Friday, November 28, 2008

A Permanent Diet is the Key to Finding a Diet That Works

By Melissa Moore

The diet industry is booming as there is never a shortage of folks that need to lose weight and lot of them are always on the lookout for diets that work. But, finding a diet that works really isn't that difficult to do. Rather, finding a diet a person can consistently follow over a period of time is the issue.

The 46.8 billion dollar diet industry (as of 2005) depends not on people staying healthy and keeping off weight, but rather on people taking an endless yo-yo ride between health and fat. Because the money comes from repeat business, the focus is naturally on methods and products that work for a short period but result in return business.

Take this diet as an example. Combine limiting caloric intake to 1000 calories a day with at least 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week. If you practice this diet, you would most definitely lose weight.

But there are two difficulties. First, cravings will likely end the diet. Sooner or later, particularly after intense work outs, those 1000 calories won't leave you satisfied. It will start with a potato chip or piece of candy, then it's whole bag of snacks and a piece of pie, and then the diet is kaput. Second, the diet has a finite life prescribed. You will eventually go back to eating the same stuff before the diet and in the same old way. Next season, or, or next vacation, or next big event or simply the next time you try putting on those jeans it will once again be time to go on a diet.

The best diet is a permanent diet. More and more people are coming to realize that to lose weight it's best to change lifestyle, including healthier eating habits and more physical activity.

The Sonoma Diet, created by Connie Guttersen, focuses on ten "power foods." These are almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes and whole grains, combined with the cuisine of the Sonoma country, which includes Asian, Latin American and Mediterranean influences. The diet includes a wide variety of real, and enjoyable foods so it's easy to stay on it.

Shift the focus away from a short term diet to permanent eating habits that go along with an overall healthy and active lifestyle. In so doing, you will find the diet that works. - 16752

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