Goals
1. To lose weight.
2. To gain weight.
3. To lose fat.
4. To build muscle.
5. To look, feel or be healthy.
6. To get toned.
7. To improve a medical condition.
8. To improve performance at a certain sport or activity.
9. To look great naked.
10. Any combination of the goals on this list.


There are numerous reasons to start a diet and many of us have undertaken a diet to achieve any one of the goals above. The need to diet can be triggered by a number of things: an upcoming event, inability to wear clothing, a new health problem, the search for a new partner, a sports competition, or maybe you have just learned of the importance of a nutritious diet. In either case, the key to success is information.

Many people abuse their bodies through months or even years of poor diets, often without realizing it. They follow the latest fad diet, taken in by false promises and unrealistic expectations. Some of these diets result in drastic weight loss over a short period of time, which seems great but can be dangerous. The other drawback is the temporary nature of the loss. As soon as you finish the diet, you start to regain the weight and often put on even more than before the diet.

Regaining weight is counter-productive and can have a negative effect on your self-esteem and confidence. It usually occurs because you were not on a well-balanced diet, and your body wasn't getting the amount of food it needed to stay healthy while you were on the plan. In addition some of the diets are difficult to sustain overtime and can lead to a rebound effect where you wind up eating even more calories or unhealthy foods.

Fad diets might be appealing but a truly healthy diet is one that can be sustained over time. If you are trying to achieve one or more of the above goals then do the due diligence. Investigate proper diets and fitness plans to help you achieve your goals. Know that patience is required and that it is a marathon, not a sprint. Choose a method that will allow you to sustain the changes for a lifetime. Remember the goal of good nutrition is to maintain a healthy body so you can function at the highest level possible.
I hope this article has provided you with information that will help you make wise choices, so you may:

Live healthy, live well and live long!