Dieting for Now or for Life
Nearly three-quarters of Americans say they’re unhappy with their weight. However, many people have trouble figuring out which diets are the most effective and sustainable. Amy Anderson, Aramark Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (pictured below), shares tried-and-true tips to break through the dieting noise and help you choose and stick to a healthy eating pattern.
The Hype Around Popular Diets
Fad diets are everywhere, but remember: Any diet that requires extreme restriction is a red flag! One example, the Ketogenic diet, restricts carbohydrates, forcing your body to burn fat for energy. If you’re eating super low-carb, you might miss out on eating fruits and other nutrient-dense foods your body needs. Talk to a healthcare provider before beginning regimens such as Whole30, Paleo, Keto, or Intermittent Fasting, Amy recommends.
Thinking Differently About Dieting
Amy’s two go-to diets, the Mediterranean and plant-forward approaches, emphasize putting more healthy plant foods at the center of the plate. Both focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant proteins such as nuts, beans, legumes, and small amounts of lean animal proteins. This concept of adding more produce to the diet has been directly linked to lower weight.
Amy’s Best Advice
In the end, Amy’s best advice is this: Don’t call it a “diet” at all! Instead, think of your daily food choices as a lifestyle. You’re eating not just for right now, but for a lifetime of good health. Amy reassures us, “The magic word here is ‘sustainable.’ The best eating pattern is a well-balanced one that helps you achieve your health goals, and one you can stick to. After all, food is meant to be enjoyed!”
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.