The Hidden Truth About Diets

Quick, what's the first thought that pops into your head when you hear the word "diet?" Probably that when you're on one, you feel like you're going to "d-i-e" right?!

WHAT EXACTLY IS A DIET?

Most people believe that a diet is something that involves pain, suffering, and giving up foods we enjoy. Some of the symptoms of "being on a diet" usually include being hungry and cranky all the time. But this is not really the true meaning of the word and if you get hung up on all the negative stuff, you'll miss the entire concept.

Webster's dictionary defines a "Diet" as:

a: food and drink regularly provided or consumed;
b: habitual nourishment;
c: the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person for a special reason.

In other words, it's what we regularly or habitually eat and drink to nourish our bodies. That's not so bad. But here's the hidden truth that will turn your understanding of diets on its head and practically guarantee that you'll reach whatever weight goal you desire: Being "on a diet" really means having a plan for your eating instead of eating according to any spur-of-the-moment mood or habit. That's it!

This is so simple. But then most basic truths are. However, it's extremely powerful if you take the time to think about it and fully understand what it means. Let me say it again so that you don't miss it: Being on a diet really means having what you eat controlled by a PLAN instead of by your moods or habits.

WHY MOST DIETS DON'T WORK

The reason most diets don't work is because of the extreme measures most of them require. Some force you to give up everything except cabbage soup, or everything except meat and meat products, or everything except salads. This is not only monotonous, it's also pretty harsh -- not only harsh to stick with, but harsh on your physical wellbeing as well.

True, a monotonous diet is often effective at losing weight over the short term (ie: the Atkins Diet) but you have to wonder if you aren't giving up a part of your health in the process (ie: ketosis, acidosis, etc). Many conventional diets put the body in a highly acidic state which can create a number of health problems.

Our bodies are designed to absorb vitamins, nutrients, and minerals from a wide variety of foods and a monotonous diet runs directly counter to that. It simply isn't natural, and is the main reason most conventional diets just don't work in the long run.

THE RIGHT WAY TO DIET

The right way to diet is to think of dieting as a system of correct eating. Your diet should include a balanced plan for a variety of foods, taken in moderate amounts, and in the proper combination. Eat when you're hungry, not when the clock says it's lunch or dinner time.

So forget the fad diets that don't work and get started on planning a diet that you can stick with over the long term. This is the balanced approach to good health and nutrition, and it's an approach that you can live with for the rest of your life.

Hiram Perez has made good health a lifelong study. Find other simple and common sense techniques to improve your health by signing up for a free 5-part email mini-course at the Balance Your Health website.

---

5 Easy Steps to Help You Lose Weight

When losing weight, most of us don't have the time... Read More

Dropping Weight Too Fast After Gastric Bypass: What If I lose Too Much?

Weight loss is so consistent and rapid after gastric bypass... Read More

1-2-3, Weight Loss & Maintenance Has Become So Easy

Millions of people spend billions of dollars, hoping to achieve... Read More

How You Can Eat Carbs and Still Lose Weight

When I decided to lose weight I of course decided... Read More

Tenuate: Should A Diet Pill Be Part Of Your Weight Loss Checklist?

Maybe your doctor suggested it. Maybe your favorite outfit doesn't... Read More

Of Super Mice and Supermen- and the Magic Apples of Avalon

Recently, a Japanese study showed dramatic results of organ fat... Read More

Fifteen Secrets of Safe and Permanent Weight Loss Revealed

Fifteen Secrets of Safe and Easy Permanent Weight Loss Revealed!*... Read More

How Body Mass Index Works ? Set Your Weight Loss Goals

Many people want to lose a few of those annoying... Read More

Eat Out and Lose Weight -- 25 Easy & Healthy Tips for Dining Out

Diners have become more health-conscious the last few years, and... Read More

Determine Your Stage and Plot Your Weight Loss Course

We all know that losing weight and improving your overall... Read More

Natural Weight Loss: Little Spice in Your Life?

Not everyone can handle hot food. But who said cayenne... Read More

Before & After: A New Look at New Years Resolutions

Have you seen the ditty below that's roaming the Internet... Read More

Conspiracy Foods, The Inside Story about the Mass Produced Foods that are Making Society Sick

Food manufacturers can easily manipulate a whole population by the... Read More

Hypnosis for Weight Control - Why Diets Dont Provide a Long-Term Solution

One of the difficulties with dieting is the well known... Read More

The Public Stoning of Gastric Bypass Patients: When Things Get Ugly

Recently a woman went public in her online diet community... Read More

Food Cravings: Use EFT to Learn Patience

Food Cravings: How to Practice PatienceDuring holidays and parties you... Read More

Weight Loss Programs: Which Weight Loss Program Will Really Work?

Weight loss programs often have big claims. Understand the "science"... Read More

Weight Loss and Disease ? It?s Not the Food that?s Killing Us!

Whether coming from a close friend, the nightly news or... Read More

Do Low Carbohydrate Diets Lead to Weight Loss Success?

So your neighbor, office mate, best friend, whoever just lost... Read More

Turn Your Body into a 24hr Fat Burning Furnace and Still Build Muscle!

Is this even possible?Well hold on to your seat because... Read More

Weight Loss, Exercise, and New Years Resolutions ? Why They Dont Work?

We have all set them, and we will revisit them... Read More

The Best Weight Loss Advice Youll Ever Get

"Who are you to give me weight loss advice?" I... Read More

Changing Your Eating Habits

We are bombarded with advertisements pushing delicious looking, fat filled,... Read More

Belly Fat: Enough of That! One Probable Cause of Excess Abdominal Fat

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor; nor do I play... Read More

How To Improve Your Health In 14 Days: Small Changes For Maximum Health & Weight Loss

Many Americans include health improvement in their New Year's Resolutions.... Read More

Reduce And Lose Your Weight With Fats

REDUCE YOUR WEIGHTNow you are not very far from losing... Read More

A Mediterranean Diet - How to Lose Weight Safely

If you are looking for a way to lose fifteen... Read More

Read Food Labels To Lose Weight

I was at the grocery store the other day, doing... Read More

Weight Loss, Exercise, and Bodybuilding Tips ? Keeping Your Body-Fat Low: Part 7 of 10

People usually quit weightloss and exercise programs for one of... Read More

Frankie The French Fry Hatches A Plan

Frankie saddled up to the bar at the We-Stuff-Em-All Diner,... Read More

Fat Does Not Make You Fat

Fat does Not Make You Fat. One of the other... Read More

Bodybuilding Weightloss Exercise Tips and Strategies

Welcome to bodybuilding weightloss exercise tips!This is the engine room... Read More

Holiday Eating: Party Hearty Without Putting on the Pounds!

The holidays are definitely a special time of year. These... Read More