Mar 31, 2016

Weight-loss expert examines the pros and cons of 4 popular diets – Daily Mail

  • Weight loss expert Dr Sally Norton gives her verdict on four popular diets
  • She evaluates the pros and cons of the Mediterranean diet, versus low-fat, low-carbohydrate and low GI diets
  • Key message is ‘quick fix’ fad diets do not work, says Dr Norton
  • No diet works better than any other in the long-term, but adopting elements from each and eating a healthy, balanced diet with fresh food does 

Dr Sally Norton For Dailymail.com

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We have all been there. 

Day three of the latest ‘quick fix’ diet, and all good intentions are well and truly out the window, as you sit amid a see of chocolate wrappers, guilt ridden.

With so many different diets offering quick results and dramatic weight loss, it can be difficult to see the wood for the trees.

The main thing to realise is research has shown time and again that ‘quick fix’ diets barely last a couple of weeks, and seldom keep the weight off long-term.  

Weight loss expert, Dr Sally Norton gives her verdict on four popular diets, concluding that while none work in the long-term, adopting key elements from each, and eating a healthy, balanced diet packed with fresh food can help you lose weight and maintain the weight loss

Weight loss expert, Dr Sally Norton gives her verdict on four popular diets, concluding that while none work in the long-term, adopting key elements from each, and eating a healthy, balanced diet packed with fresh food can help you lose weight and maintain the weight loss

Over the years I’ve spoken to numerous women have undertaken on one of the many available diets, and on almost every occasion, their plans have failed. 

Not because they don’t want it enough, but just because crash diets don’t work and lead to that inevitable rollercoaster of weight-loss and weight-gain that we hear so much about.

So, what are the pros and cons of four popular approaches to weight loss, and what should you do? 

The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest there is, as proven by dozens of scientific studies. The reason? At its very heart, the diet is based on eating lots of fruit, vegetables, fresh fish and cutting out processed foods and red meat.  But, while it is straightforward, it is healthier if you avoid eating out

There are reams of diets that promote the low-carb message, from Aitkens to Dukan and Banting. Cutting out carbs can be good because it means people avoid high-sugar foods, but it is vital to remember good carbs, such as wholegrains, help you feel full and add fibre

Low GI foods, such as wholewheat bread, break down more slowly in the body, which means we don’t get the peaks in blood sugar that lead to high levels of insulin, and a rapid drop in blood sugar – which leads us to reaching for more sugar as a result

So, what’s the conclusion? 

Scientific studies show that no specific diet works any better than another in the long-term. 

No diet works if we look at it as a quick fix solution to our weight problem. 

No diet will work if we struggle to make it fit in with our family, work or other commitments. 

No diet will work if it means denying ourselves food that we love – because when our willpower fails, as it inevitably will, we will just give up the diet! 

Finally, no diet will work if it demonises a particular food group and expects you to exclude it.

What should you do instead? 

Simple. All diets have some element of sense hidden amongst the nonsense – you just have to find it. 

So, throw out the ‘fat-free’ diet food and eat healthy fats in moderation, lower your intake of carbs and ensure you eat the wholegrain, non-processed variety, and try to eat fresh, real food like they do in the sunny Mediterranean. 

Try to keep to it most of the time allowing yourself a few indulgences when you need them without beating yourself up about them. 

Now call it a healthy eating plan for life rather than a diet and maybe you will keep it up long-term!

 

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