Dieters have to have a reason to start a diet. Most people don't diet for the fun and enjoyment of it. They have an ultimate goal in mind. It could be to reach a goal weight, to look better, to feel better, to improve a medical condition, or simply for overall health. There are countless reasons for starting a diet and each one is personal.

The health versus vanity debate is one of semantics. To argue that a person is only looking to lose weight for vanity purposes makes no sense. Or, flip that argument and say that a person is not looking to improve their appearance, just their health, makes no sense either. That person's health and appearance will benefit from the weight loss as long as it is accomplished using healthy methods. That is where the true controversy is played out.

Many people who are simply in it for the vanity buy into the newest fads and untested diets. If a diet promises extreme weight loss in a short period of time these people jump on board. A diet that requires you to drink a special juice three times a day and eat one regular meal, may be lacking in many vitamins and minerals. It may also promote rapid fluid loss, leading to dehydration. Although the scale will show a marked improvement, the scale cannot measure health.

That is why it is suggested that you get a physical before starting a new diet and exercise program. It is important to remember that the doctor may not agree that the plan you choose is best, but if you are convinced it is for you, simply get general clearance and give it a try. Doctor's don't have all the answers either. (Did I really just say that?)

A diet to improve your health may take a little bit longer, but the results will usually be longer lasting. Most health promoting diets use more whole foods and avoid the fad ideas or diet pills. They are based on the concept of losing weight to feel better and improve overall function. A dieter who's goal is to improve health should incorporate some exercise into their program, as well. Of course this exercise will help tone and shape muscles too, which works for the vanity angle also.

The best diet of course is one that is approached from a combined attack. A diet with a healthy base that will work to quickly show improvement in the mirror or on the scale will work best for motivating the dieter to stay on it. If you can see the results on the outside, and feel the results on the inside, it will be easy to say, "Let's stick this one out."

So, remember, it doesn't matter if you are dieting to look better or feel better, a sound diet plan should help you accomplish both. Fad diets, or those based on unhealthy concepts, will not only fail to improve health but will ultimately fail on the vanity front as well.