Ah, January — the traditional time to begin anew. Many folks do so by starting yet another weight loss diet. Rather than leading to lasting weight loss, however, diets almost always lead to disappointment. Nearly 95% of dieters regain the lost weight and about one-third regain more weight than they lost. What’s more, repeated weight loss and regain may increase blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation, and depress metabolism and immune function.
The key to overall health, including maintaining a healthy weight, is a healthy lifestyle — and adequate nourishment plays a major part. In addition to promoting overall health, adequate amounts of certain nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D and fiber, may help foster a healthy weight. Unfortunately, most Americans don’t get enough of these nutrients. Consumption of fiber, for instance, is typically 15 grams per day, about half of what’s recommended.