DIETS

I think women want to find a weight loss miracle, diet pill, supplement, or magic solution. That is why they try diet pills, liquid diets, delivered meals, and so on. Diets that manipulate the proportion of macro nutrients such as being low fat, low carbohydrate, be downright unhealthy when taken to an extreme.

Focus on a specific mix of certain particular foods and elimination of others foods can be leave you lacking in precious nutrients and balance. The bottom is that these specialty diets have not been scientifically shown to make a huge difference. It's the importance of eating a balanced dies that incorporates all of the basic food groups and nutrients that is paramount.

There are a few simple strategies that a women can do to help them self diet. Watch your salt intake and fat intake. Choose healthier fats such as those in avocado, nuts or salmon and try to avoid the saturated fats that are found in sweets like pastries and fried foods. Also, drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. Some nutritionists say that eating 4-6 meals a day slightly smaller that 3 large meals can help with weight control. Keeping a diet journal can be helpful, and getting regular exercise is an important factor in dieting as well.

If you have particular health issues such as high cholesterol or diabetes, then speak with your doctor about foods that are aimed towards bringing such health issues under control. You may need medications, but healthy dieting is proven to help lower cholesterol and keep diabetics in check. It can be as simple as cutting back on fatty red meats and junk foods. Go for leaner meat or vegetarian protein. Opt for real fruit instead of cake and candy. Finally, watch the starch and lower your consumption processed starches like pasta, white breads and fried potatoes. Try to go for whole wheat versions or whole grain versions instead. Also, don't forget to get calcium rich foods by including nonfat milk, yogurt and cheese in your daily diet.

For me personally, I don't like to feel like I am dieting. I prefer a hearty sandwich over a salad. I do indulge in sweets occasionally but I stick to chocolate and nuts and I try to skip over the doughy stuff like muffins and cakes. I think avoiding the processed junk food, crackers and chips can help you avoid unneeded calories. Sugar drinks for sports and sugar sodas are wasted calories and it is better to drink water, ice tea or diet soda for weight loss.

LESS SNACKING

Some studies have shown that eating 5-6 smaller to medium sized meals is more optimal for a woman's metabolism than the traditional three big meals. I personally prefer the three basic daily meals, while some women like more smaller ones.

Much of dieting is mental. For me personally, I like to eat a wholesome meal as it is just more satisfying. Smaller diet meals don't satisfy me in the same way therefore even though more small meals can help speed up metabolism it's not a practical solution for me for the mere fact that it is not my personal preference.

Most of the diet plans I read about (and I have read so many diet books being an author on the topic of beauty tips) suggest more meals with healthy snacks. All women are different but the exact opposite strategy works for me. I don't like to feel like I am dieting, and don't like to follow the whole small meal diet plan.

For breakfast I eat something healthy such as fruit and yogurt, whole grain toast, oatmeal and juice for example. I like to eat a rather hearty yet healthy lunch like a sandwich with some whole grain chips or avocado, and for dinner I tend to go for vegetarian faire. I will snack but only if I need to. I'd rather eat the larger meals and not feel as if I am dieting at all than following the mini meals and healthy snack plan. If I do snack, I try a smoothie or fruit, sometimes popcorn at night for the munches.

I try to get my fruits and vegetables in. I avoid junk food and fried food to the extent I can. I do like chocolate and nuts on occasion. While not a vegetarian proper, I have always liked vegetarian food and I am not a big fan of red meat. I also am not a spaghetti/white bread and potatoes type either. The fact that I don't like pasta, starches and fried foods, and I don't like red meat much either, makes it easier for me to diet than it is for many women I know. The occasional urge for a cheese burger and chocolate sweet tooth attack is all I need to contend with.

If I extrapolate my eating habits into tips for women, I would say eat less red meat, fried foods, and white starch, and more fruits, veggies, whole wheat bread, non fat dairy, cheese and vegetarian fare. Throw in the occasional guilty but lean cheeseburger w/tomatoes and onion, and a few chocolate nut candies!