6 Reasons Why We Don't Lose Weight

Doctors hear this complaint often: “I’m dieting all the time, but I can’t lose any weight.” For many people, losing weight
is a frustrating endeavor. No matter how hard they seem to be trying, nothing changes. What is going on? Identifying the problem is only part of the solution.

6 common reasons why we don’t lose weight

   1. Many of our social interactions include food.
   2. Restaurants portions have increased (particularly fast food).
   3. We are less active than in the past.
   4. We find it unacceptable to be hungry.
   5. We misunderstand how weight is maintained.
   6. We forget the extra food we eat everyday, or we think we ate less than we did.

It’s also important to remember that when we consume fewer calories, we have a tendency to be less active, which probably stems from our biological programming to preserve body weight for survival.

Simple truths about weight loss

Many people think weight loss is like emptying a bucket with a ladle. A scoop out of the bucket today, tomorrow, next week will eventually empty the bucket. Not so with our bodies. When we decrease our food intake, our bodies try to absorb and store more calories the next time we eat in excess of what our body needs. So, even though we are cutting down most of the time, we will not lose weight if we get extra calories part of the time.

The simple rule of weight loss is that you must consistently burn off more calories than you take in. Any type of weight loss diet can work as long as calorie intake is consistently reduced, every day. A diet that is balanced with small quantities of vegetables, fruit, grains and lean meat or fish is the healthiest. Exercise helps, but unless you are an athlete, you will have to cut calories, too. And remember, it’s OK to be hungry when losing weight. Once a goal is achieved, every day is for maintaining. If you go back to eating more and exercising less, the weight will go right back on.
Factoring exercise into your weight loss plan

You can exercise more to lose weight, but beware of this idea. Most people don’t realize how much exercise is needed to lose weight without cutting calories. Plus, exercise increases appetites. If a dieter can avoid eating any more than was consumed before the diet and can burn off an additional 500 calories every day, that person can lose a pound a week. One mile, walked or run, or five miles on a bike, burns 100 calories. If you can do five miles a day—every day—and not eat any more no matter where you are or what you are doing, you can lose a pound a week. Or, you can cut 250 calories per day and do two and a half miles to accomplish the same thing.

South Beach Diet

This hugely popular diet promises diligent followers an initial weight loss
of 8-13 pounds in the first two weeks. The emphasis is on avoiding highly processed carbohydrates, such as those found in baked goods, breads, snacks and soft drinks. Divided into three phases, the diet gradually reintroduces some initially forbidden foods. One premise of the diet is that low-fat prepared foods can be a bad idea except in the case of low-fat cheese, milk and yogurt. Exercise is not emphasized with this diet.

Overview of the South Beach Diet

Developed by cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston, the South Beach Diet is self-described as "neither low-fat nor low-carb," but rather a method that teaches followers to rely on the "right" carbs and the "right" fats.

Like the Atkins Diet, this plan is divided into phases: Phase One lasts 14 days, and is the strictest. Normal-sized portions of lean protein are allowed, as are vegetables, nuts, cheese and eggs. The goal of this phase is to eat three meals a day so that followers aren't left feeling hungry, and to eliminate cravings for starches and sweets. Phase Two lasts until dieters reach their weight-loss goal, and reintroduces some foods that were banned in Phase One, such as whole-grain breads and dairy foods. Phase Three is all about maintenance, and is less a phase than a "way of life."
What you can eat on the South Beach Diet?

South Beach is very specific about steering followers toward foods they can eat on the diet and away from the foods they should avoid. It promises followers that they don't have to give up delicious foods to lose weight, and points out that top restaurants in Miami cater to those following the South Beach credo, going so far as to promise that "now you can eat like a movie star - and look like one!" On the diet, eating out is allowed, snacks are required, and flexibility is emphasized. To compensate for the overall cut in carbohydrates, the South Beach diet allows ample fats and animal proteins in meals. Chicken, turkey, and fish are recommended, along with nuts, milk, cheeses and yogurt.
What you can't eat on the South Beach Diet?

