Slimming diet

When you're looking for a good slimming diet, it helps to take a good look at what's involved before you commit yourself.

Many people start on a new plan then quickly get discouraged when it's too difficult to maintain. They blame themselves for lack of willpower, when many times the problem lies with a slimming diet that is just too difficult to keep up.

So before you dive into a new slimming diet, check to see if any of these red flags show up:

• Miraculous claims: You know the sort of thing - "lose 20 pounds in two weeks". Anything that claims to lose more than two to three pounds per week is unhealthy and unsustainable.
  
  
• Very Low Calorie: A typical woman needs around 1800-2000 calories per day, men around 2300-2500. A plan that goes much below 1200-1500 per day is going to be very restrictive.
  
  
• Severely restricted food intake: If a plan severely limits which foods you can eat, it will be difficult to sustain - you'll quickly get bored and head for the supermarket for something more interesting.
  
  
• Allow no treats: Eating should be enjoyable. Banning all pleasurable food will simply make you miserable.
  
  

The alternative? Either figure it out for yourself, or get professional outside help. If you're working it out for yourself, a dose of common sense will go a long way. Stick to a basic plan that includes:

• Plenty of water
• Regular meals
• Small portions
• Regular exercise
• Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
• A selection of low fat dairy, meat and fish
• Quality carbs - whole grains and fresh food
• Occasional treats

If this is too daunting for you, sources of outside help would include:

• Doctor
• Nutritionist
• Personal trainer
• Reputable slimming club