Fibromyalgia affects about 2 percent of the U.S. population and is more common in women, according to MayoClinic.com. It is characterized by generalalized pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons and chronic fatigue. Treatment usually involves medication and a healthy lifestyle. A good weight loss diet for women with fibromyalgia should include a variety of healthy foods from all of the food groups. Consult with a physician before starting a weight loss plan.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers has been helping people lose weight for more than 45 years, according to its website. It is a good weight loss diet for women with fibromyalgia because it allows them to eat the foods they enjoy while learning how to control portions and make healthier food choices. Weight Watchers uses a food point system to help control calorie intake. Women eat a certain number of points a day based on their current weight. Lower point foods have fewer calories and fat and are higher in fiber, while higher point foods are higher in calorie and fat. Weight Watchers works because it encourages the women to choose more of the healthy low-calorie foods to feel satisfied. In addition to teaching women about healthy eating, Weight Watchers also offers peer support through weekly meetings and its online weight loss plan.
Calories Count
To lose weight, women with fibromyalgia need to eat fewer calories than their body needs. Calories Count is a website designed to help people control calorie intake. The website's diet assessment tool determines the number of calories the women need to lose weight. Once they know their calorie needs, they can use the online food diary to help them track their intake or they can use the pre-planned calorie-controlled weekly meals. The weekly meals also include a grocery list and recipes. Calories Count includes information on exercise, another important treatment component for fibromyalgia, according to MayoClinic.com.
USDA MyPyramid Plan
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid Plan is an interactive tool women with fibromyalgia can use to learn the basics about healthy eating. MyPyramid Plan provides a personalized diet based on age, activity level, weight and height. The plan includes calorie needs and serving suggestions from each food group. Within each food group the women will learn about serving sizes, best food choices and healthiest methods of preparation. MyPyramid also offers an online food diary called the MyPyramid Tracker to help women with fibromyalgia track their intake. A food diary is a good tool for the dieter because it makes her more aware of what she is eating. The MyPyramid Plan also includes information on physical activity.
