Truths about Dieting, And how to stick to an exercise program Options

[Annie5332]

I've seen a lot of topics about dieting and whatnot, and I decided to share some information I have out of a book called Life Lists for Teens. Im not sure if all of these are true, but I found these most interesting and surprising.

Diets dont work.
Diets dont work. When you diet, you lose weight, but from water and muscle, not fat. Your body thinks you're starving and it reacts by slowing down the rate at which you burn calories.

Dieting can make you fat.
Dieting can make you fat. Research has shown that most dieters who lose 25 pounds or more on strict diets go back to their old eating habits and regain the weight they lost. Then they diet again and gain even more pounds back.

Dieting slows down your metabolism.
Your body has a genetically programmed weight called a "set point." Eat too little and it shifts into "survivor mode," slowing down your metabolism to conserve energy and store fat.

Dieting is unhealthy.
When you're on a low-calorie diet, it's almost impossible to get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Diet drinks may contain added nutrients, but your body gets more benefits from the natural vitamins and minerals in wholesome foods.

Dieting makes you sluggish.
When you deprive your body of essential nutrients, it cant function properly. A drastic reduction in calories can make you tired, weak, and less alert.

DIETING CAN LEAD TO EATING DISORDERS.
An obsession with food and weight can lead to anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating.

Dieting doesnt make you fit.
Some thin people (not all of them, of course) are actually underweight and may be malnourished. Its also possible to be skinny and totally out of shape because of an inactive lifestyle and lack of muscle tone.

If you're a girl, dieting can lead to amenorrhea.
Losing to much weight can interfere with or stop your regular menstrual cycle. You may think this is a good thing, but it can cause all kinds of health problems now and when you're older.

Point- The only way to lose weight safely and effectively and keep it off, is through lifestyle changes that include regular exercise and healthy eating habits.

Tips for Sticking to an Exercise Program

Exercise with friends! You're more likely to exercise more if you exercise with friends.
Pick something you like. There are so many activities you can choose from to exercise like running, power walking, swimming, aerobics classes. Pick what suits you best.
Dont let competition ruin the fun. If you are a competitive person, dont let your competition ruin the game or the fun. So make sure you keep it a friendly game, not a death match =]
Exercise on specific days during the week. Keeping a schedule will be much easier to exercise with.
Start slow! You dont have to take things fast from the beginning! Take it slow then work your way up.
Warm up. Dont forget to warm up before you start. You might pull a muscle or hurt yourself.
Cool down. After your exercise or when you stop suddenly, SLOW DOWN! Stopping suddenly can cause faintness, dizziness, nausea, irregular heartbeats and etc.
Think positively. Insted of telling yourself to get your lazy butt off the chair and start exercising, tell yourself things more positive =]
Make it a habit! Promise yourself that you'll stay with your exercise program for at least 3 weeks. Thats how long it takes to develop a new habit and keep it!

Hope this helps someone