It seems to be that time of year again. The Christmas and New Year dust has settled, the ‘bad for you’ foods have been eaten and the beer bottles are dwindling. Time to make good on that New Year’s resolution to diet…

Different diets work better for different people, and with so many ways to diet, you’ll be limited only by your imagination. There’s the Weight Watchers diet that works on a points system and a daily point allowance, the Atkins diet, where you cut out carbs, calorie controlled diets and diets like slim fast, where you replace meals with milk shakes or smoothies (and of course some other things). But when is it too much? And how can you know what works for you?

Dieting does have many advantages; improved health, self-esteem and confidence being some of the main ones, but what are the disadvantages? Well, that depends on the way you diet. For example if you use a diet that means you lose weight on a dramatic scale too quickly, there’s a chance you’ll put the weight back on just as quick once the diet’s over. A gradual weight loss program may therefore be better. If, however, you go on this kind of diet for too long, there may be health issues and an unwanted excess of skin, due to the speed you’re losing the weight.

Diets that substitute a meal a day, or cut out a food group, could also potentially cause a problem as you are no longer consuming enough of the nutrients your body needs. The Atkins diet, for example, calls for you to dramatically cut down on carbohydrates, although there is no actual proof that carbs are what make you put on weight any more than the other food groups. Whatever the diet, one thing you should be looking for is a healthy option and to make sure meals are planned, balanced and include everything your body needs. Read more here.

I tried the Special K diet and found that I lost weight gradually, but when I switched to the Weight Watchers diet, out of convenience, I found I personally preferred it for the structure and flexibility. I can still have chocolate in moderation, so I’m not complaining at all. My in-laws are currently trying the Atkins diet, which I couldn’t do because carbohydrates would be too tempting for me and I know I’d give up on it. My advice is to read up on diets before you just say; ‘That one’. Read reviews, talk to friends and family, visit websites about them and compare them with your lifestyle and finances.

As well as all this though, a consultation with your doctor may be useful.  They can help you monitor your health and weight as you diet and may be able to give you advice on what diets would best meet your health needs. Good Luck.