With so many different diet programs promoted today, it is often a challenge deciding which one to try. The goal of all of these diets is for people to lose weight and, many times, are laced with the promise of losing a lot of weight quickly. Although the selection of foods in these diets may vary slightly, the objective is the same. Looking at the three day diet, for instance, you will find several things that should serve as a red flag amidst the array of such diets.

First, you may have noticed that many of these three day diets, among other variations, are realistically just starvation diets. Instead of eating solid, nutritional foods, you are permitted to eat or drink only a few pre-selected items. Additionally, the amount of food you can eat is strictly reduced while in some you are prohibited from consuming any food. Oftentimes, these diets claim that drinking particular liquids is the fastest way for you to lose weight.

Yes, not eating will certainly cause you to lose pounds according to the scale. Generally, three day diets state that you can lose anywhere from five to ten pounds of unnecessary body fat. However, this weight is probably not body fat but rather water and muscle tone only to be gained back rapidly and, more likely than not, along with a few additional pounds. Further, losing weight in this manner and at this pace brings forth some other potential health issues you may want to consider.

With most three day diets focusing on extremely fast weight loss, your body's muscle tone and water is what you are losing while the body fat remains. This imbalance of fat and muscle tone (or lack thereof) does not help a dieter trying to lose weight.

To lose your body fat and retain your muscle, a sensible diet and exercise routine is the best combination for permanent and successful weight loss. Remember, is it the body fat causing you to look fat, not your body muscle. Muscle tone, actually, helps you burn calories throughout the day.

When people consider the many diet plans available, particularly the three day diet, the idea of losing a lot of weight quickly is the "selling point." This is why these diets continue to be so popular. However, a long term diet is a much better option than short-term, quick weight loss programs that will only result in temporary body changes. The results may take longer to appear with long-term programs, but they will be more permanent.

If you are at a point where you are trying to decide which diet program is right for you, remember that a dietary plan that helps you lose weight consistently and in a healthy manner will be the best choice in the long run.

Do you really want to starve yourself for days at a time only to have the weight return? It would be pointless to put yourself through such a stringent program only to become ill or far unhealthier as a result. A commitment to staying healthy should be equally as important, regardless of what weight loss approach you choose.