Lose Weight Without Starving? Impossible!

If there is one thing most traditional dieters have in common, it is a look of sheer starvation on their faces. They stare longingly at anything anyone else is eating, walk around with their stomachs grumbling and maybe even appear to lack energy, rounding out their emaciated or wannabe emaciated image.

This is not the best way to diet. The fact of the matter is any plan or crash diet that fosters a feeling of starvation is probably going to backfire. Sure, the dieter will lose a few pounds on the front end. Once the crash course is over, however, the pounds are likely to come back with a vengeance. Diets that promote skipping meals or entire food groups simply are not healthy and they can lead to a ping-pong effect when it comes to weight loss.

Why do people try them?

It all comes down to the short-term victories. Tightly controlled starvation diets can produce big results quickly. They will, however, hit a plateau rather fast and leave followers in the lurch.

There is a better way to go. It is possible to lose weight without starving and even promote weight loss that lasts. Try these things instead of the latest fad:

Eat More Regularly

Smaller, healthier meals and snacks spread out through the course of the day can prime the metabolism for calorie burning while fostering a sense of being full that lasts. Start out with breakfast and make sure to eat at least three meals and two snacks moving forward. Remember that meals and snacks should be small, light and healthy.

Change Up Food Choices

A good weight loss diet will involve healthy food choices that truly fuel the body. It will not involve skipping out on entire food groups unless there is a medical reason to do so. With this in mind, it is often best to use the diet time to start adopting better lifestyle choices. Start with substituting the foods that are normally eaten for lower calorie, higher nutritional value options. For example, give up white rice or potatoes for whole grain rice. Switch out fried foods for broiled, baked or grilled. Go with fresh or steamed veggies whenever possible. Creative substitutions can make a big difference.

Pay Attention To What Is Consumed

Many nutritional experts recommend changing habits rather than using crash diets. With this in mind, it is a very good idea to pay attention to the foods consumed throughout the day. It is all too easy to start out on the right foot and then blow it by snacking late in the evening. Keep meals steady, avoid unhealthy snacks and try to stay on track.

With any lifestyle change it’s a good idea to expect some slips though. Be prepared for them and just get right back on track if they happen. Do remember that an occasional piece of pie or an ice cream cone is not the end of the world. These treats, however, should be seen as just that.

Trying to lose weight with a starvation plan will provide some results, but chances are high they will not last. There are plenty of smart, healthy choices dieters can make that will promote lasting results. Learning more about healthy living can help anyone with a true desire to lose get the results they want.