Crash Diet or Gradual Weight Loss: Which is Better?

Keeping fit and shedding those extra pounds around your waist is not child’s play. If you are overweight or obese, it is very important to lose weight in order to prevent a variety of diseases. Two types of weight loss programs are very popular nowadays. The first one involves losing a lot of weight very fast – in other words, a crash diet. The other involves losing a little weight each week for a long time – or gradual weight loss.

A crash diet seems to be very attractive since you are able to see the results in a very short span of time. You look slim and it is noticeable. However, when you lose weight gradually, you need a lot of patience to wait for the results. Even if you are able to shed a few pounds, the results might not be easily visible. But is it really worth it to crash your diet in order to lose weight? Let’s find out!

Crash Diet

A crash diet involves cutting down on the amount of calories you consume per day and limiting your food intake to only certain types of foods. They make you consume fewer calories than you are likely to burn each day and this makes you lose weight rapidly. The visual effect gives you a new high and you are able to boast of about your slimmer frame.

On the contrary, many studies have revealed that a crash diet is highly restrictive and often leads to nutritional deficiencies, since you are made to avoid certain food groups completely! The body systems are unable to function properly. A nutritionally unbalanced diet can weaken your immune system and make you prone to various diseases. It slows down your metabolism and reduces the intake of carbohydrates. The body starts using its store of carbohydrates from the liver and the muscles. Crash diets are usually high in fats and proteins, which can increase your cholesterol and make you prone to cardiovascular diseases. The biggest disadvantage of following a crash diet is that the moment you stop following it, you start gaining weight at an increasingly rapid pace.

Gradual Weight Loss

As the name suggests, gradual weight loss plans mean that you lose weight at your own pace. It does involve eating a low calorie diet, but a nutritionally adequate one. When you lose weight in this way, you are not deprived of any nutrients and it is much easier to follow and maintain. You can continue to have your favorite foods but in small quantities. Although the results may not be visible for some time, you will know that your weight loss goals are realistic and can be achieved.

There is no denying the fact that losing weight gradually is much safer and healthier than crash dieting. A crash diet can never be a long term solution to losing weight. A gradual weight loss program with regular physical exercise is undoubtedly the best way to lose weight and remain healthy!