Top Diets Reviewed: Medifast, eDiets, Atkins and More

Many people trust the Mayo Clinic staff to educate us on our health and well-being. When it comes to exercise and weight loss, most of us are well aware that leading an active lifestyle is crucial if you want to succeed on your weight loss journey.  It really does come down to calories in, calories burned, in order to achieve your goals.  At a minimum, to enjoy moderate health you should aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.  You also need to do resistance training at least twice per week.  For weight loss, it is recommended that you exercise about 60 minutes per day most days of the week.  This can only be achieved if you put it first on your list — schedule it like you would any important appointment.  Many people find that if they work out first thing in the morning and get it out of the way, it makes for a very pleasant start to the day where you feel as if you’ve just achieved something good for yourself.

Exercise is one of those things you either love or you hate.   When folks say they love it, many people roll their eyes and think the person must be one of those “health freaks” or perhaps they assume the avid exerciser is vain about their looks.  In reality, exercise can really be a joyful, even fun experience once you develop the habit and begin reaping the benefits.  Did you know that doctors say that exercise is just as powerful as antidepressants in dealing with depression?  The biochemical changes that take place during vigorous exercise are powerful mood enhancers that also block pain.  And what about quality of life?  Many individuals who practice a sedentary lifestyle would be shocked to know that their choices may cause them to be immobile in their golden years.  I don’t know about you, but I want to remain strong and independent as long as I am able to.  And some good endorphins don’t hurt, either!

You are excited about the prospect of eating healthy in 2010, but are concerned that healthy foods are more expensive than junk food. This is not necessarily the case – through careful planning, eating healthy and losing weight doesn’t have to break the bank. For example, beans, a rich source of minerals, protein and fiber, as well as eggs, are two nutrient-dense food sources that can easily be incorporated into your diet plan. For the same price as a doughnut, you can purchase a serving of vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower. Other economical ideas to eat healthy include choosing store brand or private label food items; planting a garden and canning your crop; shop the perimeter of the store for the healthier foods such as produce, meats and fish, and dairy. Avoid the inner aisles which contain more processed foods and junk foods. Avoid packaged drinks (unless they are part of your diet plan). Most packaged juices, teas and sodas contain loads of sugar and chemicals. A good diet plan can help you identify recipes which will work within your budget. Here’s to a new you in 2010!

As people’s lives get more complicated, the issue of weight control sometimes ends up on the back burner. The typical American lifestyle ends up sabotaging our best efforts at trying to stick to a diet and lose those unwanted pounds. That’s where the Medifast Diet can help.  Medifast is a diet plan that has long been trusted by the medical community for a solid weight loss alternative that is effective and easy for the busiest people to execute.  The complete plan includes meal replacement choices and real food options.