Weightopedia

Very Low-Calorie Diets: Not for Everyone

The very low-calorie diet promotes fast weight loss for obese patients. The diet must be supervised by a physician. The dietitian recommends formulas, usually bars or liquid shakes that replace the food intake for several months.

People who follow a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) consume up to 800 calories per day. VLCD formulas shouldn`t be confused with meal replacements like bars, shakes, or entrees. The formulas must include vitamins and micronutrients according to the nutritional requirements of each person.

VLCDs may be used to produce short-term weight loss for people who are obese and deal with medical problems because of it, like blood pressure. The very low-calorie diets are not good for children or teenagers, except in specialized treatments. People over fifty may not tolerate VLCD because of its side effects.

After a week of very low-calorie diet, weight loss of three to five pounds is registered by moderately to extremely obese people and the high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure may be improved.

VLCDs have side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or fatigue. Although the side effects usually disappear within a few weeks and don`t stop people from ending their program, another side effect is gallstone formation (especially for women) because of the increased level of cholesterol from gallbladder.

Weight gain after VLCD is common but may be prevented. You may combine a VLCD with physical activity and a follow-up treatment to prevent unwanted weight gain.

Tips for an Active Life

Take advantage of your spare time and burn some calories, no matter if you`re home, at work, or doing something else. Working out at home helps you combine fitness with other activities, like watching TV. You can also set a good example for your children by having an active life style.

If you don`t have enough time to follow a proper fitness program at home, try some of the following ideas that may help you combine daily activities with workout:
- Don`t hire someone to do the housework, do it yourself.
- Work in the garden: rake leaves, mow the lawn, or pick up trash.
- Take a walk before breakfast or after dinner. It may last up to thirty minutes.
- Forget about the car when you go to the corner shop. Choose the bike or walk instead.
- Don`t lye on the sofa when you`re watching TV, it`s better to sit up.
- When you go for a walk, choose a hilly route and increase the pace after a while.
- Walk the dog.
- While you`re on the phone, stand up.
- Leave the car further away from the place where you`re going.

In case your job takes most of your time but you still feel the need to increase your physical activity try some of the following tips:
- Stand while you`re on the phone.
- Take the stairs as often as possible during the day.
- Instead of using the phone to speak to a co-worker walk to him/her.
- If your job requires travelling, you may walk while you`re waiting for the plane and choose hotels with a gym or swimming pool.
- You may take a jumping rope with you.

Recreation time should allow you to be active and have fun at the same time. For example, you may plan outings with your friends or family that involves physical activities like swimming, backpacking, or hiking.

You may discover that dancing is a good way to burn calories. Join a dance club, dance alone, or with someone on your favorite music. When you feel the need for sightseeing, do it by foot, ride a bike, or run.

If you`re a golf player forget about the cart and walk. If you enjoy playing tennis, choose single games instead of doubles. When you`re at a picnic, play badminton or rent a rowboat when you`re at the lake.

If you plan to start a fitness program, talk to a specialist and tell him about health problems you may have. These tips may not work for everyone.