Do I need to go on a diet?

Why we diet?

Lose weight! The most common reason to diet is to shed that extra weight. People go on a diet to remain fit and healthy. Sometimes, health problems like obesity can also be reasons to on a stringent diet. But dieting alone is not enough to remain healthy. It should ideally be accompanied with regular exercise, whichever form it may be - swimming, jogging, sports or yoga.

Can dieting be unhealthy?

A lot of people ignore the fact that the human body requires a minimum amount of calorie intake, per day, to function properly.

A crash diet implies consuming around 800 calories in a day. This can result in dangerous consequences. Even certain fat percentage is essential for healthy functioning of the body.

30% of calorie intake in a day should constitute fat

Diets that do not contain a certain food group are not healthy. For example, some diets that restrict consumption of carbs like pasta and bread wont do much good to your health in the long run. These kinds of diets may temporarily show drastic weight loss results but as soon as you go back to your usual diet - you might just end up facing health complications.

The two most important factors that ensure a healthy body and fit mind are a balanced diet and regular exercise. Consult a nutritionist for the most appropriate diet that will benefit your body type. Meanwhile, start jogging or indulge in your favourite sport activities at least twice a week.

What's most important is to keep in mind the dangers of consuming processed food, excessively sweet and deep fried food.

You will be shocked to know that only a small soda can contains 150 calories (if not more) of sugar and completely lacks any other nutrients. Instead of soda, try switching to skimmed milk which has lesser amount of calories while giving more energy to the body. Fruits and vegetable have high vitamin and mineral content. You can have fruits in-between meals rather than indulging in fast food or munchies.

For a healthy intake of proteins and carbohydrates you can choose from foods like lean meat, poultry, seafood, beans, soy products and nuts. Whole grains are essential providers of fiber, iron and vitamin B. following a healthy diet is quite simple after one gets into a daily habit.