Are diets healthy and do they really work?

I look at diets as good kick starts to get people who are interested in changing their health status moving, but need a very structured plan to follow. Once started and the person gains confidence that they can follow plans, make changes, and see some results, then it is very much recommended to start finding a Registered Dietitian to work with before you hit that plateau.

As a whole most diets tell you what to do and really do not teach the participant how to make changes to their own lifestyle. Many diets last for a set period of time and once that time period is complete the participant is left with no support and tends to return to their previous habits. If you need a diet to get started, go for it. But, while you are following written instructions find a Registered Dietitian that can help you transfer from following instructions to making your own game plan for life.

Some tips to consider:

A. If a diet omits a food group or entire 'families' of foods, it will most likely not be healthy. The omission of food groups means there will be vitamins and minerals being left out.

B. If a diet relies on 'filling in' the missing vitamin and minerals with supplements.... well that is a big indicator to keep looking for something else. If you eat food that is in a balanced, well proportioned meal plan there is no need for supplements. Barring that you do not have an underlying health complication that interferes with vitamin and mineral functions -

*****If you do **** please go see your MD for proper advice.

Self medicating with vitamins and minerals is not recommended.

C. There is no need to cut out various foods. The only reason to avoid certain foods is if you are allergic or have an intolerance. If you eat something that you are allergic/intolerant to it can cause trouble breathing, severe rash, or other unwanted side effects. The best bet is to reduce your portion and frequency of consumption of the food to be cut out of the plan.

D. Diets or foods from specific regions are appropriate for just that - the people and lifestyle of where the diets and foods originate. For example: coconut and its wonderful magical ways of cure. Not everyone lives in the area where coconuts grow. Nor does everyone walk, work outside, or exert daily activity levels as found in those areas. If you want to pick up a particular diet, plan on incorporating that lifestyle too!

E. Making changes to your daily routine and unlearning or changing your learned behaviors of perceived convenience is the best way to make a successful turn around for your health.

F. A successful 'diet' incorporates not only a change to healthy food selections and preparations, but also increasing your activity level. That does not mean you have to join a gym! Put away that leaf blower, grab and use a rake! Wash and dry dishes by hand. Set up a clothes line to hang wet clothes outside. You will be amazed at the strength you gain at bending and stretching to hang clothes and take them down.

G. Also, grab a friend and make changes together. Having support and someone to either challenge or check in with is a great way to stay on track.