Weight Loss Glossary

A listing of words and terms related to weight loss and dieting. Click on the letter to go to that part of the alphabet and then select the diet or weight loss term that you are interested in.
Pollotarianism

A diet that excludes all meat except poultry and fowl.
Portion

The amount of food you choose to eat. There is no standard portion size and no single right or wrong portion size.
Protein

Can come from animal sources and from nuts and beans. Protein supplies energy and amino acids. Amino acids are building blocks that build, repair, and maintain every cell in your body.
Raw Veganism

A diet of fresh and uncooked fruit, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.
Recommended Dietary Allowance - RDA

The average daily intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of 97 to 98 percent of healthy individuals in a group. It is used to set goals for nutrient intakes for individuals.
Reduced Calorie

At least 25 percent fewer calories than the regular version.
Serving

A standard amount used to help give advice about how much to eat, or to identify how many calories and nutrients are in a food. Remember that the serving size on the Nutrition Facts label is not a recommended amount to eat; it's a simple and easy way for letting you know the calories and nutrients in a certain amount of a food.
Thermogenesis

Thermogenesis literally means birth of heat - or heat production. In humans it is generation of heat in order to maintain body temperature. Thermogenesis can be increases by exercise, or shivering when the body is cold. Some people use thermogenic substances (caffeine, ginger, bitter orange, ephedra) to help with weight loss by increasing the body's metabolism. This increase in metabolism is what burns off the fat.

Some diet pill companies will mention the thermogenic effect of their product. It does not mean that it burns fats directly. This just means that it raises your metabolism. When you raise your metabolism, you will burn more fat than you normally would. Thermogenic products are stimulants, and you should be cautious about using them. You should investigate and read the warning labels of the products before you start taking them.

If you limit your intake of carbohydrates and sugars, this will have a thermogenic effect because it takes more energy to process proteins and fiber than it does sugar. Some people have even suggested eating your food cold to increase the calories burned. calories.
Tofu

An Asian food made from soybeans. Tofu is often used as a substitute for protein from animal sources. If made with calcium, it has a lot of protien and calcium.
Tolerable Upper Level - UL

The highest level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risks of adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population.