Slimming diets

A slimming diet may also be referred to as a low calorie diet. It involves cutting down on the amount of energy (calories) taken into the body. The fatty foods are the high-energy foods (9 calories per gram), so it is necessary to reduce these foods. Sugar (a carbohydrate food) should also be reduced as it provides many calories without being of much nutritional benefit.

Start a slimming diet

Severe slimming diets should be discussed with a doctor.
Do not completely cut out any nutrient – maintain a balanced diet.
Eat three meals every day. Cut out snacks.
Avoid crash diets as they are often unbalanced.

Points to follow:

	Choose low sugar varieties of food.
	Use sugar substitutes as sweeteners.
	Make use of diet drinks.
	Fill up on fruit, vegetable and high fibre foods.
	Use a smaller plate – easier to fill.
	Always sit down to eat.
	Refrain from reading or watching TV while eating.
	Chew food slowly.
	Take regular exercise.
	Weigh yourself once a week.
	Cut down on fatty foods
	Cut down on sugary foods e.g. biscuits, cakes, crisps.

How much weight will be lost?

A cut –back of 500 calories per day will result in the loss of 50 grams of fat from the body (2 ozs). It should therefore take eight days to lose 1 lb (1/2 kg approx) of bodyweight.

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