBESITY

By: James Davy | 12/11/2009 | Wellness
Most people who decide they need to lose weight are aiming to improve their appearance, but the health benefits of good nutrition and a sound exercise program are ultimately far more valuable.