From Livestrong.com
Jan 11, 2010 | By
A low calorie diet can mean little more than cutting back on the number of calories you consume each day. However, a healthy low calorie diet encourages weight loss while maintaining proper nutrition. Some calorie restriction diets are regarded more as of a way of life than they are temporary weight loss programs. Diets that are very low in calories are typically designed to treat obesity under the supervision of a physician. There are a number of low calorie diet plans to consider for weight loss and/or in the quest to achieve optimal health.
Considerations
The Diabetes Monitor website defines a low calorie diet as one that restricts calorie consumption to between 800 and 1,500 calories per day. The Mayo Clinic says low calorie diets should include fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein sources, nuts and seeds. The Harvard School of Public Health says fast food should be avoided not only due to its high caloric content but because it contains saturated and trans fats. According to the Mayo Clinic, trans fats not only raise "bad" LDL cholesterol levels they lower your "good" HDL cholesterol.
Calorie Restriction Diets
A calorie restriction diet focuses on lowering calories while improving your overall nutrition. The goal of this type of diet according to the Calorie Restriction Society (CRS) is to obtain the maximum amount of nutrition from a minimum number of calories. The CRS believes the nutritional value of the foods you consume should be your number one consideration and the number of calories a secondary concern.
CR Dietary Considerations
According to the CRS, a calorie restriction diet discourages the intake of saturated fats, simple sugars and flours. A moderate amount of protein is recommended along with plenty of green leafy and non-leaf vegetables.
Very Low Calorie Diets
A very low-calorie diet generally uses commercially prepared nutrition formulas (shakes and bars) to expedite weight loss in people who are obese according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). People on a VLCD diet typically consumer no more than 800 calories per day.
Effects of the Very Low Calorie Diet
Experts at the National Institutes of Health say that very low calorie diets may result in substantial short-term weight loss in obese patients. However, it should occur in conjunction with nutrition and behavioral counseling, exercise and possibly medication.
Outlook
The positive health effects of maintaining a healthy weight are worth the effort according to Harvard School of Public Health. The benefits including a reduced risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and several cancers. Experts at Harvard say that a food diary can help you stay in touch with how much you are eating and make you more aware of how quickly calories can add up.
References
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/72360-low-calorie-diet-information/#ixzz1wIU8XJVi
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