Weight Loss In General

The dietplus^® principle
dietplus^® programs are based on a rational principle: they supply the body with all the necessary nutrients with the minimum possible energy intake. That is, the meals provide you with what you need to function without the extra ‘fat stuff’ contained in most dishes.

Principles of a healthy diet
A healthy diet should be balanced and varied in order to ensure the intake of all essential nutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates), vitamins and minerals. 

The food pyramid can be used as guidance when compiling a healthy diet plan. Food groups you should eat every day to ensure the intake of all necessary nutrients are represented by individual building blocks in the pyramid. The lowest parts of the pyramid include foods that should be consumed most often and in the greatest amounts. The higher in the pyramid the relevant foods occur, the more moderate their consumption should be. The top of the pyramid includes foods that could be omitted from a healthy diet altogether and should therefore be consumed as an exception. There are no forbidden types of food. The amount and frequency of their consumption is the all-important factor.

Our top ten healthy eating tips:

• Eat regularly, 4 – 6 times a day. Smaller portions, eaten more frequently helps maintain blood sugar levels and keeps hunger at bay.
• Replace full-fat dairy products with their semi-skimmed or low fat alternatives to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Eat 5 portions (500g) of fruit and vegetables per day. However, watch out for fruits with high sugar content (bananas, grapes, pears, etc.) and consume them in moderation.
• Choose wholemeal bread instead of white bread to reap the benefit of its high fibre content, vitamins and minerals.
• Pulses with their high-quality protein content and fibre should be included in your menu at least once a week.
• Choose lean, white meat and fish over red meat. It helps towards prevention of cardiovascular disease and oily fish like salmon is a great source of omega 3.
• Minimise or avoid sweets and smoked meat products. Your body does not need them.
• Increase your fluid intake. The British Dietetic Association advises that the average adult should consume 2.5 litres of water per day. Of this, 1.8 litres - the equivalent of six to seven glasses of water per day - must be obtained directly from beverages. Spring and mineral water, fruit and green teas and natural fruit juices diluted with an equal amount of water are the most suitable types of fluid. 
• To maintain your body weight once you’ve reached your goal, your energy intake should be equal to the overall energy output (movement) ie don’t eat more calories than you are going to burn off.
• Avoid foods containing hydrogenated fat such as pastries, meat pies, sausages etc.