There always has been a rigorous debate over the variety of popular diets of today, as well as which ones work. But it seems people's motives for losing weight are questionable. People are generally unaware of their weight problems.
Most people desire great health, just as they desire success, but it's not really a question of what is wanted, but rather why it is wanted.
As opposed to being healthy as an incentive to lose weight, the general public seems to believe that looking good is the far more popular choice.
With all the Paris Hiltons, Christina Aguileras, and Vin Diesels, constantly in our faces, it's hard not to be envious - but we should approach this realistically. We don't all have personal trainers, air-brush specialists or an excess supply of steroids.
We do, however, have a steady supply of late-night restaurants, and an endless supply of fried chips and mountains of cookies readily available that are more affordable than healthier foods. It's a general lack of discretion, discipline and funds that has contributed to America's excessive waistlines.
Just getting there is part of the challenge of losing weight, but it might be smart for people to research what they're buying into before completely dismissing a whole food group from their diets. A low carbohydrate diet might be a quick way to a reduced waist size, but the health issues that accompany it are somewhat questionable.
For the majority of students who work all day, study all night and buy cheap food in between - tossing together a salad or steaming fresh greens isn't always the most practical, or available, path.
But limiting and prioritizing could bring about results dissimilar to those of the Atkins diet - and at a healthier cost.
Instead of six brownies, maybe two is a healthier choice. Instead of three Big Macs a week, one would probably suffice.
Being practical and smart about the health issue could be a much safer approach to losing weight than entrusting the best-seller list with your diet. Oh, and exercise might help, too.
What's popular isn't necessarily the best that's out there - or the healthiest.
