People should understand the concept of dieting before resorting to it.  Dieting is not starving.  Moderation is the keyword in this context.  It should be a balanced diet consisting of three important substances, namely proteins, fats and carbohydrates.  To adopt a healthy dieting process, one should consume enough food to provide the body with all necessary nutrients.  What are those nutrients is a matter to be decided in individual cases.
 
There are people who starve out of poverty and suffer from many diet related ailments.  Similarly there are others who are getting afflicted by similar or other diseases because of over eating.  It is therefore necessary for an individual to understand the needs of the body and supplement the food with such nutrients that are insufficient in the diet.  A person who is overweight or suffering from obesity should consult a physician before resorting to dieting.  A healthy dieting programme is to be followed under the supervision and guidance of a physician or dietician.

Proteins are provided to the human body through a diet consisting of meat, fish, cheese, eggs, milk etc.  Fat required by the body will be supplied by butter, cream, milk, egg, nuts and cod liver oil. Carbohydrates are available from sugar, starch, cereals, oatmeal, rice, fruits, potatoes, carrots etc.  The above mentioned are only a few among many other sources. 

Apart from proteins, fats and carbohydrates body requires certain minerals and vitamins.  Calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper are important minerals essential for a healthy life.  Vitamins A, B, B1, B2, C, D, E and K are vital to sustain a healthy body.  Milk, egg, fresh vegetables, cereals, leafy vegetables, bananas, fish, cod liver oil etc. are among food items which can supply sufficient quantities of vitamins and minerals.  Water is an important element required by the body.  About 70 per cent of the bodyweight is water.  

As already mentioned, it is a matter of regulating the diet.  Eliminate those excess ingredients which are harmful to the health.  Supplement the food with deficient nutrients. An obese person should reduce fat contents and high calorie items in the food intake.  A person suffering from diabetes should control the sugar consumption.  Those who suffer from hyper tension should reduce the intake of salt.  However, complete elimination may not be necessary.  The accent should be on a balanced diet which can provide all the necessary nutrients in adequate quantities.

Natural resources are the best option.  But the physician or the dietician may advice the individual to take medicines or food supplements consisting of vitamins or minerals. Remember that the body can absorb the life supporting ingredients up to 80 per cent from natural sources.  But the absorption rate of chemical or synthetic compositions will be at times only 2 to 3 per cent.  For example, a mineral like iron can be obtained easily from leafy vegetables with an absorption rate of 60 to 70 per cent whereas pharmaceutical iron syrup cannot offer enough quantity of iron to the body. 

There is no alternative to regular exercise.  Physical exercise should be an integral part of the lifestyle.  Exercise, coupled with healthy food habits will contribute substantially to a better living.