SENSE & SENSITIVITY

Diet works -- but at what cost?

DEAR HARRIETTE: In an effort to lose weight quickly for an event, I went on a strict diet with a few of my friends. This diet promises to have you lose 10 pounds in three days. I was committed, and I saw the results when I fit into the dress I wanted to. My friends, however, each couldn’t complete the diet because they were on the verge of fainting by the third morning. I saw results, but they’re urging me to never do this again. I would never make every day as strict and bland as this diet does, but a few days can’t hurt, right? -- Diet Divas, Laredo, Texas

DEAR DIET DIVAS: Most doctors and nutritionists will tell you that following a diet that promises extremely fast weight loss is not healthy. It may work, as yours did, but there are potential side effects to consider. In rare cases, people have heart attacks and strokes when they lose weight too quickly, for example. Upsetting your metabolism dramatically is not a kind way to treat your body.

Instead of following a crash diet, visit your doctor and get recommendations on how to eat to lose weight. You may also want to get a nutritionist who will design an eating program that will help you to maintain your optimal weight.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.