Is "Dieting" Healthy?

The month is ending and you are probably writing down your new month “resolutions” Is dieting one of them. High-protein diets. Low-fat diets. Vegetarian diets. No-carb diets. (long sigh) With all the focus on dieting, how do you figure out what's healthy and what isn't? (it’s not all about losing weight you know)

So, people diet for many reasons. Some are at an unhealthy weight and need to pay closer attention to their eating and exercise habits. Some play sports and want to be in top physical condition. Others may think they would look and feel better if they lost a few pounds.

Lots of people feel pressured to lose weight and try different types of diets. But if you really need to lose weight, diets are certainly not the way to go! (Like seriously)

Can diets be unhealthy?

 You know how they say too much of everything is bad? Well in the case of food, lack of something could be detrimental. Everyone needs enough calories to keep their bodies running well. Any diet on which you don't eat enough calories and important nutrients can be harmful. Extreme low-fat diets also can be bad for you. Everyone needs some fat in their diet, so no one should eat a completely fat-free diet. About 30% of total calories should come from fat.

Don't fall for diets that restrict food groups, either. A diet that says no carbs — like bread or pasta — or tells you to eat only fruit is unhealthy. You won't get the vitamins and minerals you need. And although you may lose weight at first, these diets don't usually work in the long run. (You’d be right back to where you started)

Asides from the fact that diets don’t work, they are also bad for your mental and physical health. Ranging from side effects of weight fluctuation like an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, to elevated cortisol (the stress hormone), and triggered binge eating, dieting makes food the centre of your life! (I mean, how wouldn’t it be?)

The Best Form of “Dieting”

The best way to diet is to eat a variety of healthy food. Aim to eat more fruits and veggies, whole grains, and drink water instead of sugary drinks like sodas. Cut back on meats high in fat (like burgers), fried foods, sweets, and other junk food.

Extreme dieting can cause problems if you don't get the right kinds and amounts of nutrients. But eating healthy meals and snacks and exercising can help you lose weight and support normal growth. Regular exercise can help you feel healthier and better about yourself.

If you are ready to make changes, here are some tried-and-true tips:

• Exercise! Be active every day. Walk to school, sign up for a fitness class, find a sport you like, or dance in your bedroom. It doesn't matter what you do — just move!
• Drink low-fat milk or water instead of sugary drinks.
• Eat as many servings a day of fruits and veggies.
• Choose a variety of protein foods, like lean meat and poultry, seafood, beans, soy products, and nuts.
• Eat whole grains (like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal), which provide fiber to help you feel full.
• Eat breakfast. Studies show that people who eat breakfast do better in mentally, tend to eat less throughout the day, and are less likely to be overweight.
• Pay attention to portion sizes.
• Limit eating out and choose smaller sizes at fast-food restaurants. Avoid supersizing even if it feels like better value.
• Don't take diet pills or supplements, even ones you get over-the-counter.

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