Americans cut the restrictive dieting

Despite being bombarded by advertising from the South Beach Diet people and the latest zeal for Katherine Middleton’s Dukan Diet, Americans are sticking with the simple, time tested strategies for losing weight.

According to a new national survey from the Calorie Control Council (CCC), restrictive diets like those and programs like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers are at the bottom of the list for popular weight loss tools. At the top are cutting back on sugars, using low calorie or sugar free substitutes, eating smaller portions and doing the less calories/more exercise routine.

This is the plan for the 54% of Americans trying to lose weight. And having a plan is a good idea since two-thirds of Americans are overweight according to the Centers for Disease Control. “People are now hearing what health authorities have been saying for years – Americans are too heavy,” says James Hill, PhD, Executive Director of the University of Colorado Anschutz Health & Wellness Center.

Other methods of weight loss that Americans aren’t buying are the online diet programs, diet pills, and meal skipping. The more popular choices by those surveyed are smaller portion sizes (85%), using low calorie or sugar free foods (78%). And combing lowered caloric intake with increase aerobic output (73%).

“A good way to start is by stopping any further weight gain by making small lifestyle changes,” Hill advises. “Just cutting 100 calories a day can prevent the gradual weight gain experienced by most Americans. Continuing to increase regular exercise and eating smarter by reducing portions, and limiting fat and sugar intake will help in both losing weight and maintaining it.”

Source: CCC, MedicalNewToday