The word "diet" conjures up images of depriving oneself of the foods one likes or more extreme visions of starving oneself pop up. However, a clinically proven and a nutritious well-balanced diet, like the Medifast Diet, Atkins and South Beach dispel such visions. Moreover, it may surprise most to learn that the variety of meals available within these diet programs is immense in some cases with over 50 different ones to choose from, including shakes, bars and drinks. Not only are diets like these healthy and nutritious, they also allow one to consume food regularly in some cases every 2-3 hours. There is no need to count calories or carbs.

Given that it takes two incomes in most households and a great majority of men and women both are in the workforce these days, there is hardly any time to prepare elaborate meals. On the surface, diet programs that provide ready made food for easy and effortless consumption provide many with false hope.

These diets are a great way to begin the process of weight loss however those serious about their weight loss must not allow themselves to fall into the trap of participating in the worst weight loss strategy ever. It can be easy to get sucked into they media's constant hype of such "magic pill" diet programs, especially since one can read many real life success stories listed on the internet. The key component missing with most of these plans is the addition of regular exercise. Proper nutrition and portion control is an effective strategy however it is merely one piece of the puzzle. Here are a few of the key benefits of mixing a healthy diet with a healthy dose of physical activity.
Health Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity:
• Reduce the risk of premature death
• Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
• Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
• Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
• Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer
• Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
• Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
• Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints
• Reduce depression and anxiety
• Improve psychological well-being
• Enhanced work, recreation, and sport performance
Want the simplest plan to loose weight almost immediately? Eat less and exercise more.

They say a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. The first step would be to visit the websites of these popular diet programs to learn more about them as well as to read the reviews. Your next step should be to find an interesting exercise routine that works with your schedule and your physical capabilities. Begin by checking out a trial membership in your local YMCA. If you do decide to investigate any diet plan further, search the internet to locate plenty of coupons that are available on a variety of websites to take advantage of price discounts. In this day and age where most people have easy access to a computer, a new and improved you is just a few clicks away.