The New Year always inspires women to shed the few extra kilos gained over Christmas, but health professionals are warning that not all diets are safe.
The Dietitians Association of Australia has called on 230 members to vote on the three worst diets. The Lemon Detox Diet was rated the worst, followed by the Acid And Alkaline Diet and then the Six Weeks To OMG Diet.
From a list of nine popular diets, the Lemon Detox Diet was voted as the “worst” for the second consecutive year, with 74 per cent of the dietitians voting against it. The diet involves replacing meals with a lemon detox drink.
The Acid And Alkaline Diet was next with 42 per cent of votes. This diet sees a number of food groups including carbohydrates and dairy eliminated form you eating plan, leaving you with not a lot to eat.
The Six Weeks To OMG Diet came in third with 40 per cent of votes. This diet includes avoiding fruit, taking cold baths to burn calories and skipping breakfast.
Dietitians Association of Australia spokeswoman and accredited practising dietitian Melanie McGrice said she hopes the results will deter women from trying fad diets as a quick fix to lose weight.
“Don’t put your health in the hands of celebrity-endorsed diets or products that make miraculous weight- and fat-loss claims,” she said.
“Like many things in life, good health takes perseverance and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.”
Melanie says that healthy eating teamed with exercise is always the best way to lose weight and keep it off.
“Start with small, sustainable changes like having more home-cooked meals and going for regular walks. Extreme diet measures are unnecessary and counterproductive,” she said.
Melanie suggests that if you are serious about losing weight it’s best to speak to your GP or visit an accredited practising dietitian.
“That way, your eating plan will be tailor-made for you so you’ll be giving yourself the best chance of sticking to your weight loss goals,” she said.
If losing weight is on your new year “to do” list, try approaching your weight loss with some of these tips from the Dietitians Association of Australia in mind:
- Avoid gimmicks or quick fixes. Being healthy takes time. If you’re lost, see an accredited practising dietitian for advice you can trust.
- Everyone wants that miracle diet that solves all problems. The truth isn’t sexy, but it works: A wholesome, nutritious, balanced diet.
- Carbohydrates are essential for effective brain function. Low carbohydrate diets won’t help you perform at your best.
- Get half vegetables, one quarter carbohydrates and one quarter protein on your plate at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- No need to ban certain foods – you’ll only crave them more. Plan small amounts of “treat” foods into your week and take time to taste and enjoy them. Quality over quantity.
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