Extreme Dieting Not Necessary for Weight Loss

That's what reality TV shows like The Biggest Losermight have you believe.

But that's not reality. Fact is: You can enjoy your life and keep your weight in check, too. And that's a much more positive message to broadcast. Especially for those of us whose lives—and health—don't allow for extremes. Consider:

Lemon Diet

• The salesman who must regularly wine and dine clients

• The nurse who pulls double shifts in the intensive care unit

• The single mom working two jobs to make ends meet

• The depressed patient whose medication piles on weight

• The cardiac patient who's scared to push her heart rate—and whose medication leaves her tired all the time

Lemon Juice Diet

• The chronic pain sufferer whose movement is restricted

I propose we take a more flexible approach to weight management—one that doesn't trap us in an endless cycle of successes and failures; one that appreciates that each of our life circumstances is unique. It's something I've termed "best weight"—i.e., whatever weight you can reach while living the healthiest life you can honestly enjoy.

It's important to remember that our "bests" will vary. That sometimes your "best" will include tremendously indulgent foods and little to no exercise—or quite the opposite.

Read More: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2012/09/20/extreme-dieting-not-necessary-for-weight-loss