5 Things You Need to Know About Low Calorie Diets

1. Differentiate Between Low Calorie and Very Low Calorie

There is a difference between a low calorie diet and a very low calorie diet, medically speaking. Most traditional diets put you in a 1200 to 1800 calorie range, which is considered low. A very low diet consists of 800 calories a day or less. Weight loss occurs rapidly on a very low calorie diet, but the results might be difficult to maintain. Weight gain after increasing your calorie intake again is very common.

2. Know That Low Calorie Isn't For Everyone

Obese individuals can benefit from a very low calorie diet to lose weight quickly. Slightly overweight people can use a standard low calorie diet to lose weight slowly and steadily. When on a very low calorie diet, get medical supervision. Your doctor might want you to use special drinks, bars or supplements rather than attempting to eat low calories on your own. This ensures that you get enough nutrients during the diet. It can be next to impossible to get everything you need from regular food and keep your calories so low.

3. Beware of the Down Side

There are negative drawbacks to engaging in a low calorie diet. So long as you keep your calories above 1200 daily, these shouldn't be much of an issue for you. On a very low calorie diet, however, side effects like exhaustion, constipation and gall stone formation are common. Gallstones are more likely to occur in obese individuals, especially during rapid weight loss. With low calorie diet, it's best to have medical supervision during your diet.

4. Know the Perks and Rewards

For someone who is obese, a very low calorie diet can provide substantial health benefits. When eating a very low calorie diet, you can expect to lose between 3 and 5 pounds a week. Losing even 5 to 10 percent of your body weight when obese can reduce your health risks. You can bring blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol under control quickly with such rapid weight loss.

5. Keep it Going

Gaining your weight back after engaging in a low calorie diet is common. In order to avoid gaining weight back after your hard work and discipline, you have to change more than just your eating. A full lifestyle change is required for the best chance at success and maintenance. Incorporate exercise into your daily life as soon as you are physically able. Psychotherapy or support groups help you identify with a new lifestyle, and help you to continue making healthy choices.