While watching television the other day, I came across a commercial for “The Drive Thru Diet.” The commercial’s spokesperson is a woman who claims she cut 500 – 1,250 calories a day by choosing Taco Bell’s Fresco menu items and making other sensible choices (sensible being the infamous word). The result? 54 pounds lost.
My initial reaction was – this is absurd! But it prompted me to reflect on the myriad of other weight loss commercials flooding the television before the New Year. So, not so absurd really - Subway promoted this kind of diet with Jared as the spokesperson. However, I would prefer a healthier means for weight loss than mindlessly driving through a fast food restaurant. So, whether you are considering a cereal diet (such as the Special K Challenge) or a popular diet delivery program (such as NutriSystem), consider the following first.
Choosing lower fat menu items is certainly a better choice but it doesn’t always equate to a huge calorie deficit. For example, the difference between Taco Bell’s Fresco menu items and their regular versions is only about 50 calories. So, you would have to be eating a rather large meal before or cutting a sizeable amount of calories by making other “sensible” choices. What to try instead: do order healthier menu items (visit www.healthydiningfinder.com for ideas) but limit eating out to a couple times per week. Healthy meals at home can save you money and improve health.
Don’t use this as an excuse to eat fast food or cereal for lunch and dinner everyday. The quality of your diet has a huge impact on your health. Cutting calories might help you lose weight but you might also be missing out on fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help fight disease. In the case of fast food, you’ll need to keep an eye out for sodium as well. What to try instead: make meal preparation easy by planning your meals each week. Start with the most challenging meal such as lunch and pick one day of the week to plan out meals and shop. Meal planning takes the guesswork out of what to eat, saves money and helps you stick with a healthy meal plan. You can use an online planner at www.mealsmatter.com.
These touted programs might seem easy, after all, there is really no thinking required – all you need to do is order said menu item, pour a measured bowl of cereal or open a pre-packaged meal. And, they might work – portion control and fewer options can help cut back on calories. However, do they work long term and do they give you the tools you need to create healthy, balanced meals? Probably not. What to try instead: for easy portion control, fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with lean protein and one quarter with grains. You’ll get the balance of nutrients you need and feel satisfied! Learn how to cut calories by analyzing your diet and making minor tweaks here and there at www.sparkpeople.com. A safe and doable calorie deficit is 250-500 calories per day.
Are you satisfied? The goal of any good weight loss plan is to enjoy your food and feel satisfied while cutting calories, fat and sodium. Imagine yourself eating the same kinds of meals years from now. You can only eat cereal for breakfast and lunch for so long before getting bored! Not to mention, will a bowl of cereal with fruit always satiate? What to try instead: learn how to prepare tasty, low-fat meals by trying new recipes or taking a cooking class. Healthy meals can be full of flavor and easy to prepare. For delicious ideas: www.cookinglight.com.
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician
or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal
health and necessary treatments.
