Most people use a low calorie diet (usually 800-1000 calories per day) for short periods of time to lose weight quickly. These low calorie plans should never be used as a means to healthy, permanent weight loss. A drastic reduction in calorie intake usually causes more harm than good.

Anyone thinking of a low calorie plan should discuss such an option with his or her doctor. Remember, calories are energy, and the average person should consume at least 1200-1500 calories a day. Starving or fasting just causes yo-yoing (losing and regaining weight).

A healthy approach to diet and exercise is a much safer means of bring about weight loss. While it may seem quicker to skip meals for a few days, your body knows it is being deprived and will demand the proper nutrients sooner or later. Low calorie diets often cause you to be so hungry that you are set up to fail. Before you know it, you are eating two candy bars just to hold you over until dinner.