Low Calorie Diet Vs. Very Low Calorie Diet

Weight loss is simple: eat fewer calories than you expend and over time you will lose weight. This premise works for anyone of any race, gender or age. But some questions can still remain, for instance, how many calories should you eat. The very low-calorie diet and the low-calorie diet are two methods of weight loss that involve calorie tracking.

Very Low-calorie Diet: How it Works

The very low-calorie diet restricts your caloric intake to 800 calories per day. It is generally prescribed under the supervision of a physician. The very low-calorie diet provides a means to lose a large amount of weight in a short amount of time. Participants on the very low-calorie diet monitor their calories very strictly or replace two meals with specially made diet meal bars. The average weight loss on a very low-calorie diet, according to the Weight-control Information Network, ranges from 3 to 5 lbs. per week. This kind of diet is not meant to be used during the long-term but more as a fat-burning boost.

Very Low-calorie Diet: Who It's For and Warnings

This kind of strict regimen is for individuals who are extremely overweight or obese. This kind of diet should not be attempted unless recommended by your doctor. Dieters on a very low-calorie diet may side effects, including nausea, fatigue, constipation or diarrhea. Severely limiting your caloric intake can also lead to malnutrition.

The Low-calorie Diet: How It Works

The low-calorie diet is another method of losing weight by reducing caloric intake, though less severe. Women on the low-calorie diet should consume 1,000 calories per day. Men on the low-calorie diet can eat between 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day. When you reduce your caloric intake, your body must find a means, other than dietary, to provide energy to your working cells. Your stored fat is the perfect source for extra energy, so your body turns to that for use. The low-calorie diet may also not be suitable for long-term use. Living happily on such a small amount of calories may be hard for some. Instead, this diet can be used as a jump-start to weight loss and maintenance.

The Problem With Just Counting Calories

Counting calories is easy and provides the dieter with food freedom. You can pretty much eat whatever you want, as long as that food fits into your calorie budget. However, you should avoid eating too many foods that contain empty calories. Empty calories are calories that provide energy but few nutrients -- think potato chips or soda. To eat a well-rounded calorie-controlled diet, aim for low energy dense foods like fruits and vegetables. These foods contain many vitamins and minerals with a small caloric value. If you are on a very low-calorie diet or low-calorie diet, you may want to consider taking a multivitamin to be sure your body is getting essential vitamins and minerals.