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There are several reasons why diets don't work. The main reason is that they have a beginning a middle and an end. If this is the case then how can they work. The only diet that can work is a life diet.

There are important scientific reasons why dieting does not work. You have to remember that while we are a technologically advanced race, our diet should still be similar to what we had when we all lived in small groups. This means that if the body notices we have reduced our calorie intake it assumes there is a famine and adjusts our metabolic rate down. So although diets may work initially we gradually find it harder to lose weight and gradually give up. The other thing we do is exercise. This is good, but in order to reduce weight it is better for it to be low impact, such as walking or a slow run. This is the most efficient for burning fat. The next time you are on a thread mill check the settings for optimum calorie burn.

There are really some simple rules to follow for effective and permanent weight loss.

1) Eat regular and often.

The meals should be a balance between proteins and complex carbohydrates. This means the body takes more time to digest the food and so the energy released is more sustainable. Sugar and alcohol release their energy quickly which makes you hungry and you put on weight.

2)Initially only eat your food without doing anything else.

Studies show if we eat in front of the television we eat more. We also do not spend time chewing the food and really enjoying it. So slow down your eating so that your body has time to tell you you are full. Do not be afraid to leave food. We have been taught that wasting food is bad. Of course you should get used to taking what you need, but never eat just because you need to empty the plate. Always stop when you are full.

3) Exercise at least 3 times a week.

Not only is exercise good for you and increases your metabolic rate, chemicals are also released into your body that makes you feel good.

4) Avoid caffeine.

Caffeine creates an artificial high and makes you crave junk foods. Switch to herbal teas which are rich in anti- oxidants.

5) Don't be scared of failing

We all fail occasionally. There is no reason to give up however. Just continue on the plan with added determination. The only difference between success and failure is that a successful person never gives up.

6)Don't have heavy meals late at night, have more of your food early.The Chinese worked out long ago that our digestive systems are more efficient in the morning and least efficient in the evenings. Most Western diets follow the complete reverse. By having only a small snack in the evenings you will sleep better and lose weight more easily.

7)Take an interest in healthy living.

There are always new ideas about diet and health. It is important to be open to these and to see if they work.No food will work for everyone, so experiment and be open to new ideas.

Learn more about this author, Norman D'Souza.
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