There's a smorgasbord of diets out there, so it's no wonder the industry is worth $250 billion! Since we can assume many diet makers are out to make a few bucks, it's up to us to decide if an eating plan is right for our body and health goals.
So before you embark on a new diet, it's worth digging deeper and asking these 3 questions. You might also like to take the diet to a GP, nutritionist or dietitian for their OK.
1. Will I eat enough?
The word 'diet' typically means restriction, but rapid weight loss and low caloric intake can be risky – and make it harder to keep weight off in the long-term.
So you want to make sure your new eating regime contains the essential macro and micro nutrients, and the right balance of foods. Cutting out entire food groups or ingredients also isn't advised by many professionals – unless you have an intolerance, allergy, or other condition.
How do you know if the diet will keep you filled up on the right foods, in the right amounts? Ask a health professional to tell you what nutrients you need, and how many calories will get you through the day (since this is different for everyone). Then you'll know if a new diet stacks up.
2. Is the diet made for me?
There is no one-size-fits-all diet, although many books will tell you their diet is for everyone. Usually, weight loss programs are aimed at the average woman who does a moderate amount of exercise. If that's not you, the diet might not work – or provide you with the nutrients you need to thrive, stay healthy, and best support your immune system.
That's why speaking with a dietitian or nutritionist for a custom plan is always a better bet. You'll get a diet written specifically for your body, lifestyle and health and fitness goals.
3. Can I afford it?
As we said in the intro, diets are part of a multi-billion dollar industry. Whether you buy a book or subscribe to a monthly program, be expected to shell out some dough. There's also the ingredients to consider. Some trendy diets will have you buying rare or expensive foods or supplements – which often is unnecessary. So ensure the diet features a variety of foods you can easily find in your neighbourhood – without breaking the budget.
Originally published on Jun 29, 2018
