The word “diet” can be quite the turnoff for many. Diets
bring to mind deprivation of favorite foods for a certain length of time, with
trips to the gym and the scale; sometimes results are seen, and then months
later when the diet has ended, the weight is gained back. Have you experienced
this in the past? If so, try talking through these five questions to see if a
diet is realistic and right for you (brought to you by Cynthia Sass, Registered
Dietitian):
1) Is
it one size fits all? – Weight loss programs are designed around the height,
size and build of an average man or woman. Such as a 5’4 woman who is somewhat
active. If you do not match this description, it is important to be able to
adapt the diet for you; if not the same results may not be achieved.
2) Does
the premise make sense? – You need to ask how and why the diet will work
for you. There are many claims that go along with trending diets, and you have
to be skeptical of these claims. If the diet says you will lose 5 pounds per
week without exercise and continuing to eat all of your favorite foods, then you
must ask how and why? If the diet just has you eating less or differently, then
weight will be lost. But this may not be the best way to make lifestyle
changes, lose body fat and actually benefit you. This is because most diets are
not science-based or based on how the human body actually works. If you are
unsure of how the diet works and how you go about following it, then more
information should be obtained before taking the next step.
3) Is
it safe and healthy? – A diet or weight loss program that is too
restrictive, imbalanced or severe is not safe or healthy. A dangerous diet
could lead to hair loss, depression, bone density loss, organ damage and a
weaker immune system. The necessary amount of calories, fat and proteins are
needed to keep the cells in your body functioning properly to perform daily
tasks.
4) Can
I dine out? – If a diet does not allow for eating out, you can either
choose not to go out, or go off the diet. Dining out is possible while on a
diet, but careful planning may need to be involved. Try and access the menu and
nutrition information ahead of time so that you can make the best choice
possible without ruining your progress.
5) Can
I splurge? - Foods forbidden by the
diet can become even more tempting during the diet. You may turn to eating more
of other foods to satisfy the craving, or even giving in and binging on the
forbidden food. A balance or “everything in moderation” motto would be better
to follow, in order to fulfill the urge without becoming stuffed and getting
too off track.
Avoid the “sure-to-fail” diets by asking yourself these
questions. Realistic lifestyle changes should be involved to ensure the best
results that will be long-lasting. Be sure to consult a Registered Dietitian or
your physician if you are concerned about consuming the appropriate nutrition
and are interested in dieting.
Yes the diet should be focuses on the person. So many times I have seen diets which are being sold by a genetically gifted person. We are not all built like that.
ReplyDeleteYou should also be asking questions like
6. Do I like fasting? If its a fasting diet for example
7. Can I integrate it with the exercise that I am doing
8. Am I able to easily adopt this diet when I am out - i.e I don't have a kitchen available
Good post - thanks
Jim