South Beach advises those looking to lose weight to avoid the highly processed carbohydrates found in baked goods, breads, snacks and soft drinks. Followers are cautioned to avoid eating low-fat prepared foods, the logic being that the fats in these foods are replaced with carbohydrates, and are therefore still fattening.
Sonoma Diet eating options

South Beach is very specifically divided into three phases. During the first two weeks, carbohydrates are dramatically cut down from the diet. The theory is that once weight decreases, followers start to metabolize carbohydrates properly and the craving for carbs subsequently disappears. This phase is very strict and totally eliminates fruit, bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, sugar, alcohol, fast food and baked goods from the diet. The next phase allows gradual reintroductions of foods like pasta, bread, fruit and cereal to meals, although followers can't eat them all at once or to excess.
Exercise recommendations

Exercise is not a requirement for success in The South Beach Diet.  That said, a good exercise program would be a great supplement to the South Beach plan - for more information on exercise programs see the Diet Channel's Fitness: General Info.
Sonoma Diet: number of dieters

Anecdotal evidence suggests that this is among the top five diets in the country, although precise numbers are difficult to ascertain.
Success Rate One study of 40 overweight people showed that those who followed the South Beach Diet lost an average of 13.6 pounds, as compared to the 7.5-pound loss averaged by those on the "Step II" American Heart Association Diet. Clinical trials have shown that dieters see dramatic reductions in bad cholesterol and increases in good cholesterol when they follow the South Beach Diet.

Sonoma Diet

The Sonoma Diet is a unique weight loss plan
that brings together, for the first time, the art and science of food. The appreciation and enjoyment of flavorful meals makes for a healthy eating
style that becomes second nature. Simple instructions for the amounts and combinations of food make the plate your guide - and it was all designed so that you can shed pounds safely and easily until you reach your target weight.

The Sonoma Diet is divided into three distinct "Waves." Wave 1 comprises the first ten days of the diet. During this period you will overcome your habit of consuming large amounts of sugars, refined flour products, and other foods that are quickly absorbed and that most likely led to your weight concerns in the first place.

In Wave 1, you're naturally recalibrating your body and turning around bad eating habits. This challenge comes right at the beginning, when your enthusiasm and confidence are in high gear. You'll be thrilled with the results, since this is the period of fastest weight loss. And just when you're fully accustomed to your new, healthy eating habits, your portions and choices increase in Wave 2.

Wave 2 is the main segment of the diet, where you'll stay until you reach your target weight. Weight loss during Wave 2 is not as quick as it was in the first wave, but it comes steadily. During this Wave you'll continue to cultivate the Sonoma approach to eating, whereby each meal is savored slowly, with an emphasis on health and pleasure.

Wave 3 is the maintenance program of the diet and begins when you've met your target weight or other health goals. You'll continue to enjoy Sonoma-friendly foods as well as such occasional indulgences as snacks and desserts.

As long as you follow the plate-filling instructions and food lists, you can choose whatever you want. You can follow the suggested meal plans or design your own menus - it's up to you!

What to eat on the Sonoma Diet?
The Sonoma Diet redefines the portions of each meal, rather than the type of food dieters are allowed to eat. The emphasis is a shift in focus, for more vegetables and grains to play center stage, along with lean meats.
What not to eat on the Sonoma Diet?

For the most part, super-sized portions of food that contain excessive amounts of calories and fat are avoided. Food choices are limited to those that will suit the Sonoma Diet suggested portion sizes.
Sonoma Diet: eating options

The Sonoma Diet's plate-and-bowl concept brings the most recent nutritional science to your plate. You'll be using a 7-inch plate or a 2-cup bowl for your breakfast and a 9-inch plate for your lunch and dinner.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean is comprised of a large area of land that stretches from western Spain to the Middle East. Structured after traditional lifestyle habits of those in this area, the Mediterranean Diet is ideal for people who like to cook, enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, and are interested in making a permanent lifestyle change. With very few dietary restrictions, followers of the Mediterranean Diet are allowed to eat all the things they enjoy, in moderation. Unlike the customary Western style of quickly eating large portions, the Mediterranean Diet places great emphasis on spending time on preparing and enjoying small, tasty meals. Rather than make drastic lifestyle modifications, this plan teaches people to choose low-fat, low- cholesterol foods that are packed with flavor and will leave them feeling fulfilled. The Mediterranean Diet aims to permanently improve long-term health.

