Understanding Healthy Diet Plans

The word diet refers to an eating program, a way of life or a lifestyle with respect to eating. It is something everyone is on and refers to a regular intake of food. The idea that it is something that you go on in order to lose weight is a misconception.  

A diet is not something one uses to lose weight rather we all have our own particular diet which could be referred to as normal, however, some of us could benefit from modifying our diet and if we wish to reduce our weight then the term 'healthy diet plans' should be used.  

For the latter part of the 20th century up until today, healthy diet plans have become very fashionable and commercial in the Western culture. It is estimated that at 25% of the population in the USA are on some form of weight reducing diet.  

There are many healthy diet plans on the market claiming quick weight loss - the choice of diet and the claims made are astonishing. It is difficult to ascertain how successful in the long run these diets are as many of these diets are boring, expensive, complicated and tedious after a short period of time.  

It is therefore no surprise that 99% of people who start out with healthy diet plans, either give up or fail in achieving their goal weight.  

The body does not understand the concept of dieting. The body actually recognizes dieting as a sign of starvation and slows down the metabolic rate. In slowing down, the body protects the stores of energy (fat) that have accumulated until the starvation period is over.  

Healthy diet plans often result in the deprivation of glycogen. This slows the body down resulting in tiredness, depression and irritability. These are all common complaints dieters suffer from  

In order to maintain normal levels of Glycogen it is essential that your healthy diet plans follow the rule of thumb that you should be eating at least ten calories per pound of normal body weight. Therefore, if you wish to attain an ideal weight of 150 pounds, the daily calorie intake should contain at least 1500 calories.  

Glycogen also controls the appetite. Insufficient glycogen will trigger sensations of extreme hunger, even though you have just eaten. Where there is too little glycogen in the blood the autonomic nervous system is triggered and certain mechanisms are set in motion.  

Healthy diet plans should be gradual in nature so that the 'anti-starvation trigger is not set in motion.

If you would like more nutritional information described in this article please visit our blog website called nutritionlearn.com Nutritional Information Alternatively there are many good nutritional based courses found at the college link below.

Nigel Arding is business owner of a private vocational college, CanAm College located at canamcollege.com canamcollege.com and writes articles in support of the many unique courses available at the college.