Whether used for weight loss, or to improve your health, low fat and low calorie diet plans are a staple in the nutrition community. Low fat and low calorie plans will vary in recommended fat and calorie goals, but each has the same overall goal of reducing your weight and preventing the damage the comes from high cholesterol levels.
Function
Low fat and low calorie diets reduce calorie intake, creating a calorie deficit that helps you lose weight. A calorie deficit occurrs when your body burns more calories than are needed to fuel basic functions such as breathing or circulation. Low calorie plans combined with exercise cause your body to burn stored fat for fuel, causing you to lose weight. Less saturated fat, trans fats and cholesterol in your diet can help lower your LDL cholesterol levels.
Weight Benefits
By decreasing calorie intake and creating the right conditions for weight loss, a low fat and low calorie diet can help lower the incidence rate of obesity related diseases. According to the Mayo Clinic, these disease include type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and even some forms of cancer.
Heart Benefits
Many forms of unhealthy fats contain a form of cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol. When cholesterol levels get too high, the cholesterol can calcify into plaque. Plaque blocks your blood vessels, and makes it difficult for blood to circulate properly. According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol is one of the major contributing factors to the development of diseases such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Food
Low fat and calorie diet plans include replacing common unhealthy foods with healthier nutritious options. Foods that are recommended include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats (such as fish and chicken), and low-fat dairy products. Foods that are removed include commercial baked goods, junk foods (such as chips and cookies), sugar-laden sodas and sweets, higher fat cuts of meats, high fat cooking oils (hydrogenated oils), and full-fat dairy products (such as butter).
Warning
Before taking part in a low calorie and low fat diet, it's important to schedule an appointment with your doctor. This will insure the plan you have chosen is healthy for both your health level and body type. It's also important to not let your calorie levels drop below 1,000 calories a day, unless otherwise directed and supervised by your doctor to do so.
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