OCR Text |
Show Dieting Is Slow For most overweight persons, per-sons, there is no medical justification jus-tification for rapid weight loss or a nutritionally imbalanced diet. A GOOD weight-reduction program is one that is reduced in calories and adequate in nutrients. Regular meals and the Four Food Groups form the basis of a good diet that is suitable (or adaptable) for people with different health problems. The individual who needs a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, for example, should continue to use milk products in the recommended amounts because of their high nutritive value, but should always choose nonfat products from this group. THERE AREN'T any "reducing foods," a new American Medical Association Associa-tion pamphlet says. When you lose weight, it's because of taking in fewer calories than you are burning. Total calories, not the foods they come from, make the difference. Bear in mind, though, that fats are the most concentrated concentrat-ed source of calories. One gram of fat contains nine calories, compared with four calories per gram of either protein or carbohydrate and. seven calories per gram of alcohol. . IF YOU are more than eight or ten pounds overweight, it's unrealistic to think you will solve the problem in two or three weeks. Weight lost through crash diets almost always is regained when normal nor-mal eating patterns are resumed. Reducing salons and health clubs are fine, if you can afford af-ford them. Group workouts may give moral support, but you can exercise just as well at home. Exercise machines that pretend to shake it off without- effort on your part are a waste of time and money. AS TO protein supplements, supple-ments, save your money. Most people get all the protein they need from ordinary foods. There are a number of drugs that have been misused in weight-reducing weight-reducing programs. Use of drugs in weight control is rarely or never justifiable, says the AMA pamphlet. Diet clubs, such as Weight Watchers and TOPS, can help many individuals gain control of their eating habits. |