In a recent article that I wrote for the Irish Independent on healthy eating for 2023, I outlined what and how to eat to give yourself the best chance at a longer, healthier and happier life.
According to reports, 80% of New Year’s resolutions last less than 4 weeks and 90% don’t last the year. New Year’s diets range from sensible (a minority, unfortunately) to the downright ludicrous! The headspace, time, energy, money and motivation taken up by following gimmicks are massive. Not to mention that following advice by people who are unqualified can be extremely dangerous.
Let’s go through 5 of the worst weight loss diets for 2023 (or nutrition myths and gimmicks as I call them!) out there.
1. Juice Diet
Juice diets provide carbohydrate in the form of sugar with very little vitamins and minerals. They provide no protein. The lack of protein makes this diet particularly unhealthy, even in the short term. Protein is needed to feed our muscles and bones, which are responsible for a big chunk of our metabolism. Unfortunately, if you don’t feed these tissues, you start to lose them. The speed of which you lose these important tissues increases with age. So, the older you get the worse this diet is for you.
2. Weight Loss Pills
Over the counter, or online weight loss pills can be very unsafe. They can even contain heart stimulants which could leave you hospital bound. So, what about all the weight loss products that are deemed safe? The truth of the matter is when it comes to weight loss supplements, if they’re safe to take, they probably won’t work.
3. Weight Loss Tea
Weight loss teas can make you pee and poo more. Therefore, you weigh less from the loss of pee and poo. They don’t help you lose fat. Celebrities endorse them for a lot of money. However, their followers and fans lose money on buying these pointless gimmicks. A bit unfair.
4. Extremely Low Calorie Diets
When following a very low-calorie diet, there isn’t enough calories being taken in to feed the systems of the body. This means that every part of the body won’t work as it should. The body malfunctions. Doesn’t sound healthy, does it?
5. Detox Diets and Products
Detox products are complete nonsense. The body naturally does this all year round, without help from so-called aids. They can do nothing or cause harm. They will never help.
Conclusion
All in all, your well earned money is better spent on fresh whole foods such as foods of one ingredient, the type you could rob from a farm!
Avoid the gimmicks. Nutrition is a science, not an opinion. Follow the evidence. There are no quick fixes or magic bullets when it comes to healthy eating or weight loss. Any major changes start with baby steps. Like all new habits, consistency should be the focus before intensity. Always speak to an expert, such as a Registered Dietitian, and follow an evidence based approach to healthy eating and weight loss.
Book a consultation with one of the Orla Walsh Nutrition team if you would like learn how to safely eat a healthier diet or to speak about a more specific health requirement.
