Advocates of caloric restrictions will nearly all agree that the end result of their diet is that weight loss will occur because the amount of calories consumed was less than should be needed by the body during the day. This negative energy balance will cause weight loss. It should be stressed that any significant and true weight loss will most likely occur when the diet is used for an extended period of time. If the time period is short, then the weight loss is most likely associated with water loss or the weight loss will be temporary.
The important thing to remember about calories (energy) is that all different foods yield different amount of energy (calories) when used by the body. Calorie counting diets seem to stress this above all else. Some would argue that in essence, nearly all diets may claim to be ‘caloric restriction' diets but most will defend their diet by its type of foods to be eaten or to be avoided. Calorie counting diets tend to defend the importance of the calories over the types of foods.
Calories consumed must not equal calories burned to loose weight. Calorie counting advocates will emphasize restricting the calories to low (sometimes too low) amounts in order to loose weight.
Some calorie counting and type of food group diets rely on limiting the foods that are high in caloric value to prevent too much energy (calories) to be consumed. Carbohydrates, fats and protein all have different energy values, and it is the use of these energy values that some diet companies will base their latest diet on.
| 
Articles on this subject