Overview of the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is based upon the cuisines of the Mediterranean. The diet leans heavily on plant proteins for nourishment. It's considered a low fat, and high energy diet. Bread is a major part of this diet and it is usually eaten in the form of pita bread. Studies have shown that people who live in the region have a low rate of chronic disease and illness, which encouraged the development of this diet.

What you can eat on the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet requires participants to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, pasta, rice and seeds. Olive oil also accompanies most of these meals as it is a main ingredient in food preparation. Dairy products are consumed in low to moderate amounts in the form of cheese and yogurt. Animal proteins are included, but are eaten in lesser amounts when compared to plant proteins.


What you can't eat on The Mediterranean Diet?

Under the Mediterranean diet, there are very few dietary restrictions.


Eating options

Followers of the Mediterranean Diet are allowed to eat all the things they enjoy, in moderation. Unlike the customary Western style of quickly eating large portions, the Mediterranean Diet places great emphasis on spending time on preparing and enjoying small, tasty meals. Rather than make drastic lifestyle modifications, this plan teaches people to choose low-fat, low- cholesterol foods that are packed with flavor and will leave them feeling fulfilled.


What are the exercise recommendations on the Mediterranean Diet?

Physical activity is not emphasized in the Mediterranean Diet. See the Diet Channel's Fitness: General Info for more information on how to set up your own exercise program.


Mediterranean Diet: success rate

Because the Mediterranean Diet promotes portion control, a steady pace of weight loss is preferred over drastic changes in body weight. This in turn helps dieters’ gradually reduce their daily intake of food, while building healthy eating habits that avoid high-calorie and high-carb foods. Studies have shown that such diets are beneficial to health, and are much easier to maintain compared to ‘fad’ diets.

Overview of Jillian Michaels Diet

Jillian’s program acknowledges that weight loss
is a mental and physical process. It focuses on teaching people to let go of unreasonable goals and to embrace realistic ones through utilizing the three factors of self, science, and sweat. Her customized online program targets the best way to get your unique body and metabolism to reach your individualized goals. The program provides 12 weight-loss tools, constructs a personalized exercise routine that can be performed at home, offers online support groups and recipes, and Jillian’s renowned motivation.
Foods you can eat on Jillian Michaels Diet

Jillian stays away from confusing low-fat, low-carb, high protein diets. She simplifies dieting to a mathematical equation involving “calories in” and “calories out.” Jillian’s online program will provide unique eating guidelines based on your body type, metabolism, and goals. It will then calculate exactly how many calories you need per day to lose weight. The program will also teach you what to look for when shopping, provide recipes, and teach you how to make delicious meals that are right for your metabolism.
Foods you can't eat on Jillian Michaels Diet

According to Jillian, losing weight is nothing more than pure math. Her online program provides the answer to this equation and offers direction and support in consuming the right amount of calories each day. Jillian’s program doesn’t focus so much on what you can’t eat. Rather, it focuses on the reasons you shouldn’t eat. Jillian encourages the establishment of healthy eating habits and stresses the need to identify emotional triggers which can cause you to overeat.
Jillian Michaels Diet eating options

Dieters on Jillian’s program are provided with the support and motivation they need to reach their goals, but, having realistic goals is outlined as a major factor in achieving that success. People are asked to recognize that not everyone is built like an action hero or supermodel. In order to reach your goal, you must recognize your true body shape, establish healthy eating and exercise habits, and avoid emotional triggers that lead to poor dietary decisions.
Are there any exercise recommendations on Jillian Michaels Diet?

