Re-evaluating diets

Don’t choose a plan you cannot sustain

In a rush to lose weight, many people enter into a diet regime without thinking it through. Soon enough, the consequences begin to manifest themselves, often affecting our moods adversely. More often than not, it is young girls who locate random diets popularised by click bait and end up suffering. There appears to be a variety of such unwholesome diets available online but a dearth of legitimate information to help one sort through.

However, contrary to popular belief, these seemingly easy diets prove to be the most detrimental in the long run. Some of them have even been fatal! Considering society’s penchant for weight loss, it is no wonder we are elbows deep in incorrect information on how to become thin. These are the facts and the foes — know the difference!

The lower the carbs, the harder the diet?: Dieticians and nutritionists across the world suggest that low-carb diets are more difficult to keep up with but this is not always true. When compared with low-fat diets, these are easier to follow as they reduce appetite. Therefore, controlling your carb intake will help expedite the weight-loss process.

The need to consume all food groups: In order for a low-carb diet to work, certain items must be eliminated from your plate. Having said that, one should know that most of these foods fulfill no purpose anyway. Such diets are not lacking in carbs. Not to mention, there is plenty of room for fruits and vegetables to satisfy your nutritional needs.

Saturated fat diets that are low on carbs: This is a myth that has never been proven. Where these diets are high in saturated fats, they raise HDL — the ‘good cholesterol’. Its role is to prevent heart diseases, rather than cause them.

Diet sodas are not the best alternatives: Many dieters stick to sugar-free drinks, assuming the low calorie count will keep them healthy.  While this is indeed true, considering the relatively low amount of sugar contained in the drink, the practice can cause a variety of other problems. For instance, sodas have been found to increase the likelihood of obesity, tooth decay, cancer, kidney failure and certain reproductive problems. Those looking to lose weight should switch to fresh fruit juices or smoothies to keep cravings at bay.

Low carb diets are not safe in the long run: Many people believe these diets result in unhealthy conditions later on in life but that too, has yet to be proven.

Ketosis isn’t always a problem: Many low-carb diets have been criticised for causing ketosis. For those of you who do not know, ketosis occurs when you eat less than 50 grams of carbs per day. Ketone bodies are produced naturally when fats are burned for energy production, instead of glucose. These cross the blood barrier and are used up by the brain and there is no harm in this. Dieters often confuse Ketosis with Ketoacidosis, a condition in diabetes.

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, November 1^st, 2015.