A few words on Fad Diets ...

A week ago one of my clients was talking to me about her daughter and how she was trying to lose a little bit of weight for her formal at the end of the year.
She was complaining that her daughter didn't seem to want to commit to coming to the gym or making the effort to train at least 5 days a week so she could burn enough calories.
Speaking of calories, I enquired into her daughter's diet.

Apparently, mum had become concerned as her daughter had recently commenced a protein only diet as advised by a friend of a friend ( well, isn't this the best way to get diet and nutrition advice? ).  This would ensure that she lost weight fast ( not to mention, lose energy fast .. but that's another story ).

The new diet required a small variety of protein each day .. a small tin of tuna, a little bit of ham or chicken and maybe a boiled egg or two.  Pretty simple, hey, nothing else to worry about! 

I nearly passed out on the spot. 

This is not the only crazy diet that I've heard people are using at the moment.  There seems to be quite a few to choose from.  Not that this is anything new .. fad diets have been around forever.
Weird and wonderful diets like these do actually work .. ( do you really think I'm going to condone this ) these diets work by creating a massive deficiency in essential nutrients and energy that your body requires to function on a daily basis.  Well, that's if you making through the first day without your body starting to shut down!  I mean, who doesn't want to feel tired, cranky, confused, sick, lethargic ...

Come on people!  If you want to lose weight, do it by following a healthy, balanced diet that provides all the nutrients and energy your body needs to function at its optimum .. just the way you want it to!

Combine this with a balanced exercise program and you will be bouncing off the walls and look fabulous as well!

Ok, rant over, feel free to carry on normal programming ...

Seriously though, if you are considering a diet and exercise program, please consult with the professionals ( ie nutritionist, dietitian, GP, exercise professional ) before starting out.  You need to get ALL the information that you need that is going to be the best for YOU.

Fit Mum x