Why Yo-yo Diets Are A Strict No-no
Swapna |
Jun 20, 2006
Be it the GM Diet, Atkins' or South Beach, every fad diet focuses on cutting food quantities and omitting certain nutrients. Although their results vary between people, they have a fan following that swears by it. Unfortunately, they're just quick-fix solutions.
Are you biting off less than you should chew? Find out how fad diets affect your health.
Confessions of a fad dieter...
“It was a matter of days before I regained all the weight I lost.”
- Asmita Jaikar, 23 years
BPO executive
Asmita was initially impressed by the South Beach diet, which advises a low-carb, low-fat,
high-protein plan. “I gave up rice, rotis, bread and pasta. I started my day with a bowl of plain dal and fruit. It was difficult to stick to the diet, because I frequently eat out given the nature of my work,” she admits.
After three painstaking weeks and losing four kilos, Asmita finally gave in to her craving for chocolates and potato snacks. “It was a matter of days before I regained all the weight I'd lost. Now, I eat everything and make time for exercise to attain weight loss goals,” she says.
“I just lost interest in food”
- Davina Braganza, 22 years
Copywriter
Davina tried the GM diet "“ a weight-loss plan designed by General Motors for employees. The diet allocates a day each for a specific type of food i.e.: soups, vegetables and fruit, bananas and milk, etc.
For Davina, the first few soup days were just fine. “I felt light and healthy but soon got fed up. There was a stage when I was supposed to have eight bananas through the day "“ I thought this would be an easy target. Ironically, I couldn't do so. I lost interest in food, which was scary. Besides, I abandoned the diet midway. Needless to say I regained every pound I lost,” she laments.
What the experts say...
Individual diets for individual needs
Nutritionist, Dr. Anjali Mukherjee believes that the term 'trend diet' is deceptive. “Diets should always cater to personal needs, as everyone's body constitution is different. Simply because a film star benefited from a particular diet, it's not necessary that you will too,” she explains.
A diet should last a lifetime
According to Dietician, Sushila Sharangdhar, a dietary change should be a lifelong change "“ it must therefore be easy to stick to. “To get all nutrients and bring variety, all food groups must be included in one's diet. Meals that go heavy on certain nutrients and cut others out affect the system badly,” she says.Both health experts also stress on the constant fluctuation in weight caused by fad diets. “Fluctuating weight stresses the body, as it doesn't get time to adjust to the weight change,” clarifies Sushila.
Everyone's body functions individually depending on their weight "“ when you lose weight at a healthy pace, the body adjusts its metabolic rate and organ functions accordingly. “Lack of certain nutrients in your diet can directly affect your health in the long run "“ even a lack of fat can dry the skin, affect the smooth operation of the joints. The key to better weight loss is balanced meals,” adds Sushila.
So the next time you need to lose some kilos "“ to fit into that stunning new outfit or get in shape for your summer vacation "“ plan that weight loss routine in advance!
With inputs from Nutritionist, Dr. Anjali Mukherjee and Dietician, Sushila Sharangdhar.
Are you biting off less than you should chew? Find out how fad diets affect your health.
Confessions of a fad dieter...
“It was a matter of days before I regained all the weight I lost.”
- Asmita Jaikar, 23 years
BPO executive
Asmita was initially impressed by the South Beach diet, which advises a low-carb, low-fat,
high-protein plan. “I gave up rice, rotis, bread and pasta. I started my day with a bowl of plain dal and fruit. It was difficult to stick to the diet, because I frequently eat out given the nature of my work,” she admits.
After three painstaking weeks and losing four kilos, Asmita finally gave in to her craving for chocolates and potato snacks. “It was a matter of days before I regained all the weight I'd lost. Now, I eat everything and make time for exercise to attain weight loss goals,” she says.
“I just lost interest in food”
- Davina Braganza, 22 years
Copywriter
Davina tried the GM diet "“ a weight-loss plan designed by General Motors for employees. The diet allocates a day each for a specific type of food i.e.: soups, vegetables and fruit, bananas and milk, etc.
For Davina, the first few soup days were just fine. “I felt light and healthy but soon got fed up. There was a stage when I was supposed to have eight bananas through the day "“ I thought this would be an easy target. Ironically, I couldn't do so. I lost interest in food, which was scary. Besides, I abandoned the diet midway. Needless to say I regained every pound I lost,” she laments.
What the experts say...
Individual diets for individual needs
Nutritionist, Dr. Anjali Mukherjee believes that the term 'trend diet' is deceptive. “Diets should always cater to personal needs, as everyone's body constitution is different. Simply because a film star benefited from a particular diet, it's not necessary that you will too,” she explains.
A diet should last a lifetime
According to Dietician, Sushila Sharangdhar, a dietary change should be a lifelong change "“ it must therefore be easy to stick to. “To get all nutrients and bring variety, all food groups must be included in one's diet. Meals that go heavy on certain nutrients and cut others out affect the system badly,” she says.Both health experts also stress on the constant fluctuation in weight caused by fad diets. “Fluctuating weight stresses the body, as it doesn't get time to adjust to the weight change,” clarifies Sushila.
Everyone's body functions individually depending on their weight "“ when you lose weight at a healthy pace, the body adjusts its metabolic rate and organ functions accordingly. “Lack of certain nutrients in your diet can directly affect your health in the long run "“ even a lack of fat can dry the skin, affect the smooth operation of the joints. The key to better weight loss is balanced meals,” adds Sushila.
So the next time you need to lose some kilos "“ to fit into that stunning new outfit or get in shape for your summer vacation "“ plan that weight loss routine in advance!
With inputs from Nutritionist, Dr. Anjali Mukherjee and Dietician, Sushila Sharangdhar.
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