Losing weight quickly is tricky, because you want to be sure you're not losing weight at an unhealthy rate. On the other hand, it's good to be aggressive in pursuing weight loss. Choosing a healthy diet plan based on scientific research is an ideal way to starting losing weight the healthy way. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet.
The Facts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend losing weight at a maximum of 1 to 2 pounds per week. Healthy diet programs will follow these basic guidelines to ensure good health while you lose the weight. The CDC also notes that losing weight has additional health benefits beyond improving your figure, including regulating blood pressure and cholesterol and helping to maintain proper blood sugar levels.
How It Works
A diet plan designed to help you lose weight quickly focuses on the idea of creating a caloric deficit. According to the CDC, this means that you need to take in fewer calories than you burn each day. Healthy diets achieve a calorie deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories per day, or the equivalent of 1 to 2 lbs. of weight loss per week, by focusing on healthy food choices, portion control, limiting sugar and promoting daily exercise.
Types
Depending upon your lifestyle choice, there is a healthy diet plan available for you. If you choose to become vegetarian, for instance, you can lose weight fast because the vegetarian lifestyle is typically lower in calories than a diet that includes meat and dairy. Several reputable health organizations support vegetarianism, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Heart Association. Two other healthy diet plans that can help you lose weight fast by eating well-balanced, nutritious meals while limiting sugar and salt include the MyPyramid Plan and the DASH Diet program.
Effects
Eating healthy has almost immediate positive effects on your health. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans noted that many diseases are linked to poor diet and obesity, including type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease and some cancers. Consuming healthier foods can help you to lose weight or maintain a healthy body weight, increase your energy levels and minimize your risk of obesity-related diseases.
Warning
Losing weight too fast by using diet pills or resorting to fad diets can result in unhealthy consequences, the Family Doctor website cautions. Your body needs an adequate amount of vitamins and nutrients to maintain good health, so avoid any diet that limits carbohydrates, fats or other nutrients. Just to be safe, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting a new diet program.



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