If you are trying to shake off those pounds, the fastest way is to take on the challenge of 500 calorie diet. But how easy could it get? We’ll explore the benefits and effects of a 500 calorie diet and what would it take to just lose weight this way.

The 500 Calorie Diet: What’s the Buzz All About

Obviously, you could imagine how quickly you could drop pounds when you take on the 500 calorie diet challenge. But does this diet mean that you would have to consume only 500 calories a day? No. Doing that would be quite absurd. Even if you are on a liquid diet, you would go over 500 calories in a day consuming nutritious fruit and vegetable juices. The 500 calorie diet basically requires that you consume less than 500 calories per meal. Now, that would be much easier and manageable.

Most health experts strongly oppose the 500 calorie diet. Why? Because most believe that it is not healthy to go about your day consuming a pre-determined number of calories that is, in the first day, not suited to your health. A person’s daily calorie intake is dependent on two factors: your gender and weight. For example, on the average, a male who takes on easy to moderate physical activities requires 2500 calories a day. On the other hand, a woman needs about 2000 calories a day to pursue her daily schedule. A 500 calorie diet – or, a total of 1500 calories per day – basically falls behind the recommended calorie intake of any person. The effect: you may deprive yourself of essential nutrients that your body requires.   

Daily calorie intake requirements vary according to gender and weight, but an average-weight male who engages in moderate physical activity regularly needs approximately 2500 calories per day. An average-weight woman needs around 2000 calories per day. As you can see, 500 calories per meal--or 1500 calories a day--falls well below the average, so while 500-calorie meals are effective for losing weight in the short term, you may not want to cut calories any more than this, as you can wind up depriving yourself of basic nutrients.

The Benefits of 500 Calorie Diet

- Fastest way to lose weight. You eat less, you consume fewer calories. Getting on a 500 calorie diet is undeniably the fastest way to get on those skimpy jeans that you were eyeing.

- Save money and time. Have no time to prepare breakfast and lunch before going to work? Essentially, many consider a hassle-free morning a benefit of this diet.

- Strengthening your will power. Nothing could be harder than resisting that yummy and rich chocolate cake. Your commitment to stick to your goal not only benefits your body but also your self-esteem.

Eating Out with 500 Calorie Diet

Is it possible to control your calorie intake and also dine out? We have here some restaurant menu that could meet your weight goals.

- Grilled chicken served with garlic sauce (370 calories)
- Traditional Onion Soup au Gratin served with grated low-fat cheese (150 calories)
- Grilled chicken breast over a bed of spinach, mushrooms, red onions, and low-fat choice of cheese (250 calories)
- Tilapia fillet seasoned with lime juice. Comes with a nice dish of corn and black bean salsa (310 calories)
- Chocolate cake with layers of cream cheese. Best served with raspberry sauce (230 calories)