What are ways to make a diet successful?

RealAge

To ensure success when you're on a diet:

1. Eat about every 3 hours, so you don't get hungry.

2. Eat till you're full—if this isn't enough, have more; just stop when you're satisfied, not stuffed.

3. Don't skip breakfast. Morning fiber (protein too) helps control afternoon cravings.

4. Don't think of your diet program as a "diet." It's more like training wheels that help you rediscover your appetite's natural balance. In just 2 weeks, you'll feel healthier and more energetic, and your waist will be 2 inches smaller.

5. For drinks, have coffee, tea, lots of water, skim milk, juice in the morning, maybe 1 or 2 diet sodas, and a glass of wine with dinner if you like.

Continue Learning about Dieting For Weight Loss

If you've tried every calorie-restricting diet out there but still can't keep the weight off, there's a reason: Diets don't work. Over time, the major...

Baptist Health South Florida

Most people can judge if they are getting enough sleep by how they feel. The National Sleep Foundati...

5 Ways to Actually Stick to Your Diet This Summer

How to make healthier choices, even at BBQs, pool parties and beach vacations.

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Dieting For Weight Loss

Losing weight quickly is OK as long as you do it safely, not through a crash diet. You can lose three or more pounds a week by burning more calories than you eat. If you burn an extra 500 calories per day through eating less and increasing your physical activity, you can lose about one to two pounds of fat per week. Dietitians recommend a daily minimum of 1,200 calories per day (a 200-pound person might need 1,400 calories). Anything less makes you lose muscle as well as fat, which slows your metabolism. Instead, minimize your intake of starches, added sugars like high fructose corn syrup and animal fat from dairy and meats. Focus on eating fruits and vegetables, soy products, egg whites, skinless poultry breasts, shellfish and fish, nonfat dairy foods and meat that is 95 percent lean. Drink lots of water, don't skip meals, and eat only from a plate while seated at a table.

Learn More