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Health and Fitness TV 24 Hrs

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Mad Dieter - You Know Who You Are!

By Samantha Putz

Every street corner, bus stop and shopping mall is bustling with images of beautiful women, mostly celebrities of fame and fortune. Are these women truly happy and content with themselves? Today's world is obsessed with looks, status and style and most celebrities fit the bill, at least in the eyes of the imperfect woman. So why do we try so desperately to achieve an unrealistic body image through fad diets? It's exhausting isn't it, to always think about food, exercise or that dreaded scale? Perhaps we do it too attract some much needed attention? Gain some self esteem and confidence? Maybe it's as simple as feeling good or to be healthy. Their are heaps of valid reasons to lose weight and plenty of motivation, however, we continue to miss the mark miserably. Let's delve deeper and investigate the most common diets and why failing us.

Carbohydrates are the sugars and starches which fuel the body. You need carbs to stay in good health and even to survive! The WHO tells us that between 55-75% of your calories should be from carbohydrates. Low carb diets like Atkins and the Zone rob you of these essential nutrients, resulting in quick weight loss, but also fatigue and hunger pangs. While you will lose weight in the first couple of weeks, your body will eventually crash. You'll have to choose between your health and the diet. If you're sick, is there any point in being thin?

Sugar and Starch are what fuels the body and the brain with much needed energy. Without these important carbohydrates, your body suffers from cumbersome symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and hunger pangs. Diets that herald eating low carb foods like Atkins and the Zone set you up for failure because as humans, we are not designed to live without carbs. Although initially, the weight loss is rapid, you're soon faced with unsurmountable cravings that lead you to the "junk" cupboard or the drive-thru at some fast food restaurant for a quick carb fix. The World Health Organization suggests our food intake comprise of at least 55-75% carbs. Anything lower and your body starts to react, leaving you feeling ill. Is this how you want to live the rest of your life?

A fat free diet is also a poor choice. Many think that fat free means a leaner me, however, more often then not, these foods are loaded with sugar which is stored into fat. Don't fall for the line that honey is better than sugar either; they are both calorie rich, regardless of the source. Go for foods which are low in sugar (and low calorie) instead of foods which are fat free.Are diets a waste of time then? They are if you don't know how your body processes food into energy and how your body uses calories. If you want to learn to eat right and look great, do your research and find something that fits your lifestyle and tastes. If you fall off the wagon, just get right back on it and never give up. You may never get the celebrity body of your dreams, but I'm betting that if you can get to your ideal weight, be more energetic and healthy, you will be thrilled with the new you.

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