what you need to know about the low calorie diet
When we speak of a low-calorie diet, we’re talking about one that reduces the number of calories we consume each day through solid foods and drinks. Whereas the typical person takes in about 2,000 calories a day, those who want to lose weight will instead change to a low calorie program. This diet will limit the person to about 900 to 1,300 calories daily.
Calories are what help your body run throughout the day, calories are fuel to a person just as diesel is fuel to a car. When you eat fewer calories your body will burn off fat that has been stored in your body rather than burn the calories you have just eaten. This is what helps you lose weight when you stick to a low calorie diet.
Before you begin your low calorie diet, visit a bookstore and find a good calorie counter. This helpful tool will list thousands of foods, telling about their calorie and fat amounts. This book will quickly become a trusted advisor, as it helps you plan what to eat.
Despite using a low calorie diet you will still need to eat a healthy and a nutritious diet in order to stay healthy. Don’t rush your low calorie diet and never starve yourself; you will only end up making yourself ill this way.
There are three main staples to every person’s diet and these are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. You should still have a good proportion of these nutrients within your low calorie diet as they keep your body healthy. For every gram of carbohydrates there are 4 calories; so in order to still get your carbs and lose weight you should have roughly 60% carbs in your low calorie diet.
Protein is the fighter of the three key staples. This amino acid helps the person maintain healthy vitality; it is essential for a nutritious diet. The protein math to remember: Each gram of protein contains four calories. This means about 15 percent of your diet needs to consist of proteins.
One helpful idea for your diet is to keep a journal of what you eat. Track the calories and fat content, and never lie to yourself.
Finally, never think that a low calorie diet is the only thing you need to do to lose weight. Equally important is developing a regular exercise routine. After you’ve gotten your doctor’s approval, start your program with something simple like a daily walk. Make yourself go a little farther or a little faster each day. Eventually you can add a trip to the gym, where the staff will be happy to work with you in helping you achieve a fitter you.
Filed under: Health & Fitness