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With all the buzz on social media in the last few weeks with regard to treating medical conditions with food rather than medicine, made up medical conditions, recipes and cookbooks that may be detrimental to the health of some, new cookbooks not being published, it seems that every few weeks there is a new diet phenomenon promising to change your life!  I thought I would give my 2cents worth about a couple of things to do with the current wave of “diets” ( or as I prefer “healthy eating plans”).

Please note that this is MY opinion only and should not replace advice from your own personal health professional.

Social media is a great and fun tool to use as a time waster / procrastinator. It can be motivational, inspirational, sometimes even educational. But, beware, it can be an information overload, have a negative influence on your thoughts and it is certainly not meant to replace the guidance and advice you would receive from your health professional. It’s like trying to follow the advice of your mum, your bestie, your hubby, you fav Instagram celeb all at once … confusing and absolutely frustrating!!

Ascent Health & Fitness

Any time I hear anything high protein, low carb, no carb, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, fat free, high fat, paleo ( sorry I got distracted listing all the “healthy diets” ) I wonder how much research the participant actually has done (ain’t Google fabulous?!). Have they consulted a health professional or dietician / nutritionist who has recommended this way of eating for a specific intolerance / allergy or another medical reason other what someone suggested on Instagram or Facebook?  Does this diet require them to follow this way of eating for a day, 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months or is it a diet they can follow for life? Has social media “scared” them into following this diet by claiming if they don’t then their health is compromised blah blah blah …

In my option, if you are going to make a change to your diet, make sure you can sustain it for the long term .. if not, it’s a fad or short term fix and  you may even return to your pre-diet eating routine in a few days, weeks or months.

Taking anything to the extreme, specifically your diet and exercise routines, will not always give you the results that they claim. Many times, these extreme measures will disappoint and leave you feeling worse that when you started!

That being said, if you have decided to embark on a “new way of eating / diet” and it’s working for you right now then snaps for you!

Ascent Health & Fitness

In short, eating a healthy balanced diet that includes food from all food groups will give you the best chance of reaching your goals, whatever they are.

Extreme versions of diet and exercise plans don’t always lead to success in the long term.

Eat fruit, veg, lean protein, good fats, and don’t overdo it on the carbs like breads, pastas and sweets. Once you get onto this way of eating, stick with it. Not just for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months … be consistent, make it your new lifestyle.

Don’t chop and change diets each week or each month … be consistent. When you start to see results, keep going .. be consistent!

Most importantly, enjoy!