The Hidden Truth About Diets

) Copyright 2005 Hiram Perez



Quick, what's the first thought that pops into your head

when you hear the word "diet?" Probably that when you're

on one, you feel like you're going to "d-i-e" right?!



WHAT EXACTLY IS A DIET?



Most people believe that a diet is something that involves

pain, suffering, and giving up foods we enjoy. Some of the

symptoms of "being on a diet" usually include being

hungry and cranky all the time. But this is not really the

true meaning of the word and if you get hung up on all the

negative stuff, you'll miss the entire concept.



Webster's dictionary defines a "Diet" as:



a : food and drink regularly provided or consumed;

b : habitual nourishment;

c : the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person for

a special reason.



In other words, it's what we regularly or habitually eat and

drink to nourish our bodies. That's not so bad. But here's

the hidden truth that will turn your understanding of diets

on its head and practically guarantee that you'll reach

whatever weight goal you desire: Being "on a diet" really

means having a plan for your eating instead of eating

according to any spur-of-the-moment mood or habit.

That's it!



This is so simple. But then most basic truths are.

However, it's extremely powerful if you take the time to

think about it and fully understand what it means. Let me

say it again so that you don't miss it: Being on a diet really

means having what you eat controlled by a PLAN instead

of by your moods or habits.



WHY MOST DIETS DON'T WORK



The reason most diets don't work is because of the

extreme measures most of them require. Some force you

to give up everything except cabbage soup, or everything

except meat and meat products, or everything except

salads. This is not only monotonous, it's also pretty harsh

-- not only harsh to stick with, but harsh on your physical

wellbeing as well.



True, a monotonous diet is often effective at losing weight

over the short term (ie: the Atkins Diet) but you have to

wonder if you aren't giving up a part of your health in the

process (ie: ketosis, acidosis, etc). Many conventional

diets put the body in a highly acidic state which can create

a number of health problems.



Our bodies are designed to absorb vitamins, nutrients, and

minerals from a wide variety of foods and a monotonous

diet runs directly counter to that. It simply isn't natural, and

is the main reason most conventional diets just don't work

in the long run.



THE RIGHT WAY TO DIET



The right way to diet is to think of dieting as a system of

correct eating. Your diet should include a balanced plan

for a variety of foods, taken in moderate amounts, and in

the proper combination. You should also eat only when

you're hungry, not when the clock says it's lunch or dinner

time.



So forget the fad diets that don't work and get started on

planning a diet that you can stick with over the long term.

This is the balanced approach to good health and nutrition,

and it's an approach that you can live with for the rest of

your life.



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Hiram Perez has made good health and fitness a lifelong study. Discover other simple and common sense techniques to improve your wellbeing by signing up for a free 5-part mini-course at http://www.Balance-Your-Health.com