| Many individuals in Dallas, Houston and elsewhere | | | | worse problems than you had to begin with. |
| in Texas most probably need to lose a few | | | | - Detox Diets usually include colonics (enemas), |
| pounds. The solution for many is to go on a diet. | | | | which are great for cleansing the body of toxic |
| What kind of diet they choose may be a problem. | | | | materials, but not for dieting purposes. Only |
| According to a recent Consumer Report Survey, | | | | perform detox cleansing when you are on a |
| approximately 41% of American adults are trying | | | | healthy diet and exercise program. |
| to lose weight. These individuals are hoping to | | | | - The Chocolate Diet is an attractive diet because |
| loose an average of 37 pounds. Unfortunately, | | | | it includes just about everyone's favorite food. |
| many individuals are confused, or are just in denial, | | | | Aside from chocolate, it also includes pasta and |
| about how to go about losing the weight. Just | | | | popcorn. This sounds like the tastiest diet ever. |
| take a look at these goofy fad diets: | | | | See Single Food Diets above for further advice. |
| - The Astrology Diet -- based on the 12 | | | | If you want to lose weight, talk to your doctor or |
| astrological signs -- where "fire" signs are directed | | | | a nutritionist. He or she can help you develop a |
| to eat "cooling" foods, etc. There is absolutely no | | | | weight loss plan that is safe and effective. And |
| nutritional or scientific data to back up this diet. | | | | for those who want to begin their metabolic |
| But, as interesting as this diet concept may be, | | | | change right away, here are some basic tips: |
| you should really keep your astrological chart | | | | - Eat breakfast daily and don't skip any meals. |
| separate from your appetite. | | | | - Eat for variety, including plenty of whole grains, |
| - The Blood-Type Diet or "Eat Right for Your | | | | vegetables and fruits, to ensure that you get all |
| Type" has diet recommendations for different | | | | of your daily nutrients. |
| blood types. This diet is unscientifically based on | | | | - Limit your daily intake of saturated fat, |
| conflicting data that could have individuals | | | | cholesterol and sodium. |
| developing chronic diseases like diabetes, as well | | | | - Limit the amount of sugar you consume. |
| as other conditions. Eating according to your blood | | | | High-sugar foods are often high in calories and low |
| type is definitely not the best choice for | | | | in nutrients. |
| everyone. | | | | - Limit liquid calories. Try to choose whole fruits |
| - Single-Food Diets. They come and go like | | | | rather than juices, and limit or avoid sugary soft |
| calendar pages. Grapefruit, cabbage soup, | | | | drinks and alcohol. |
| pineapple, lemon-juice and cayenne pepper, | | | | - Eat smaller portions. |
| popcorn, among dozens of others. Wacky? Yes. | | | | - Exercise regularly. The best kind of exercise is |
| Dangerous? Probably. By eliminating food groups | | | | whatever you'll be able to keep doing over time -- |
| entirely, you're setting yourself up for both | | | | so choose an activity that you enjoy. Shoot for |
| nutrient deficiencies and a serious rebound, usually | | | | 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times per week. |
| adding a few pounds to the weight you were | | | | - Increase your everyday physical activity. Park |
| when you started. And the long-term damage | | | | farther away from the door and take the stairs |
| could be enormous. Here's an example: eating | | | | when you can. Get a pedometer and work up to |
| nothing but grapefruit over a long period of time | | | | taking 10,000 steps per day. |
| can ruin teeth. The citric acid will eat away tooth | | | | It's important to take care of yourself, but |
| enamel. So you'll look good, provided you just | | | | constant "dieting" is really not good for your body |
| don't smile. | | | | in the long term. And how you treat your body |
| - The Maple-Syrup Diet. Must have been someone | | | | when you're young will certainly affect your health |
| from Vermont who came up with this one. The | | | | when you get older. Eventually, it will also affect |
| sweet maple-syrup diet can throw off the body's | | | | your wallet as well. |
| balance of sodium, potassium and fluids, leading to | | | | |