Healthy Diet Plans >>  Diet and Weight Loss >>  Low calorie diets
Low calorie diets

The key aspect of any weight reduction program is controlling the calorie intake of your body. A diet plan that involves consuming around 1500 to 1800 calories per day can be classified as a low calorie diet. Very low calorie diets, on the other hand, involve severely restricting your calorie intake to 800 or less calories. However, these low calorie diets are not for everyone. If you are planning on going on a very low calorie diet make sure you consult your physician first.
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There are a number of low calorie diets and it is important that you find one that suits you. The crucial aspect to low calorie diets is portion control and you don’t need to starve. Even if you are planning a low calorie diet make sure that the diet you follow is well-balanced and complete. Start by simply keeping track of the calories.  Two important ways to ensure that your diet works for you is to eat slower and select foods that are healthy. Some of the low calorie foods you can enjoy while on this diet include skinless chicken, fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products, beans, and whole grain cereals. Ensure that you eat five helpings of fruits and vegetables every single day.

There are a number of low calorie diet plans that are available and it can be very confusing to decide which one to choose and figure out which one can beneficial for you. It is important to ensure that you consume foods that are balanced and complete. You should aim at weight loss that is realistic and achievable.

Here are a few tips you need to keep in mind while on low calorie diet menus. Make sure that you consume four to six serving of food and snacks everyday. Ensure that you plan your meals in advance. Keep the food ready the night before. This means that you have to keep low fat foods and fresh food handy. Don’t get too bothered by your diet specifics. Begin by counting the calories you consume. Make sure you eat slower and chew your food well.  Eliminate food that is high in calories and fat and select healthier food. Stay away from high sugar foods such as candy bars, pies, and pastries.  
 
Before starting a low calorie diet make sure you have a calorie counter with you. This information about the number of calories contained in food is easily available in a number of books or publications. The next step involves working out the number of calories you are going to consume each day. Work out your menu to begin with and as you go along you will be able to figure out what foods you enjoy on your diet. Try keeping a diary to record everything you eat, no matter how small it may be. At the end of the first week, check to see what you have eaten. If for some reason you have cheated on your diet don’t beat yourself up and give up.   

Eating low calorie foods does not mean that you have to eat food that is bland and tasteless. In fact studies indicate that the chances of your sticking to your low-calorie diet are higher when the taste buds find the food palatable. Some low calorie cooking methods include steaming, boiling, roasting, sautéing, and stewing your food.

A diet plan which controls your calorie intake is a great way to bring about a change in your eating habits. This is because you can devise a diet plan that includes anything you like.  You just need to make sure that your calorie allowance is not exceeded. Once you reach your desired weight you can still continue your diet by eating slightly increased portions. If you go back to your old eating habits you will simply put on all the weight you’ve lost.

Submitted on September 23, 2010
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