The Many Faces of Diets

Low fat; low carbohydrate; low calorie; high protein? Cabbage soup; grapefruit? You name it: there’s a diet for it. There are so many diet books on the market today that each and every one of us should be skinny, skinny, skinny! But we’re not. Why? Diets don’t work? Lifestyle changes do! Find a permanent nutrition plan and stick to it. Period! Work with a nutritionist if necessary, but don’t follow a diet intended for weight loss only. You’ll never stick to it, and the weight loss will only be temporary. And stay away from pre-processed foods as much as possible! The sodium content is usually very high, and the nutrition level is usually very low. Focus on nutrition and balance, not just calories. The best overall nutrition plan I’ve seen that can be followed with ease and permanence is The Zone Diet by Dr. Barry Sears. In a nutshell: 40% carbohydrates; 30 % fat and 30% protein. Keep those carbohydrates low on the glycemic index, and you will feel differently in a matter of days. It really is about balance and nutrition!