FITNESS: Military Rapid Weight Loss Diet

When new military recruits finish basic training, they have often lost weight. There is no secret military rapid weight loss diet that produces these results: weight loss during basic training is usually the result of a healthy diet paired with a lot of exercise. Military service members maintain their health through attention to diet and regular activity so that they can perform at their best. Still, people in the military sometimes gain weight just like anyone else. When that happens, they adopt a sensible diet and exercise program for healthy weight loss.


Facts
The U.S. military is not a single entity and does not promote a rapid weight loss diet. The U.S. Army promotes a balanced, nutritious diet that will allow you to lose weight at a healthy rate of 1 to 2 pounds each week.


Process
When an Army solider is determined to be overweight according to screening charts, the Army then measures that solider to determine his or her percentage of body fat. If the percentage of body fat is found to be excessive, the solider is then referred for a medical examination. If there are no medical impediments to weight loss, the solider is counseled by properly qualified personnel in a healthy diet and exercise program of increased activity and decreased caloric intake.


Features
The U.S. Army recommends a daily diet composed of two 8-ounce servings of milk, two servings of fruit, two servings of vegetables, four servings of bread or cereal and two 3-ounce servings of meat, plus additional servings of fruit and vegetables to provide the required number of calories. To determine the number of total calories needed each day for maintenance, multiply your ideal body weight by 12 to 14 if you are sedentary, by 15 if you are active or engage in regular exercise, or by 16 to 18 if you are involved in extremely rigorous daily activity. To lose an average of one pound each week, subtract 500 calories from the maintenance amount; to lose an average two pounds each week, subtract 1000 calories from the maintenance amount. Do not, however, drop below 1200-1500 calories daily except under the supervision of qualified medical personnel.


Considerations
Military personnel need to be fit to perform at their best. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is the first step in developing optimal fitness. One advantage of the U.S. Army plan is that it takes muscle development into consideration: if you are overweight according to the screening charts, but not over fat, no changes in your diet or exercise plan are counseled.


Benefits
Following the U.S. Army Weight Control plan will allow you to lose weight at a healthy rate of one to two pounds weekly. The diet takes activity level into consideration; as you increase your activity level from sedentary to regularly exercising, you can consume more calories and still lose weight. If you must slow your exercise program for some reason, you can also easily adapt your calorie