It is impossible to be unaware of the 'obesity epidemic' - every newspaper and magazine devotes pages to each new Miracle Diet. But how is anyone supposed to choose the most efficient and SAFE diet for themselves? In many cases the same dietary approach can be assigned different names, further increasing the confusion.

There is a better way - have your weight-loss diet personally tailored to your metabolism, lifestyle and food preferences. This way you greatly increase your chances of safe and effective weight loss. And, more importantly, you become nutritionally educated yourself, and thus more likely to maintain your goal weight in the future, without the yo-yo effect.

The truth is that there will never be one diet which will work for everyone, so why not ensure that the next diet you try is custom-made for you? A trained and registered Nutritional Therapist, such as Margaret Papoutsis, can discuss your expectations, consider your medical history and metabolism, then devise an eating plan which can work for you in the long term. Sometimes elements from more than one diet can be combined - a truly bespoke solution!

Most people are aware that there are often psychological/emotional aspects to their weight problem. We have found that combining dietary programmes along with PSYCH-K can produce amazing results.

There are several alternative ways of losing and controlling weight, and more than one type may be suggested, according to individual need.

What are the most commonly prescribed diets?

Low Carbohydrate Diet

Low carb diets have been around for some years. However the earlier versions (such as Dr Atkins') developed a bad reputation, as they restricted the carbs too drastically, and involved the consumption of large quantities of meat and fat. As a result they lost favour, but the recent recognition of the long term problems associated with low fat/high carb diets have rekindled interest in this approach.

Advantages:

Regular, gradual weight loss
Good in social situations
Stable blood sugar levels
Low insulin levels
Slowly targets abdominal 'belly' fat
Many long term health advantages

Disadvantages

Reduced food choices can make meals difficult when at work or travelling
Requires strict adherence to diet if used for weight loss
Hunger can be a problem until the body readjusts to low carb intake

Ketogenic Diet

'Ketogenic' diets reduce the level of carbohydrate intake drastically. This forces the body to change its energy production fuel from glucose (carbohydrate) to fat - just like a long distance runner! This is a major metabolic shift, which has a number of significant effects.

Advantages:

Rapid, certain weight loss
No hunger after 2 days on diet
Increased energy levels and mood
Stable blood sugar levels
Low insulin levels
Increased fat-burning ability
Targets abdominal 'belly' fat

Disadvantages

Reduced food choices can make meals difficult when at work or travelling
Unsuitable for self-application, especially in certain medical conditions
Requires supervision and testing to assure safety
Requires strict adherence to diet

A ketogenic low carb diet has been shown scientifically to be the most rapid way to lose weight. However it does need to be personally prescribed and supervised by a trained nutritional practitioner if it to be SAFE as well as effective.

This is the diet for you if you want to lose weight as quickly as possible, or if other regimes have failed.

Low Glycaemic (Insulin Balance) Diet

Based on the inclusion of slow-release complex carbohydrates which help to balance blood sugar levels and insulin levels.

Advantages:

Good for energy levels and activity
Plenty to eat
Easy in social situations

Disadvantages:

Weight loss can be slow

5-2 (Intermittent Fasting)

Involves relatively normal food 5 days per week, alternated with very low (500 calories) intake on the other 2 days.

Advantages:

Flexible weight loss, depending on the calorific intake on non-fasting days
Good in social situations - ideal for foodies who can cope with occasional abstinence!
Has other long term health benefits

Disadvantages:

It can be difficult to adjust to fasting days

Paleolithic (Caveman or Hunter-Gatherer) Diet

Based on the foodstuffs which were eaten by humans before the advent of agriculture. It excludes sugar, grains, dairy products and pulses etc.

Advantages:

Very helpful in chronic diseases, allergies and food intolerances
Excellent for long term health benefits

Disadvantages:

Difficult in social situations
Restricted food choices
Weight loss is slow

Top



Site Map	© The Margaret Papoutsis Practice	Developed by Effective Webs