LOSE WEIGHT, GET INTO SHAPE OR JUST EAT HEALTHILY

The reasons for dieting are diverse.
And to diet for whatever reason is fashionable.

WEIGHT CONTROL

Probably the most popular reason for dieting is to lose weight and it's almost impossible to pick up a newspaper or magazine without finding at least one article trying to convince us that by following the recommended diet we can fit into that party outfit we've had our eye on for some time, and showing "before" and "after" pics to encourage us to follow a particular diet. As well as improving our looks, losing excess weight can only have a beneficial effect on our health and overall well being.

Those of us who have a few pounds or kilos to lose can usually home in on a diet that suits us and can successfully reach our target weight.

Long term dieting can be tedious and really boring and as such is often abandoned.

It is said that rapid weight loss is not good, as it is easily put back on and that it is far better to lose weight gradually as it is more likely to stay off. However, many people find that a short sharp 3 or 4 day diet, such as the so called Heart Foundation Diet, is tolerable and achieves the dieter's objective. And by eating normally, but not excessively, between regular 3 day dieting, is an acceptable way of maintaining an acceptable weight.

Making dieting seem like a punishment is, unfortunately, a contributor to failure. A system of discipline and reward can go a long way to encourage weight loss. There has to be light at the end of the tunnel. To think that forever you're going to be denied everything you enjoy is the biggest turn off ever and leads to the "I'd rather be happy than thin" when it should be promoted that "You can be slim and happy"

Having grapefruit, or grapefruit juice, with every meal is all that some people need to maintain their ideal weight. Others say that certain parts of the pineapple plant aid weight loss. Or what about just eliminating bread and potatoes? Cut down on the alcohol - if you must drink, switch to less sweet tipples and eliminate the fizzy drinks. How about replacing breakfast or lunch with fruit salad?

There are those weight loss diets that advocate protein only diets with no fruit and only certain vegetables: those that are mainly protein but including selected fruit and vegetables: those that allow both protein and carbohydrates but don't allow them to be eaten together: those that emphasise the importance of fibre: those that eliminate fat etc etc etc

Drinking plenty of cold water is supposed to be a valuable aid to weight loss.

Certain foods are promoted as being negative calorie foods following the idea that they take more energy to digest than they actually contain.

Many people find that by combining different elements from a variety of diets they can come up with one that not only works for them but is also quite nice and suits their taste buds. Trial and error is the key.

Diets and weight loss programmes are big business.

Losing weight and attaining and maintaining your ideal size is not rocket science and, unless your weight problem is due to an underlying medical condition, most people should be able to manage their own weight control.

Those who fall into the grossly overweight or obese category normally have to either attend a clinic or weightwatching organisation where they will receive the necessary medical control or club encouragement. Those whose weight problem is due to a medical problem, naturally, have to follow the advice of their doctor.

Often the most serious problems of obesity arise with those who, from childhood, have eaten unhealthily - often eating junk food as a norm or who constantly pig out on whatever is to hand.

It has to be said that, whether you have a few pounds or kilos to lose or whether you are grossly overweight or obese, the ideal weight control programme includes both diet and exercise. Although extremes in either should be avoided. At the end of the day, most people want to be healthily slim but attractive. Rather than thin and sinewy. And, as we grow older, we need to be careful that we don't replace flesh with wrinkles.

There are any number of pills and herbal products which are said to aid weight loss. These supplements are available from pharmacies and health food shops.

There are any number of fad diets which people follow for no reason other than a conviction that they are good for them. Or people eliminate certain foods believing them to be bad for them. The motivation seemingly only to eat, as they believe, healthily.

In the case of medical conditions, it is often the case that certain foods have to be avoided in order to eliminate or reduce problems or allergies. Also the inclusion of certain foods or natural food supplements can have similar results. All such sufferers should follow the advice of their doctor, dietician or perhaps health food supplier.