Simply type in the word “diet” into Google and within 0,43 seconds you will be met with over 698,000,000 results. It’s no wonder you’re confused. Dietary guidelines change… a lot. You’d be forgiven for wanting to throw in the towel and simply do your own thing. You wouldn’t be alone either. One survey found that people are so confused by what food is considered “good” or “bad” they find it easier to figure out their income taxes!
Why so much confusion?
First, we were told to stay away from eggs, but now they’re “eggcellent”. Then we were told fat was bad, but now it’s our BFF. The thing is, diets aren’t just about the food that we consume, they’re also about all the information, websites, books and blogposts that go along with them.
This is usually where problems creep in. Much of what is published on the internet, or even in magazines, is based on “personal” experience, with no scientific proof. Nutritional messages are also broken down into “sound bites”. You’d read a headline seen in isolation, without understanding the bigger picture. When you hear a new scientific study about a new superfood, supplement or beauty routine, it’s easy to think: everyone says it works, it must be fine – toss out the old and start with the new!
The dangers of internet dieting
Unfortunately, there are no regulations curbing radical new diets being promoted on the internet. The human body is extremely complex: just because something works for a gorgeous, tanned and toned fitness blogger (or a buff, 6-pack wielding body builder) doesn’t mean it will work for you. Some of the things that make you, you, also make a difference to how your body deals with food. Hormones, genetics and metabolism vary greatly between people and can mean the difference between sending you to a smaller waist size or sending you to the doctor.
What is “safe”?
Despite the ever-changing dietary news cycle, the basic principle of a healthy diet has NOT changed. It can also be summarised in a single sentence:
Eat more real food, eat less junk food
“Real food” means food that is unprepared (basically anything that grew, walked, ran, flew or swam). Meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts are all good examples of real food. Junk food means anything that comes from a drive-through, that you know is cooked when you hear your microwave ping, or that you eat straight out of a box.
Here are a few more red flags when it comes to deciding whether to try the latest diet:
- It guarantees quick and amazing weight loss without any changes to your diet or exercise routine
- It involves combining certain foods, or not eating certain foods together
- It comes in a bottle or pill
- It claims you can still eat chocolate or ice-cream or your favourite foods
- It only works if you buy the book too (which by the way is written by someone who you’ve never heard of)
Before you splurge on the next best thing…
If you feel that your weight is out of control and that its time to make a change, speak to a registered professional. It’s the nutritionist and dietician’s job to stay up to date with the latest research. They can help you navigate through the information overload that comes with being able to access the internet!
The bottom line is that before you spend your hard earned cash on a magical weight loss programme, consider this – fad diets do not, cannot and will never work. Stick with a balanced diet and the odd bit of exercise – a combination that costs you nothing and can deliver on its promise!
References
http://www.foodinsight.org/2012_Food_Health_Survey_Consumer_Attitudes_toward_Food_Safety_Nutrition_and_Health
https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/healthy-eating/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/weight-loss-and-fad-diets
