How to Keep Your Body in Balance When on a Diet

There are many diets to follow, from protein-heavy low-carb diets to detoxes and cleanses. The basic principle of weight loss is that the total calories expended in energy must be greater than the total calories consumed. However, if you take dieting and exercise to extremes, your body can be thrown off balance. When following any diet plan, make sure you are not compromising your health. By paying attention to some basic principles of self-care and nutrition, you can avoid putting your body under too much stress.

Things You'll Need

• Diet plan

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Instructions

• 1

  Balance your blood sugar. Depending on the diet you are following, consume small meals regularly to prevent blood sugar spikes and lows which cause fatigue, light headedness, headaches, irritability and food cravings. Aim to consume a small meal, snack or glass of juice every three hours. If following a liquid-only diet plan, make sure you are consuming liquids containing enough nutrients to support your body.

• 2

  Stay hydrated. Ensure you drink plenty of water to keep your body in balance. Dehydration can sometimes be mistaken for hunger. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times, whether at work, at home or traveling. Water helps the body function most effectively and facilitates the dieting process by aiding the removal of toxins.

• 3

  Get plenty of sleep. If undertaking an extreme cleanse, detox or diet, make sure you get plenty of rest. Extreme diets should only be followed for a few days. Don't cut out food groups, such as carbohydrates, completely. Try to plan these diets for a weekend or for days off work so that you can rest the body during times when you will be consuming a limited or very low-calorie diet.

• 4

  Take some form of exercise, such as walking, jogging, swimming or yoga. Exercise is beneficial to keeping the body in balance, boosting heart rate, blood flow, metabolism and aiding general well-being. Do not undertake extreme physical exercise if following a very low-calorie plan.

• 5

  Be aware of your body and take heed of any warning signs. If you feel any adverse reactions while dieting, such as dizziness, fainting spells, extreme hunger or pain, discontinue your plan and discuss your symptoms with a doctor.