Dieting 2006
Happy New Year to you all! If one of your new year’s resolutions is to lose weight then this might be interesting to you:
As if the Atkins diet wasn’t already enough! The BBC is telling us that another extreme diet will be hitting the North American bookstands in 2006.
The “Total Wellbeing Diet” was created by scientists from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization and it promotes doubling protein intake (meat and fish). It differs from the Atkins diet in that it allows small amounts of carbohydrates plus fruits and vegetables. Atkins prohibits sugary fruits and high-carb vegetables such as carrots and potatoes.
The BBC article refers to an editorial in Nature magazine, which states that studies show this diet only helps a small number of people, specifically overweight women with high blood triglyceride levels caused by metabolic disorder.
Once again, let me say what should already be common knowledge: The only “magic bullet” for weight loss is a permanent lifestyle change involving a balanced diet and plenty of exercise.
“Permanent” means that the diet is sustainable in the long term and is something you would be happy doing forever. Temporary diets lead to fast weight loss and then fast weight gain (the Yo-yo Effect). They are hard on you and will likely have adverse effects on your overall physical and mental health. When you find a permanent diet that works for you, your weight will slowly move towards a number that is permanently sustainable by that diet. In other words, if you eat a good balance of foods, reduce portion sizes to a reasonable (but still satisfying) level and increase your physical activity, then your weight will move to a number that is healthiest for you — your ideal weight.
“Balanced” means conforming to the latest version of Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating, relying on overall portion control rather than denying yourself your favourite foods. Any diet requiring you to completely cut out foods you like is guaranteed to fail in the long term. Either you’ll cave and binge, or you’ll go nuts because of the self-deprivation!
So here’s to a happy and healthy new year for you and yours! Open a new chapter in your life and find your permanent diet and fitness solution!