High Blood Pressure and Dieting

by Lisa P | More from this Blogger

23 Jun 2008 07:16 PM

"I have high blood pressure. What diet can I do so that I can lose weight safely?"

First, let me say that I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. (I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night either.) I suggest you discuss this with your doctor before trying any weight loss program. Of course, many people with high blood pressure have it as a side effect of being overweight and any doctor treating you for high blood pressure would be thrilled to help you find a diet program that is right for you. For those who already have additional health issues (and even those who don't), the best way to lose weight is always slow and steady with a balanced diet that does not deny you major food groups and allows for a bit of flavor along with a few treats once in a while.

Some prepackaged and prepared food diets come to mind. Such programs as Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem are not all one-size-fits-all and allow for different tastes in foods. You can choose the meals and snacks that go into your program and that leaves you with a great feeling of freedom as opposed to feeling deprived. These programs are very big on the balanced diet plan and slow, steady, permanent weight loss.

Some do-it-yourself diets that come to mind are the Body-for-Life eating program, the South Beach Diet, the Zone Diet and, of course, my favorite Lose 20 Pounds of Fat in 30 Days diet. That last one sounds a bit faddish but it is actually a very healthy program.

The best thing for you to do is to do your research on each of the diets/eating plans that interest you and then take that information to your doctor to discuss which plans you feel you can live with and which plan he can ultimately sign off on.

Learn more about Lisa P

Lisa used to be a freelance writer and Community Manager for Families.com, but she has finally made the jump to novelist.

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