Help! What Diet is Best?

 

The new year always seems to bring resolutions of losing weight. When you go to the store displays of scales, weight loss supplements and exercise DVD's are on center stage. It is also the time that the trending diet plans are being advertised. So what is best?  This week we will take a look at some of the more popular diet trends. How do they compare? What do they have in common? Are they healthy?

 

Today we start with diets that eliminate and focus on certain food categories.

 

 

High Protein/No Carbs

 

We have all heard of the Atkins Diet and other forms of the no carb, high protein eating plan. Normally, our bodies burn carbs for energy, but when you drastically cut carbs your body goes into a metabolic state called ketosis. During ketosis your body begins to burn its own fat for fuel. When your fat stores become a source of energy it may help you lose weight.

 

How does it work?

If you choose the Atkins Diet, the rules are pretty firm in the first phase.

• No pasta, bread, grains, fruit, starchy vegetables, dairy or cream
• Most of your diet will come from poultry, fish, eggs, red meat, butter and vegetable oils
• No more than 20 grams of carbs per day, mostly from certain vegetables.

What are the risks?

Some experts have many concerns about this type of eating plan.

• If you have kidney problems eating too much protein can not be healthy and could worsen your kidney function.
• Some protein sources like fatty meats and other high fat foods can raise your cholesterol and increase your chance of heart disease.
• While on a high protein diet, you may urinate more calcium. Some experts think it could make osteoporosis and kidney stones more likely.
• Questions regarding whether or not ketosis is safe.

 

Other Low-Carb Diets:

• Sugar Busters
• Sonoma Diet
• Protein Power
• South Beach
• Zone Diet

Is this right for you?

If you are considering a high protein diet, check with your physician first. They can help you come up with a plan that will make sure you are getting enough fruits and vegetables and lean protein.

 

Remember, weight loss that will last is based upon changes that you can live with.

 

Low Fat Diets

 

Another popular way of eating is eliminating fat. Low fat diets generally recommend using low-fat or non-fat products.

 

How does it work?

• Limit fat intake
• Eat whole grains
• Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables
• More fish - less high fat meat
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid oil, butter and fried foods

What are the risks?

• Fat is necessary for healthy brain function
• Fat is needed for hormone reproduction
• Healthy fats can actually lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
• A diet low in fat can interfere with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins
• Lack of healthy fats can increase cancer risk (colon, breast and prostate)

Low Fat Diets

• Abs Diet
• Pritikin DIet
• No-Fad Diet
• Ornish Diet
• Jenny Craig

 

Insight: Balance is better, deprivation of any one food group will likely not last.

 

Mayers Memorial Hospital District does not advocate any of these diet plans.  This is being provided as information only. Before you make any changes in your diet, please consult your physician.