Diet Plans to Accompany Exercise

Those who exercise, whether to get in shape or lose weight, should accompany their exercise regime with a healthy diet. There are hundreds of healthy diet plans, as well as many plans that are unsafe. Ultimately, a healthy diet plan along with regular exercise will increase your chances of reaching fitness and weight-loss goals.

Choosing a diet

A certified nutritionist or personal trainer may be able to design a diet plan that fits your lifestyle and complements your exercise routine. If this is not an option, there are plenty of diet plans one can choose on their own. Diet plans include high-carbohydrate, low-carbohydrate, low-sugar, low-fat and high-fat. Not all diets are suitable for those who exercise.

The American Department of Agriculture reports that weight loss is achieved when the calories you eat and drink are less than the calories you burn. Because of this, it is best to avoid high-calorie diets, like the Atkins Diet, if you are trying to lose weight. Even if you get a tremendous amount of exercise you will not lose weight if you are taking in more calories than you burn.

Many people wish follow a diet plan allowing them to gain weight while still exercising. This can be achieved by consuming more calories than are burned while eating a healthy, protein-rich diet.

Beneficial diets

In general, people who exercise need a diet that is high in carbohydrates, which provides the energy needed to sustain regular workouts. Carbohydrates highly benefit people who exercise. Whole-grain products (pasta, bread, cereals), most fruits and some vegetables (potatoes, yams, carrots) are healthy choices. Make sure to consume adequate amounts of protein (try to do so immediately after exercising) to help rebuild muscle tissue. Other foods to include are legumes, low-fat dairy and olive oils.

The South Beach Diet is one example of a diet to follow while on an exercise program. It includes foods that are low on the glycemic index. Foods high on the glycemic index are considered harmful because they rapidly spike blood-sugar levels, zapping one's energy. This diet includes low-fat protein, leafy green vegetables, eggs, nuts and healthy oils. A similar diet is the NutriSystem Diet. The French Women Don't Get Fat diet may also complement exercise regimes by emphasizing a wide variety of foods, including whole grains and low-fat dairy within moderation.

Diets to avoid

While exercising regularly, one should avoid diets low in calories, carbohydrates and protein. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that exercise training and long-term consumption of a low-protein and low-calorie diet are linked to an increased risk of cancer. Fad diets are often low in calories, carbohydrates and protein. Examples include the Cabbage Soup Diet, the 7-Day Diet, the Grapefruit Diet, The Kimkins Diet and liquid diets such as Slim-Fast.