Choosing the Right Diet
What does all this mean and who's right? Unfortunately, there aren't any definitive answers from the information we have available. The important thing is that scientists are asking questions, putting together new studies and are determined to get to the bottom of this controversy. In the meantime, what should you do?
- Educate yourself. Use sources you trust like The Mayo Clinic, Nutrition, and the American Dietetic Association
- Use your common sense. Any diet that restricts entire food groups or foods that you know are good for you (like fruits and veggies) should raise a red flag
- Choose moderation. Carbs aren't bad. Fat isn't bad. Protein isn't bad. But too much of any or all of these can lead to weight gain.
- Create your own healthy diet. What small changes could you make to make your diet more healthy? It's possible to eat the same amount of food and lose weight, if you cut your fat even a little.
- You don't have to give up carbs completely. Simply choosing complex carbs (fruits and veggies) over simple carbs (soda/candy) can make a difference.
- Remember that most diets create a calorie deficit. This will lead to weight loss regardless of what you eat. Stick with diets that safely reduce your calories to a reasonable level and that don't leave you starving.
In the end, it's your choice what diet you want to follow. It all comes down to calories...too many and you gain weight, while a safe reduction will help you lose weight. Period. It's much easier to reduce your calories by making small changes in your current habits than to change your entire lifestyle overnight, as many of these diets require. Oh, and don't forget to exercise!
