There is an almost endless supply of fad diets: all-fruit diets, fasting diets, liquid diets, etc., many of which can cost  thousands of dollars over time. But the restrictions of these diets usually destine them for failure.  The inevitable return of weight, often gaining even more weight than before the diet, discourages most people. And multiple failed diet attempts reinforces to the dieter that weight loss is difficult and even impossible. People get frustrated and think even why bother? They feel like they are failures and they just go back to their old eating habits.

Dieting can damage more than your feelings. When people lose weight too quickly they usually become dehydrated. And quick weight loss may include losing muscle (muscle wasting), which slows the metabolism and actually promotes fat gain.

The latest low-carb trend was a follow-up to the low-fat trend.  It's a good idea to cut down on refined sugary foods, but carbohydrates are an important part of the diet, especially whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and should not be severely restricted.

Eliminating carbs can actually promote malnutrition. Healthy carbs also help in reducing risks for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. Overweight people, who are at higher risk for these diseases, need more of the protective nutrients found in carbohydrates, such as B vitamins, fiber and antioxidants.  In addition to that, low-carb dieters usually replace the carbs in their diet with protein.  Eating too much protein can cause dehydration and stress the kidneys and liver.

Instead of trying the latest diet to "see if it works", you have to realize that to lose weight, you have to burn more calories that you eat every day. So eat a healthy balanced diet that includes the things you like, just eat the right amount of those foods combined with cardio and resistance exercise  to allow you to burn fat and lose weight. 

So, get rid of the start and stop, trial and error approach. What is needed is to buckle down and lose the weight by using a solid plan of action. And since most people don't know where to start when it comes to putting together a fitness plan for long term success, by teaming up with a personal trainer, you will have the nutrition and exercise plan, and the accountability to finally achieve your weight loss goals.

As owner, manager and head trainer of Fitness Together - Temecula, I have found that there is nothing more rewarding than helping my clients reach their personal fitness goals. It goes far beyond helping them to lose weight and feel better about themselves. I have seen lives completely changed when clients learn and apply proper nutrition and exercise to their lifestyles.
No one I know has ever regretted losing weight and getting in better shape. The improvements and enjoyment that clients experience in their daily lives as a result of their personal training is why I do this. I may work with each client less than an hour a day, but I known they are enjoying the benefits of their improved energy, health and fitness all day long -- and that's what its all about. Without your health, nothing else matters.

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