The Catalyst

By Callie Varra, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Everyone can benefit from exercising and healthy eating habits, but little do teens realize that dieting is sometimes more harmful than helpful. While summer is quickly approaching and days spent in the sun wearing nothing but a swim suit can serve as a great way to get motivated it can also call for unneeded crash diets.

Crash dieting involves drastically cutting back on the intake of calories and fat you take in on a daily basis. Each year many men and women use crash dieting as a way to lose a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time.

Weight loss is only through the loss of mostly water weight causing it to come back quickly. Also, in the event of crash dieting leaves those dieting feeling weak, cranky and not in the mood for fun. Studies show that dieters who lose weight then gain it back by eating normally again may end up gaining more weight in the long run.

To lose weight the healthiest way and most effective way, plan to lose one to two pounds a week by choosing a variety of healthy food and daily exercise. Since it is only possible to lose a few pounds of body fat a week, setting a reachable goal will not only make you feel accomplished, but also set you up for life long healthy habits.