"Sweetie, Does This Dress Make Me Look Fat?" The Crash Diet.

Chubby Hubby doesn't even have to answer that one. He better not! The worst part is that we know the answer. In our hearts that dress is perfect for the big event. We also have eyes, and can see our B and B, (butt and belly) is not. Here we go again with the time-honored solution - the crash diet.

The crash diet is the most tempting of all diets why? Because it works. The problem with it is that we are applying a short-term solution, to a long-term problem. Crash diets work in the short run because they involve the intake of meager amounts of food (if any), which does not have substantial nutrition value.

Sometimes we're depriving the body of essential vitamins and nutrients. The sexy allure of the crash diet is that when we stop eating, and starve ourselves, weight will quickly disappear. That may be true... but at what cost.

Any diet where so few calories are taken and you short change your bodies need for energy is dangerous. Watch out for dizziness, being uncoordinated and exaggerated sleepiness. Diets that allow no fat can also be bad for you. A certain amount of fat in your diet (about 30% of total calories) is important. Although a low-fat diet may be ok, avoid eating a diet completely free of fat. Some diets eliminate needed certain food groups which is unhealthy. Chocolate is not an essential food group…let me think about that though.

Here's what happens when we starve ourselves to lose those extra pounds:nn· When you go into starvation mode on a crash diet, the body reacts by making itself more efficient at storing fat.nn· In general, starvation slows down your metabolism and in an effort to conserve what little nutritional value its getting.nn· When we resume normal eating habits the body continues to conserve energy for quite some time in 'efficiency mode'. As you take in more food it is less efficient at handling it. It takes awhile to get up to speed, then you gain weight even faster. nn· When you do go on a crash diet you need to keep reminding yourself that it is a short-term solution. Try not to be tempted to use it for a substantial length of time. nn· When you are on a crash diet it's very important to take regular vitamin supplements, carbohydrates and proteins in balance.

Simply cutting down on processed breads, sugars, soda, candy, and snacks will dramatically decrease your total caloric intake. Smaller meals taken with greater frequency keep your body running at peak calorie burning performance levels.

The long-term solution is to find a diet that has been properly researched, has proven results, and most importantly, allows you to eat foods that you can enjoy. This will increase your chances of sticking to it.

Just exercising more and eating healthy foods can help you stay in shape and achieve a healthy weight. But if you are conce
ed about your body's size, shape or think you need to lose weight, bring in the professionals and talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

I know this is not the death knell for quickly trying to lose five or 8 lbs. to fit into that perfect dress this weekend. Please be aware of the cost to your body, and think in terms of the long run. Visit a website that has a number of current, proven weight loss plans to get into safe, long-term action. Today is the first day of the rest of your Life. Good Health!