Lets be honest “dieting” can be so frustrating and boring. Only losing the recommended 1 to 2 pounds per week can feel so agonisingly slow!
So it is hardly surprising that so many of us get tempted by the thousands of so classed “miracle”diets available out there. All with there unrealistic promises. Sadly my grandad taught me well when he said- “if something sounds too good to be true it usually is”, and crash diets are no exception to this statement.
All crash diets are the same, they all restrict calories but in slightly different ways.
For example:
Atkins diet restricts calories by getting rid of the carbohydrate food group
16:8 fasting diet gets rid of calories by limiting the time you are eating
Weight watchers diet restricts calories by following a point system
Slim fast reduces calories by having controlled shakes and meal replacements
And so on...... The reason they all claim to be doing something different other than reducing calories is to market and sell you their NEW DREAM.
So what happens when we follow an unrealistic plan?
The length of time you manage to stick to the plan will vary depending on how restrictive the plan is and your motivation. During the first few weeks you will lose weight, but sadly you will lose fluid and muscle and not fat! Then when you fall off track, which you will, you will then gain fat back. This sadly means your weight will be higher than when you first began the plan.
A few months later your friend will tell you about another new diet they have seen in a magazine and the vicious cycle begins again.
This cycle is what makes the creators of these diet plans billionaires. 90% of dieters will put the weight they manage to lose back on again within a year.
How can this cycle be broken?
Deep down you all probably know the answer. There is no quick fix, you need to alter your eating behaviours to adopt a healthier lifestyle to achieve weight loss success long term. No dieting will help, it is about making small healthy changes in the right direction.
Knowing what to do and how to make a start can be confusing in the world we live in. Hence why so many people opt to work alongside one of our dietitian's to get support, guidance and motivation.
4 steps to start you off from our dietitian:
1. Have a regular meal pattern- have 3 meals per day with no longer than 4 to 5 hours between each meal
2. Ensure any goal you set yourself is realistic- start with small steps that you can achieve as this will increase your confidence and motivation
3. Portions- readjust your plate and aim for 1/3 carbohydrates, 1/3 protein and 1/3 veg or salad
4. Fluid- try to opt for sugar free or no added sugar options and try to have 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid per day.
Please get in touch with Welcome to Wellness if you would like to work with a dietitian. She will be able to provide you with a more tailor made individual plan that suits your lifestyle.
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