How to lose weight well without fads

Currently there is another diet /health programme on the British TV that I sampled just to see if it brought anything new to the genre…. "how to lose weight well" on Channel 4.

Well, it is a bit gimmicky and especially it just looks at all diet fashions past (Hay diet, 1920s) and present without much of a critique and just ask a person who wanted to be on the show to take it on.

After watching two episodes, here are some common denominators that anyone can noticed, no matter what fad diet is being tried. Namely:

- no process food (food in plastic)

- reduce or no sugars

- portion control (i.e. reduce calories intake)

- Will power: self-control / discipline (ability to over-ride your impulses)

- lots of green vegetables/leaves on the plate

- some good proteins

- some good fats (avoid cravings)

- regular gentle exercise or at least 30 min walking daily

- other elements such as adequate sleep, some fasting, or timing of fasting and food intake (effect on hormones and metabolism)

- take ownership by cooking (with fresh/quality ingredients) or counting points (weightwatchers, calories)

- reduce alcohol consumption

- only snack on berries and nuts

Overall: change your food habits for life for long term health benefits.

So you can save time and stop watching (as I have) and plan you own diet (cheaply) by following the points above.

You may tweak the diet for your requirements (everyone is different) if you find that you have issues with certain foods...

Of course, you should discuss you diet plan and future nutrition with your doctor to ensure you are not missing any important essential vitamins and minerals that could impact your health (for instance strict vegan diet may cause vitamin B12 deficiency which has an insidious but very dangerous effect).

You may also want to use a support group or write in a journal your food choices, activities and emotions to help with the will power side of the equation.

So, positively, the programme shows that if you follow a “regime” (i.e. disciplined) diet, people can lose weight.

In my case, I just try to remember to drink plenty of water as thirst can be misunderstood as hunger. I avoid dessert/pudding by asking myself if I am full. (a piece of good quality chocolate (over 70% cocoa) is a great substitute!).

I hope this helps you with your new year and life resolutions.

Remember good nutrition is daily good medicine!

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Channel four programme: How to lose weight well (UK): http://www.channel4.com/programmes/how-to-lose-weight-well