If you’re desperate to lose some weight, then it’s time to change your tactic.
While there’s no denying that quick weight loss is often a glamorous option, the reality is that it’s likely to be short-lived and, more often than not, is fairly unhealthy. That’s why it’s best to look for ways to lose weight that are more sustainable – like the 500 calorie diet plan discussed below.
The Science Behind The Popularity Of The 500 Calorie Diet
Traditionally, the 500 calorie diet is viewed as a low-carb alternative to the popular 3-month raw food diet. And while that’s likely to be the case for most people, it’s not a necessary – or even a helpful – comparison.
In fact, just the opposite is true. When you compare the two diets on the basis of total weight loss, the 500-calorie diet actually outperforms the raw food diet. That’s according to a 2019 meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials with a combined total of 1,054 participants. The analysis found that people following the 500 calorie diet lost more weight than those following the raw food diet over a 24-week period. It also saw a greater decrease in body fat and an improvement in insulin sensitivity.
So, while the traditional 500-calorie diet may not be the most sustainable option for everyone, it does appear to be effective for those who are seeking weight loss. And considering the current obesity epidemic, that’s a lot of people.
Tips For Eating Healthy On A 500 Calorie Diet
If you’re determined to lose some weight, then the best thing you can do for your health is adopt a healthy eating pattern. That means reducing your intake of simple carbohydrates – including sugar and alcohol – and opting for more vegetables and fruits. It also means avoiding fried foods and taking a closer look at the meat you eat.
To make the most of your daily allotment of calories, focus on eating the correct fats and avoiding the wrong ones. For example, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health. However, most people don’t get enough of those in their diet. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce your levels of inflammation, making you less likely to develop heart disease and diabetes. They’re also necessary for organ function, vision, and brain health. So, if you’re one of the millions of people who thinks you don’t get enough fats in your diet, then you’re wrong.
To get the most out of your daily 500 calories, here are some tips on how to eat healthily:
Eat More Fruits And Veggies
The first and the most ideal way to lose weight is by increasing your intake of fruits and veggies. That’s because these foods are high in fiber and water, both of which are necessary for human health. So, by regularly eating these foods, you’re helping your body function at its ideal level. According to the CDC, Americans now spend more than 4 hours a day eating. And while some of that time might be spent in unnecessary sedentary activity, fruit and vegetable intake is still associated with improved cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of cancer.
And while you may lose some weight on a fruit and vegetable diet, it’s not always going to be easy to follow. Sometimes, you may genuinely not feel like eating something green. But, if that’s the case, then at least you’ll know that you did the right thing for your health.
Eliminate The Booze And Take More Water
If you’re serious about losing weight, then there are a few drinks you need to stop consuming completely, and you should start drinking more water. Now, while consuming alcohol causes your body to retain more water, drinking enough water helps your body to metabolize the alcohol more effectively. So, by regularly consuming alcohol while not drinking enough fluids, you’re just asking for trouble. And that’s not what you want to do if you’re serious about losing weight.
Alcohol has been known to increase your appetite, making you likely to eat more. And, as we’ve established, unhealthy eating is directly responsible for a lot of the country’s current obesity issues. So, if you really want to help your body in losing weight, then you need to stop drinking alcohol and start drinking water. Your body will thank you for it.
Avoid Fast Food And Takeaway Meals
A lot of people think that reducing their consumption of certain foods helps them to lose weight. However, that’s often not the case. So, if you’re really dedicated to losing weight, then you need to avoid certain foods that are high in sugar and starch. Those are the kinds of foods that increase your storage of body fat. And what’s more, they generally don’t contribute in a positive way to human health.
The takeaway is simply this: you shouldn’t be looking for foods that contribute to your weight loss. Instead, you need to focus on foods that help your body function at its best. While there will always be a place for treat foods in your diet, you must understand that too much of them will hinder your progress rather than help it. So, look for healthier options and make a list of the foods that help you to stay slim.
Eat More Lean Meats
Another important point to make is that if you want to lose weight, then you should avoid foods with the word “cheese” in them. It’s well known that the hormone insulin promotes weight gain. That’s why, if you have food with dairy in it, then your body will produce more insulin, making you gain weight. So, to keep your weight at its ideal levels, you need to limit the amount of dairy you eat.
When you replace the dairy with lean meats and vegetables, it changes the insulin equation. Studies have shown that people who eat a lot of dairy tend to gain weight. However, those who eat a lot of vegetables and meats tend to lose weight. The point is that instead of causing you to gain weight, the food you eat has the potential to make you lose it. So, instead of looking for foods that make you fat, try looking for foods that help you to become slimmer.
Pay Attention To Fibre
Reducing your consumption of foods with lots of sugar and starch is a good start to losing weight. But you also need to make sure that you’re reducing your intake of foods with lots of fiber. That’s because there’s a close connection between the two. The more sugar and starch you eat, the more fiber you need. And the more fiber you need, the more you’re going to want to eat. So, make sure that your diet is rich in fiber and that you’re not eating too much sugar and starch. Eating too much of either of those things is going to hinder your weight loss attempts rather than help them.
Avoid Carbs While You’re At It
If you really want to shed some weight, then you should avoid all carbs, including fruit. That’s because too many carbs will increase your insulin levels, resulting in weight gain. However, for those who have committed to a lifestyle change and are determined to lose weight, the best option is a low-carb diet. The simpler the better when it comes to following a low-carb diet. But, you should always make sure that your diet is rich in fiber and that you don’t consume too much sugar.
If you’re looking for ways to lose weight and follow a healthier diet, then the best option is to follow the guidelines set out by the American Diabetes Association. These are the dietary guidelines for individuals with diabetes or at risk for diabetes. And they’re designed to help people with diabetes and those at risk for diabetes to achieve and maintain their ideal weights. So, if you’re following these guidelines and want to achieve healthier and more ideal weights, then you’re on the right path. And, if you don’t have diabetes yet, then it’s time to change your tactic and start looking for ways to reduce your weight. Now might be a good time to start experimenting with low-carbohydrate and gluten-free eating.