Tips on Following a Very Low-Calorie Diet

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(Newswire.net — October 18, 2018) — For many years, low-calorie diets were used to help obese and overweight patients lose weight. Aside from bariatric surgery, there is little that has been more effective for losing large amounts of weight quickly. There are now an increasing number of Very Low-Calorie Diets (VLCD) available. The idea behind this kind of diet is that to lose weight you have to use more energy than you are putting into your body in the form of food and drink. There are several ways you can do this. Making healthy changes to your eating habits is one way, and together with getting more regular exercise, this is enough for some. Many people are looking for a more structured way to lose weight and are turning to manufactured products because all the hard work is done for you.

See Your Doctor

Before you decide to begin any diet or fitness program, you should see your doctor. It is especially important if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Your doctor can help you assess your body condition and decide on some goals. One ideal way to measure the success of any program is your BMI (body mass index) and your waist measurement. Other than your weight, these can be good indicators of your weight loss success.

Prepare Properly

The temptation will be to blowout the week before you start your diet on cake, alcohol and other processed carb-loaded foods. A far more sensible approach is to slowly reduce your carbs and calories and increase the number of liquids in your diet. Binging before your start your VLCD will leave you feeling absolutely terrible by around day 3 of your diet. Depleting your stored glycogen will take much longer.

Look for Support

You’re bound to tell your family and close friends about your new diet. Give them plenty of information so they can support you. Several VLCD programs run groups or offer one-to-one support and supervision. If you prefer a little more anonymity, opt for a keto diet plan which has an online community where advice and tips can be shared.

Keep Hydrated

One aspect of a Very Low-Calorie Diet that some people find hard is the increase in the amount of liquid you’re expected to consume. Drinking sufficient quantities of water is essential for several reasons. It keeps your body hydrated, suppresses hunger, and helps maintain proper bowel, liver and kidney function. Don’t try to drink your recommended amount all in one go. Instead, spread it out during the day and set reminders. The amount of water you’ll be required to drink will depend on your weight, activity, and other things that affect your metabolism.

Be Prepared

You’re not always going to be at home when you need to eat, so be prepared to eat away from home every now and again. If you work, you’ll need to have your meals ready and anything else you need to prepare them. Finding yourself without your planned meal and the means to prepare it will be the time you’re tempted to fall off the wagon. Be prepared for emergencies and those times when you’re tempted. Have some spare bars ready just in case you need them.

Don’t Be Embarrassed About Wavering

There’s nothing wrong with falling off the wagon, as long as you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back on it straight away. Even the best dieter will be tempted every now and again. Don’t get too down about this dip in your motivation and don’t wait until the next day to start again. Remember the end goal you want to achieve and keep right on going.

Write a Journal

There are many occasions that can benefit from writing a journal and being on a diet is one of them. You could even some photos along the way, so you see how well you’re doing. If you don’t mind putting pen to paper, write down how you’re feeling, what has been particularly difficult, what you miss and the reasons you’ve chosen to go on a diet. On the days when you’re feeling less positive, you can turn to your journal and shake off those blues.

Exercise

As is generally recognized, exercise is an important part of any weight loss program. However, with a VLCD you do need to be careful about the type of exercise you choose. Listen to your body and adapt your training to your energy levels. They will change over time, and you’ll be able to increase the amount and type of exercise you’re doing.

One final word of advice is to remember that the goal of a low-calorie diet is good health. Don’t be tempted to let your weight get too low.