Beware of these diet plans
BY Anonymous
DIETING is a one way to lose weight. However, in your eagerness to lose that flab, do not be taken in by the many new products and diets on the market today which promise quick weight loss.
Ask these questions before you make your choice:
* Is this diet promoted by someone who has something to gain from it, such as the sale of books or special food that cannot be supplied by someone else?
* Are the nutritional claims supported by research in reputable nutrition and medical journals?
* Does the treatment for weight loss require eating a large amount of certain nutrients or restricting the diet to only certain foods?
According to the Weight Management Information Centre (a local, non-profit-making association comprising health professionals), strict diets should be avoided as, being unrealistic and artificial, they have little chance of success. A diet should be easy to follow and suitable to your lifestyle.
Here are some diets to be wary of:
* High-protein diets
The claims
A high protein diet will hasten water loss from the body. This will enhance immediate weight loss.
The facts
A diet with excess protein and inadequate carbohydrate places an overload on the kidneys. They are no long-term studies to show that this kind of diet is safe or effective.
* High-fibre, low-calorie diet
The claims
Fibre-rich foods are filling and cannot be digested. Such a diet is promoted to achieve satiety fast and as such, weight loss can be observed.
The facts
Weight loss can only occur by reducing intake of energy-dense foods with regular exercise. This diet can also mean missing out on important nutrients as well.
* Meal-replacement diets
The claims
Most meals are replaced by a diet pack.
The facts
Diet packs are repetitive, with limited choices and are expensive. Weight loss is dependant on continuation of these meals.
* Liquid diets
The claims
High protein liquid diets with as few as 400kcal per day are popular. These promote weight loss quickly.
The facts
Health professionals warn that any diet with less than 800kcal a day is unhealthy. Sole dependancy on liquid diets does not promote lifestyle changes which are important for long-term weight management.
ABOUTH THE AUTHORwww.medical-explorer.com |
