Fad diets offer quick fix, not long-term healthy lifestyle

In lieu of seeking avenues for rapid weight loss, people looking to make a change during this dieting season, should heed the advice of professionals who suggest making subtle changes to daily routines as a means of weight management. By making the right changes an ongoing part of their lifestyles, dieters are more likely to keep the weight off permanently. Such an accomplishment can greatly reduce a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Laura Molseed, a registered dietitian, offers these tips for healthy, sustainable weight loss.

? Live a more ‘fruit’ful life. As more Americans are recognizing the country’s growing obesity problem, healthier foods continue to move to the forefront of diets. Foods low in calories, Trans fat and sugar, such as fruits and vegetables, can help many Americans lower their weight, manage their blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy heart.

“Fruits and vegetables are naturally low-calorie foods that are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber,” said Molseed. “Taking simple steps toward a healthy lifestyle each day will yield significant results in your overall health. For starters, just add one more serving of fruit, vegetables or tomatoes daily, and one more serving weekly of tuna, to your diet.”

Leading consumer goods companies are responding to consumers’ demand for healthy, convenient items that they can keep in their pantry with innovative new products. In particular, Molseed recommends new Del Monte? No Sugar Added products, which contain 50 to 70 percent fewer calories and less sugar.

? Snack, but snack wisely. Part of the reason many fad diets fail to result in long-term health is because they set unrealistic guidelines by which to follow. For instance, as good as a shake might taste a couple of times per day; sooner or later dieters are going to want real, tangible food.

Instead of starving themselves between meals, dieters are encouraged to make smart choices when it comes to snacking. In fact, small, healthy snacks can help to motivate your metabolism and boost energy. There is a variety of on-the go snacks available to calorie-conscious consumers.

? Make your food work for you. Dieters tend to look at food as the enemy, but that’s not necessarily the case. While large portions of anything is never a good idea, moderate portions of healthy foods can actually help dieters reach their goals of achieving optimal health. Single-serving products like fruit cups, yogurt, pouch tuna and even cookies are a great way to ensure that you’re getting the proper number of servings of the foods you need, while regulating your portions.

? Make exercise as much a part of your routine as diet. No successful weight loss regimen is complete without incorporating exercise into the daily routine. Simply eating healthier and smaller portions is not enough to achieve optimal health. In addition to eating fewer calories through such foods as fruits and vegetables, dieters need to exercise to help burn off excess calories, which can linger in spite of your best efforts to alter your diet.

Though the season for dieting is upon us all, it’s important for dieters to keep in mind that a commitment to weight loss is also a commitment to keeping the weight off. With the right approach, even the most subtle changes can end up making all the difference.