There are hundreds of diets out there and everyone has a different opinion on what the most effective one is. The truth is, no one diet is best for everyone, and what works for you may not always work for someone else.
It is important to make an informed decision before staring a diet. The home doctor experts at House Call Doctor have some tips.
Consult a doctor
Firstly, before going on any diet you should consult with your GP. They can advise you on which diets will work best for your body type while also taking into consideration any health issues. For example, people with diabetes have specific needs that may limit the types of diets they can choose.
Do you have time?
The best diets are the ones you can stick with long term. One of the many reasons diets fail is because busy schedules get in the way of good eating habits. Think about how much time you have for grocery shopping and food preparation, as this will help determine the type of diet you can go on.
Change your view on diets
Through the media, the popular definition of a ‘diet’ now relates to restricted eating for the purpose of weight loss. Negative associations linked to this word are unhealthy and can lead to unrealistic health goals. Create new positive associations, by learning to love healthy foods and making informed decisions about what is right for your body.
Start small
Diets should involve making small changes in many areas rather than making an extreme change in one. Try adding more vegetables to your meals or reducing added sugar intake or snacking.
What are some popular diets? The paleo diet: this diet aims to mimic the diet of the hunter-gatherer ancestors, emphasising whole foods, lean protein, vegetable, fruits, nuts and seeds. The vegan diet: this diet restricts all animal products for ethical, environmental or health reasons. Low-carb diets: this diet emphasises unlimited amounts of protein and fat while severely limiting your carb intake and is primarily used for weight loss. Intermittent fasting: this diet cycles your body between periods of fasting and eating, so rather than restricting the foods you eat, it controls when you eat them. If you would like to speak with an after-hours GP, contact House Call Doctor.