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Do or diet: Expert weighs in on diet programs
It’s almost a new year. But will it bring a new you?
In the coming days, there will be a sharp increase in local gym memberships. Refrigerators and kitchen cupboards will be stripped of sugary, fatty foods and snacks. Calendars will be marked with lofty goals.
It’s a common New Year’s resolution: Get fit and ditch the fat.
But where to begin? There’s a dizzying array of diet programs — trendy or tried-and-true — available. There are pre-made meals and paid membership plans, raw food restrictions and herbal cleanses.
Sarah Purvis, a 30-year-old Pensacola native, is going primal.
After some research, she’s decided to start 2012 on the Paleo Diet. Purvis thinks the “hunter-gatherer” food plan, which focuses on fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats, will help her shed unwanted pounds.
“I’ve had some friends who swear by it,” she said. “It seems a healthy way to live.”
A diet veteran, Purvis knows that sticking to the Paleo plan long-term is the real challenge.
“It’s the lack of bread and dairy that worries me,” she said, laughing. “Carbs and cheese are my weakness. We’ll see how long I last.”
Finding the right diet is as personal as a pair of shoes.
Leslie Bettencourt is a registered dietician at the Sacred Heart Surgical Weight Loss Center. She says that no diet — and she dislikes that word — works for everyone.
“It depends on each individual,” Bettencourt said. “The question to ask yourself when starting any new program is, ‘Can I maintain this for the rest of my life?’ “
A healthy eating plan should focus on long-term nutrition, she advised, and be accompanied by healthy activities.
“It’s not just about counting calories, but the quality of calories you consume,” Bettencourt said. “Food is a powerful thing. It can do wonderful things for our health, or be a contributing factor in less desirable outcomes.”
Before starting any food or exercise program, Bettencourt recommended visiting a family physician. Another option is talking to a registered dietitian who can offer individualized food plans and information.
And beware of “results not typical.”
“Do your research,” Bettencourt said. “Don’t make a lifestyle change based on hearsay. Look at the science behind each program.”
And even though your New Year goals may be big, don’t get ahead of yourself.
“The most successful and healthiest approach to losing weight is slow and steady — maybe a pound to a pound and a half a week,” Bettencourt said. “Set small, attainable goals instead of focusing on one big number.”
Diet and Weight loss with Bill & Sheila
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