It’s that time of year when so many of us turn to a quick fix diets, all in an attempt to fit into our party dress.
So we spoke to Switch’s Faith Toogood to see if the claims of these so called miracle diets are true - and if they're good for us. Here is what she had to say;
Rapid weight loss – what’s the truth?
We would all love a quick fix when it comes to weight loss, and while there are many crash diets out there, not all of them will give you the results that you want, and not all of them are healthy.
The best solutions may not be the fastest working, but they are much better for you in the long-term. Experts generally recommend avoiding short-term solutions if you want the results to last for longer.
Popular myths
Many people believe that when you are dieting you need to starve yourself. Thankfully, this is not true. Whilst snacking between meals is definitely not something you should overdo, it can be done. You need to make the right choices about your snacks and opt for fruit or raw vegetables to ensure that your snacks are nutritionally sound. Having a snack can prevent you from overeating at mealtimes, and most reputable diet plans will allow for snacks.
Low carb diets are very popular at the moment, and a number of carb-free plans have been very successful with fast results. Many people report that as soon as they start to incorporate carbs and other foods into their diet again there is a weight gain.
Carbs - all bad?
However, you need to keep in mind that not all carbs are bad for you. It is a good idea to cut down on processed carbs, such as white bread and pasta, but you should not remove them completely from your diet.
Opting for whole grains, such as brown rice and whole wheat bread, can give you the fibre that you need as well as other nutrients. Remember that carbs are essential if you are planning an exercise regime.
There are myths that some food can actually speed up your metabolic rate, but this has not been proven. Whatever you eat contains calories and, whilst these should be kept track of, it should not become an obsession.
Allow for your age and lifestyle
Most diets have a standard format and, while they will work to a certain extent, you should not believe they will be 100% effective. You need to adapt your diet to suit your lifestyle and age. Sometimes you may have to lower your calorie intake slightly to take into account the fact that you have a desk job, or the fact that you have a slower metabolism if you are elderly.
Don’t be taken in by the latest diet fad. If you aim to lose weight by eating sensibly, and taking more exercise over a longer period, you will see the benefits.