Exercise is the major component of Jillian’s strategy for weight loss. It is the best way to burn fat, and it provides the way “out” for calories to leave the body in Jillian’s fitness equation. Jillian’s program will provide a comprehensive weekly exercise program, suited to your level of fitness. This fitness planner explains the muscles involved and how to properly warm up and perform each exercise. It also provides exercise tips, variations, and progressions. This is complimented by a fitness diary that will help you work through issues and keep track of your achievements.
How many people follow Jillian Michaels Diet?

While it is unknown exactly how many people are currently using her diet program, Jillian has over 17 years of martial arts experience. Additionally, since 1993 she has held personal training certificates from two of the leading certification programs (NESTA and AFAA) in the country. She has been recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine for her work in exercise nutrition and in using supplements for training and performance. She is most recognized as the strength trainer and life coach for NBC’s TV series ‘The Biggest Loser.’ This competitive weight-loss program was seen by approximately 15 million viewers each week.
Post diet weight maintenence plans on Jillian Michaels Diet

Jillian does not really provide a post diet maintenance plan. While the program would certainly be effective to meet short term weight loss goals, it is more effective when utilized as a catalyst to make lasting health and lifestyle changes. Jillian's approach provides the resources, support, and motivation to do just that.

Grapefruit Diet

This diet is based on the premise that grapefruit has fat burning properties. The grapefruit diet lasts 12 days, but if an individual wants to continue, they must take at least two days off before doing so. While there is no hard evidence that grapefruit burns fat, some who have completed the diet offer anecdotal success stories.

The Grapefruit Diet: what is and is not allowed

Meals are accompanied by grapefruit. It is also recommended that participants drink about 8 glasses of water
per day, along with unlimited amounts of black coffee. This regimented diet does not allow most complex carbs, and doesn't allow for snacking in-between meals. However, the consumption of most vegetables is encouraged and you are allowed to prepare them in generous amounts of butter.
Typical daily meals on the Grapefruit Diet

For breakfast, a typical meal involves half a grapefruit, eggs, bacon, and coffee or tea to drink. An example of a lunch and dinner involve grapefruit (naturally), salad, and meat of any style and amount.
Grapefruit Diet calorie intake—very low

The only reason that a person following this diet would see success over such a short period is due to the very low total calorie content. Depending on the person, the calorie content may be so low as to be insufficient for daily nutrition. People following this diet have reported dizziness and upset stomach, perhaps from the combination of so much coffee and so little food. Overall, it is best to avoid this diet if you are looking for healthy, sustainable weight loss.

Come on friends lets discover the health benefits of beer

    * About two drinks of beer a day will decrease the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
    * Beer is mainly made up of grains and yeast.The grains which are used in producing beer are mainly wheat and barley and both of these grains contain good quantity of vitamins and minerals.
    * If you are a lover of unfiltered beer then you will get some more vitamins due to presence of yeast in unfiltered beer. No other alcoholic beverage will provide you such a good quantity of vitamin B group as it is given by beer.
    * The beer gives a good amount of HDL that is high density lipoprotein - these are known as good cholesterols which give lot of health benefits to our bodies.
    * Beer helps a lot in relaxation and sleep.
    * Beer provides a lot of health benefits in elderly people as it helps them relieve stress as well as allow for better urination and digestion.
    * Beer is used as medication in many alternative therapies.
    * According to some studies and surveys, beer is having beneficial effects for a person suffering from diabetes and dementia if drunk in moderate quantities.
    * Presence of antioxidants in beer will delay your aging process.
    * Do not be afraid of calories which you will get from beer consumption as beer is not harmful for you until it is drunk in high quantity. Beer can be a part of your healthy diet as it contains a good quantity of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

3 Day Diet

The 3-Day Diet focuses on mixing certain types of foods that supposedly create a specific metabolic reaction in your body. The chemicals are supposed to boost your metabolism and help you burn fat at a higher rate than usual. The diet only lasts for 3 days and should only be repeated after taking four to five days off. The specific portions need to be followed by the book, or you may not achieve the results that the creators of the diet claim are possible.

