subject: To Fad Diet, Or Not? [print this page] With the Biggest Loser still fresh in the mind of many of my clients, they too are expecting to drop 5 kilos each week. The results seen on these types of shows are achieved through a calorie restricted diet and many hours of exercise- this method isn't much fun (and can be unsafe without medical supervision) so people turn to the latest in vogue diets promoted by their friends, the media or celebrities. Here is an overview of a few of the current trending diets:
The Dukan Diet
This high protein, low carbohydrate and low fat diets promise permanent weight loss by following four phases: two phases are to achieve weight loss, and two phases are for weight maintenance. In Phase 1, dieters lose weight by eating 68 'allowed' foods, while in Phase 2, the rateof weight loss is slowed as 32 vegetables are added to the 'allowed' list. The remaining phases are designed to help dieters though maintenance issues to prevent weight re-gain. Despite this diet encouraging lean meats and placing an emphasis on weight maintenance, the ratio of protein, fats and carbs can lead to ketosis (when ketones build up and force your body to use stored fat as it's fuel source instead of it's preferred source, which is carbohydrates). Not only does this lack variety, it is also nutritionally unbalanced, however compared to some of the diets and detoxes out there to shift weight initially, Dukan is a viable option in the short term.
Raw Food Diet
As the name suggests, a raw food diet consists mainly of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic foods. The theory behind this diet, is once food is cooked above 48C, toxins are produced and the vitamins and enzymes required for digestion are destroyed.
Given the human body produces its own digestive enzymes, it doesn't need them from food. In additio, there are some nutrients(such as lycopene) that are better absorbed by the body when food is cooked. Although there is research to support that eating a plant-based diet can be beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels, eating raw eggs, meat and unpasteurized milk can result in food poisoning(i.e.salmonella, listeria). This is a huge concern for high-risk individuals, such as those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a compromised immune system. IT is also important to notethat by following this diet it may lead to deficiencies in vitamin B12 and Omega-2 fats.
Some people opt for this as a means to losing weight however, simpy by cutting out processed and packaged foods,while still continuing to eat cooked foods would also result in weight loss!
Detox Diet
There are several ways to achieve short-term weight loss but often the sustainability is compromised, resulting in the weight loss being regained in addition to a few extra kilos! In today's fast places society we expect instant results, which is an unfair demand on the body givn the fact we gain the weight overnight. There are lots of fad diets and magic potions claiming to 'melt away the fat' but for healthy, long-term weight loss(and maintenance) I urge you to set specific and realistic goals, eat well and exercise to be consistent!
