What Exactly is a "Good" Diet?

does one exist?

If you're wanting an easy diet, then you'd probably also like an easy answer...NO! There is no good diet that will make you quickly lose weight. Aside from tape worms and gastric bypass surgery, losing weight takes a lot of work. Don't let anyone tell you differently.

Most fad diets are dangerous. Even if by some miracle they don't put undue stress on your kidneys and liver, you'll pack the weight back on as soon as you come off the diet. Making a lasting change in your weight means changing your life style. Half of this is exercising more, but the other half is eating right.

A few simple changes can make a huge difference.

None of these will come as a surprise, but good advice rarely does.

1) Cut down on the meat.

Most of us eat way more calories than we burn in a day. Your weight is a simple equation. If energy in is greater than energy out...you're getting pudgy. Meat is full of protein and fat that unless you're being active, you're not burning off.

2) Cut out the processed food products.

Anything that comes in a box or a bag that can be eaten right away has been salted, sweetened, refined, and basically turned into garbage. Fresh foods are the way to go.

3) Less Salt!

Most americans aren't fat, they're puffy. Ok, fine, a lot of us are fat, but we're still puffy. Salt makes you retain water. The kicker is that most low-fat foods make up for the flavor by adding sodium. Look at the labels! You'll be appalled by the amount of salt you eat. It puts a huge strain on your heart.

4) Eat more non-soluble fiber.

I hate to be gross but I've just got to say it. You should be having 2-3 bowel movements a day. Your body was not built to carry waste. Eat more crunchy vegetables, rice, and whole grains. Your colon and pant size will thank you.

 

Morgan Smith, DC

January 4, 2007