The Three Day Diet's Regimented Meal Plan

Breakfast on the first day begins with coffee (no sugar), one half a grapefruit, and a piece of toast with 1 Tbsp peanut butter. For lunch, you are allowed a can of tuna, a piece of toast, and black coffee. Dinner consists of 3 ounces of chicken or lean meat, a cup of green beans, one cup of carrots, one apple, and one cup of regular vanilla ice cream. The other two days of the diet are relatively similar in meal quantity, though the specifics change, e.g. Day 2 recommends two beef franks for dinner in place of three ounces of lean meat. The diet claims that weight loss of 10 pounds is achievable over the 3 days that the diet lasts.
The “Yo-Yo” Diet

Quite simply, the 3-Day Diet is a very poor choice for anyone looking to lose weight. Claims that the diet works because of a "unique metabolic reaction" created by food combination are unfounded. The only reason that a person on this diet would lose weight is due to the severe calorie restriction. Because of the low amount of carbohydrate in the diet, it is also possible that a person on this diet will primarily lose water weight
, as carbohydrate encourages your body to retain water, which is healthy and necessary. As soon as the dieter goes back to eating a normal diet and consuming a normal amount of carbohydrate, this water weight will be gained back. The 3-Day Diet is an excellent example of a "yo-yo" diet or fad diet that never educates the dieter on how to achieve sustainable, healthy weight loss
. There are numerous alternatives to the 3-Day Diet that are much healthier, and will produce better results.

8 Tips For Losing Weight and Keeping It Off

1.   Never crash diet to lose weight

When you lose weight rapidly your body is typically only losing glycogen (carbohydrate) and water weight, not fat. Your body thinks that it's starving and reduces its metabolic rate, which makes it harder for your body to burn each calorie (they burn at a slower pace than they normally would). Then when you start eating normally again, your body stores as much food as it can into your fat cells in case of another “famine.”

2.   Best weight loss plan: substitute foods instead of eliminating them

Although many people feel that “diet” or “reduced fat” foods are not as good as the original, it can be a big help to buy less fatty snack foods. Try out different reduced fat brands and items and who knows, you may find something that you like even better than the original. The key is making sustainable changes - if you can't live without tortilla chips, trying to eliminate them entirely from your diet won't work. Making the change to a lower-calorie reduced fat tortilla chip can make a noticeable change in total calories consumed over time.
3.   What drinks for losing weight

Cutting soda out of your diet completely can save the average person 360 calories or more each day. Even diet soda, fruit juices, and whole milk can add unnecessary calories to your daily intake. Instead, drink lots of water and switch from whole to skim or even soy milk; the little things can make a big difference.

4.   Weight loss = healthy diet and moving around

Getting up, moving around, and exercising will reduce the amount of food that you will need to cut back on. There are obviously many opportunities to be athletic and active (i.e. sports teams, the gym, going for a jog, etc.) if that interests you, but these aren't the only ways to increase your activity level. You can walk to school, bike to work, walk up and down the stairs a few times before you take a shower, take an extra lap or two around the grocery store.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30-45 minutes of moderate aerobic performed 3-5 times per week in their Guidelines for Healthy Aerobic Activity, but if all you can do is walk around the block twice before you go to bed, that's a good start. Anything is better than nothing, and it's harder to be eating while you're moving around, so it may result in you eating slightly less as well as burning more calories.

The best thing about aerobic exercise is that the benefits are cumulative - you essentially gain the same health benefits
from taking three ten-minute walks throughout the day as you do from taking one 30 minute walk. With this in mind, it can be much easier to break your activity goal into manageable pieces that will fit into your day.
5.   Gradual changes are best for losing weight

Gradually ease into your diet if possible. Many diet programs allow you to do this. Remember that small changes are easier to stick with than drastic ones. Start by always leaving a little extra on your plate, or drinking water
instead of soda. Smaller changes are also more likely to remain with you when the duration of your diet is complete. Aim for behavior-change goals that you know you will be able to maintain over years, not just weeks.

