Ananda Mahony
NaomiA critique of the latest diets. (LINK)
April 5th 2008 07:17
Casting a critical eye over some of the most common diets and dietary trends highlights some potential issues.
Low fat or non-fat foods.
o When manufacturers cut the fat out of food they have to replace it with something that makes it taste good. More often than not, simple carbohydrates such as sugar are used to replace the fat. A diet high in simple carbohydrates and sugar is a significant contributing factor to central obesity and Type 2 diabetes. So in fact, low fat foods may be contributing to weight gain.
o Fat sends our brain a message that we have had enough food and so we feel fuller sooner. We tend to eat a greater quantity of sugary foods than we do foods that contain normal levels of fat.
High Protein Diets
o The reason most high protein diets help with weight loss is that they are essentially a low calorie diet. Often quite effective in the short term, a high protein diet can be hard to maintain for longer periods of time.
o Keep in mind also that high protein diets tend to severely restrict carbohydrates effectively cutting out a significant nutrient source. Vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants are reduced and over the long term this does not promote wellbeing.
Calories Counting
o Calorie counting requires discipline and time. If you have these traits then this type of diet may suit you. If not, forget it. Research shows that calorie counting only works while you are actually doing it!
o Counting calories doesn’t necessarily equate to a balanced diet. You can eat junk as long as it fits within your calorie intake for the day.
Low Carbohydrate Diets
o Generally low carbohydrate diets can put people on the right track if they rely on carbs as a significant nutrient source. But what is wrong with carbs? They are a significant source of B vitamins and magnesium which are essential to energy production.
o The issue isn’t carbohydrates, it is the type of carbs we eat that is the problem. Limiting the “wrong” carbs is a great idea. Limiting all carbs may not be.
Perhaps the focus needs to shift. Maybe what we need is not actually a “diet” but rather work with some key dietary habits.
Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and holistic skin specialist. Her practice focuses on the treatment of skin conditions and Food As Medicine. Ananda also owns Vitale Natural Skin & Body Care, a natural & organic skin care store in Paddington. www.vitalenatural.com.au
Low fat or non-fat foods.
o When manufacturers cut the fat out of food they have to replace it with something that makes it taste good. More often than not, simple carbohydrates such as sugar are used to replace the fat. A diet high in simple carbohydrates and sugar is a significant contributing factor to central obesity and Type 2 diabetes. So in fact, low fat foods may be contributing to weight gain.
o Fat sends our brain a message that we have had enough food and so we feel fuller sooner. We tend to eat a greater quantity of sugary foods than we do foods that contain normal levels of fat.
High Protein Diets
o The reason most high protein diets help with weight loss is that they are essentially a low calorie diet. Often quite effective in the short term, a high protein diet can be hard to maintain for longer periods of time.
o Keep in mind also that high protein diets tend to severely restrict carbohydrates effectively cutting out a significant nutrient source. Vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants are reduced and over the long term this does not promote wellbeing.
Calories Counting
o Calorie counting requires discipline and time. If you have these traits then this type of diet may suit you. If not, forget it. Research shows that calorie counting only works while you are actually doing it!
o Counting calories doesn’t necessarily equate to a balanced diet. You can eat junk as long as it fits within your calorie intake for the day.
Low Carbohydrate Diets
o Generally low carbohydrate diets can put people on the right track if they rely on carbs as a significant nutrient source. But what is wrong with carbs? They are a significant source of B vitamins and magnesium which are essential to energy production.
Perhaps the focus needs to shift. Maybe what we need is not actually a “diet” but rather work with some key dietary habits.
Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and holistic skin specialist. Her practice focuses on the treatment of skin conditions and Food As Medicine. Ananda also owns Vitale Natural Skin & Body Care, a natural & organic skin care store in Paddington. www.vitalenatural.com.au
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