Every street corner, bus stop and shopping mall is bustling with images of beautiful women, mostly celebrities of fame and fortune. Are these women truly happy and content with themselves? Today’s world is obsessed with looks, status and style and most celebrities fit the bill, at least in the eyes of the imperfect woman. So why do we try so desperately to achieve an unrealistic body image through fad diets? It’s exhausting isn’t it, to always think about food, exercise or that dreaded scale? Perhaps we do it too attract some much needed attention? Gain some self esteem and confidence? Maybe it’s as simple as feeling good or to be healthy. Their are heaps of valid reasons to lose weight and plenty of motivation, however, we continue to miss the mark miserably. Let’s delve deeper and investigate the most common diets and why failing us.
Carbohydrates are the sugars and starches which fuel the body. You need carbs to stay in good health and even to survive! The WHO tells us that between 55-75% of your calories should be from carbohydrates. Low carb diets like Atkins and the Zone rob you of these essential nutrients, resulting in quick weight loss, but also fatigue and hunger pangs. While you will lose weight in the first couple of weeks, your body will eventually crash. You’ll have to choose between your health and the diet. If you’re sick, is there any point in being thin?
Another deceitful tactic used by many fad diets is the consumption of good carbohydrates compared to eating none. Although good carbs offer tremendous nutritional value compared to refined carbs, the caloric content is dense and eating too much of a good thing still has consequences. Regardless of how you look at it, a calorie is a calorie and filling up on a huge plate of whole wheat pasta ain’t gonna make thin. Your body is only capable of expending so many calories at any one meal and if your metabolism is sluggish, your rate of expenditure is even lower. If you can control your portions, then consuming good carbs is a great to give your body extra nutrients while keeping your hunger at bay.
Fat Free Diets are no better. After all, fat free means less fat on you. Not true, most of these foods are still loaded with sugar and sugar makes you fat, period. Don’t be fooled by the “honey is better than sugar” theory either, they’re both the same, just from a difference source. Opt for foods low in sugar rather than fat free. So, are diets a complete waste of time? They are if you have no clue how your body utilizes it’s food and expends it’s energy. If you want to lose weight, read up on different diets and chose one that suits your particular needs. Whatever you do, never give up and keep trying.
