A lot of people are mistaken when they go on a diet to lose weight.
Don’t get me wrong — it often works, but is it healthy?
There is a big difference between healthy dieting and unhealthy dieting.
When you think of the word “diet” what comes to mind? Probably salads, fruits and vegetables. That’s good.
Healthy dieting will make you feel better and focus in school — as a bonus, you will maintain a healthy weight.
However, for some people it is hard to do so. Although salads, fruits and vegetables may be a part of your daily diet, you may not be completely healthy. You may be skinny, but not healthy. Cutting out all sources of carbs, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals can be very dangerous.
The modern stereotype is skinny is healthy, but that is not necessarily the case. Usually actors and actresses are skinny, and many fashions are portrayed by thin models.
However, for some of these people, it is very damaging to their bodies and can lead to eating disorders.
Some diets are great.
For instance, changing your after-school snack from a bag of chips and a cookie to an apple and a granola bar. But some diets prevent you from eating nutrients that you need, like diets that restrict carbs, calories or fat. You can’t live without those things, so don’t try to cut them out of your diet because you think it will make you look thinner. That will only cause you to feel run-down and tired.
If you want to be skinnier and feel good, eat a good meal, wait 30 minutes or so and then go exercise. If you do this two to three times a week, you will begin to notice a positive change in your look and attitude.
Never go on a diet just to lose weight — go on a diet to be healthy.
Dieting by the Numbers: Information from livestrong.com.
- 62 percent of adult Americans are overweight or obese
- More than 9 million children suffer from health problems
- 50 percent of women are on a diet most of the time
- Americans spent $46.3 billion on weight-loss products in 2004
- 35 percent of people who diet become addicted to dieting
- The average dieting age for girls starts at 8 years old