6.   Don't overeat

If you're full, or even simply satisfied, stop eating. There's no need to eat until your stomach feels like it's going to explode. Also, keep in mind that it takes a while for the nutrients in your food to enter your bloodstream, and circulate to the nerve centers in your brain that regulate appetite. Eating slowly is helpful in this regard--you give your body a chance to recognize that you've had enough to eat.

7.   Try not to banish certain foods when dieting

Don't tell yourself that you can NEVER have something again because you will immediately crave it. People need to eat fats to be healthy as well, just make sure that you're eating them in moderation, and maybe try to balance out a fatty food you ate earlier in the day by choosing celery sticks over chips for your snack. Try to get yourself to think, “I know I CAN have it, but should I have it?”
8.   Successful weight loss: be in it for the long term

Crash diets and unsustainable exercise routines will not keep you at your desired weight for the long term. You need to focus on realistic, acheivable goals - behavior modification that you can live with for years, instead of just weeks. For an example, let's say that a hypothetical person is ten pounds overweight, but at perfect energy balance - they eat exactly as many calories as they burn every day, so their weight remains constant. If that person sacrifices one small snack that they have every day, let's say a handful of chips equaling 100 calories, over the course of a year that person will lose over ten pounds! A pound of fat on your body represents 3500 stored calories. 100 calories X 365 days in a year = 36,500 calories, or over ten pounds of fat. Small changes can make a big difference in your health.

The Candida Diet

The Candida
diet, not to be confused with a weight-loss regimen, has recently become a significant topic of interest on the web.  “Candida” is an opportunistic fungal pathogen which is present on our skin and mucus membranes.  Under healthy conditions, the presence of Candida is completely normal.  However, when there is an overgrowth of this specific fungus within an immune-compromised individual, a problem may occur.

Thrush

A more familiar form of Candida overgrowth is a condition called thrush.  Thrush is specific to the mouth and throat and occurs most frequently in those with compromised immune systems, such as AIDS or cancer.  Symptoms of thrush can range from painless white patches in the mouth to severe pain in the esophagus and difficulty swallowing.

Candida Overgrowth and Antibiotics

Another possible scenario for Candida overgrowth is the continued use or misuse of antibiotics.  Antibiotics are feared to not only wipe out harmful bacteria in our systems, but also the naturally occurring “good” bacteria. A diet plan to help in the prevention and treatment of Candida overgrowth is rampant on homeopathic websites.  The diet plan is outlined below; however, do not be surprised if it is difficult to find validation of this diet in respected medical journals.

Diet Plan

When utilizing an Internet search engine to gain information on this diet, 1,640,000 results come up.  The interesting thing is that most, or at least the several dozen reviewed for this article, said basically the same thing.  The Anti-Candida diet recommends avoiding the following:

•    Aged cheese
•    Additives and preservatives
•    Alcohol
•    Caffeine
•    Chocolate
•    Fruit
•    Glutenous foods
•    Mushrooms
•    Nuts
•    Spices
•    Sugar
•    Vinegar.



The reasons to avoid these foods are unfortunately vague and unscientific.  The foods you can eat on the diet are:

•    Vegetables
•    Protein
•    Live yogurt cultures
•    Nuts and seeds
•    Non-glutenous grains
•    Green algae.

Nutritional Pros and Cons

Although several of the foods to avoid would not be missed, dietitians do tend to get concerned when entire food groups are removed from a diet—in this case, fruit.  There is definitely a place for restricted diets within certain disease states and illnesses, but sound scientific research should back them up.

The Bottom Line

If you do suffer from Candida overgrowth, be sure to consult with a licensed medical professional prior to making drastic changes to your diet, especially if you are immune-compromised.