If Starvation diets don't work then how do anorexics lose weight?

I can tell you this from experience. Starvation diets don't work because the word 'diet' means for a short period of time, or for a period of time. Starvation diets work for a short period of time, but then once you start eating again, you start gaining weight like crazy. Anorexics lose weight because it is a lifestyle, and it is a permanent thing. Every day, for years, even, their diets are severely limited. But to some anorexics, even an apple and a piece of bread can be a binge. If you compare that to a starvation "diet", it seems like a severely limited amount of food. It's all in the state of mind. I hope this helps!

Are Vegan diets short on protein?

That depends, if a vegan eats properly, then no. If a vegan just stops all animal products and does not eat properly, they don't get a drop of protien and usually die. Becoming a vegan is good, but also very dangerous.

Are cleansing diets safe? Will they kill you?

Probably not. But frequently they're unhealthy, and no evidence supports the claim that a person with normally functioning organs benefits from supposed "detoxifying" diets. Such proponents of alternative medicine make claims about products supposed "detoxifying" effects when no well-controlled study has supported such effects. By following a "detox" diet you could be risking your health through fasting (frequently called for in such diets), as well as promoting nutritional ignorance, not to mention wasting a large amount of money. A life-long diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, monounsaturated and omega-3 fats, with no more than a modest amount of sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol is your best choice for good health- with hundreds of studies supporting the benefits of such a diet.

Is there anything bad about low-carb diets such as Atkins?

#1 I just saw a great program on diets and what the good and bad ones were. People want to hear about quick fixes to lose weight and those magic words, "Eat anything you want!" Diet and drug companies make billions off of people who want to lose weight and will promise great weight loss while you eat to your hearts content and most don't work! It only takes common sense to know low in fats, sugars and salt (3 things that make people love the food they shouldn't have.) Olive oil is an excellent source for fats, and people can have natural sugars from fruits or even a little honey and of course a little salt in one's diet is a must because of the iodine content. Sea Salt is excellent and I prefer it to regular salt. Less is needed and it has a better taste. It doesn't mean you can't have the odd small order of chips or a hamburger once a week, or that you can't have a small piece of cake or pie. Less is best!

In the program the Atkins diet was rated lowest on the scale. Atkins has a theory that one can eat all the fats they want such as eggs in grease, sausages, bacon, etc. I'd love to see his cholesterol readings! The two top diets were the South Beach Diet and Weight Watchers Diet. I would suggest one of the latter if you want to live a long and healthy lifestyle. Get that exercise in there as well and those 8 - 8 ounces glasses of water every day.

#2 Yes. Getting low amounts of carbohydrates in your diet isn't good, but getting too much isn't good either. You ever heard of the saying," Pasta ends up on your hips when too many pass your lips "? Well, it's true! Consuming too much carbohydrates can actually make you fat. Your body can pack about 400 grams of carbohydrates (1600 calories) into your liver, kidneys, pancreas and muscle cells. Any amount more than that will be converted to fat. However, this doesn't pertain to the natural carbs in fruits and vegetables, that's why you can eat lots of it and not get fat. Refined carbohydrates such as pasta, whole wheat bread, and cereal can make you fat. And that's why pasta ends up on your hips.

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