The trouble with fad diets

 

THE TROUBLE WITH FAD DIETS
Elementa nutritionist Sheena Hendon discusses the best way to go about managing your weight long term.

Many of our clients ask us how they can lose weight. Statistics show that approximately 1/3rd of all women have been on one diet or another for as long as they can remember. This habitual dieting generally keeps women at a manageable weight until they enter perimenopause and menopause. Weight gain suddenly appears at this time, especially around the stomach, and just refuses to come off no matter what clients eat or how much they exercise.

In many cases they feel frustrated about the way they look, are anxious to ‘fix' the problem with dieting and are willing to overlook their long term health (and probable further weight gain) in trying the latest fad diet craze or products advertised in the media. To be fair we are inundated with conflicting information about what, how much and when we should eat.

Why fad diets don't work
There a good many reasons why yo-yo and fad dieting don't work - and may do more harm than good. Let's talk about them and then turn to how you can lose weight in a healthy way and keep it off permanently.

  • Excess weight gain is one of the many symptoms that indicate an underlying biochemical imbalance such as a metabolic dysfunction or hormonal imbalance. How this happens is varied and unique and may occur due to physiological or emotional reasons.
  • The following underlying conditions make losing weight on a fad diet very difficult as they are seldom addressed:

Adrenal fatigue. The adrenals release a stress hormone called cortisol that is related to adrenaline, the familiar adrenal hormone, and to your serotonin levels. Too high or low levels of cortisol can be a major cause of weight gain and inability to lose unwanted weight.

Carbohydrate sensitivity. Carbohydrates are necessary in a balanced diet, but overconsumption of simple carbohydrates such as those found in bread, soft drinks, lollies, white rice, breakfast cereals, cakes... can cause insulin spikes and crashes in blood sugar. Low blood sugar sends out hunger signals and may cause us to overeat. If this rollercoaster of peaks and troughs in blood sugar continue we become more and more sensitive to carbohydrates, which can cause excessive weight gain and a metabolic concern - insulin resistance - which is a prediabetic condition.

Depleted serotonin. Serotonin is one of a host of neurotransmitters secreted by the brain that regulates mood, attention and energy levels. Ongoing stress can deplete serotonin levels, leading to intense food cravings, particularly refined carbos.

Yeast or intestinal parasites. Colonies of excessive Candida (yeast) bacteria or intestinal parasites in the digestive tract can make it difficult to lose weight. Eliminating yeast and sugary foods and drinks from the diet for a period of time and/or using supplements, herbs and probiotics can restore balance allowing weight loss.

Food allergies. Allergies and sensitivities can cause a dysfunctional metabolism. These sensitivities may show up as stomach and intestinal upset, headaches, insomnia, lethargy, joint aches and rashes. These allergies or intolerances can be tested for and if present a supervised elimination diet may be recommended

A patient may only have one of these weight gain factors; more often women will have a combination - whatever their age. The key to long term weight loss is healthy metabolism supported by a balanced hormonal system. Once the diet is modified and treatment is given for the particular issues clients are more able to lose weight.

So what does work?
Elementa's programmes help rebalance your body to promote natural and lasting weight loss. At the heart of the programmes is an individualised diet plan designed to provide the body with the foundation it needs to lose kilos along with digestive and nutritional support, where needed, in the form of supplements and herbs. And an exercise/activity plan for maximium fat burning. All plans are supported by a fully qualified nutritionist or naturopath experienced in weight loss.

Check out Elementa's various weight management and detox plans on line or pick up a brochure and talk to our naturopaths or nutritionist at Elementa on 09 520 4015 and let us support you in achieving your health and weight goals.

THINK YOU HAVE AN ALLERGY OR INTOLERANCE? GET TESTED TODAY
Tired of being sick, and sick of being tired? Plagued by digestive problems? How about problems with losing weight? You don't have to put up with it!
If you've ever heard the term 'You are what you eat', you'll know that diet and in particular food allergies and intolerances that so many people suffer from can have a big impact on your health. In fact it is thought over 50% of new Zealanders now suffer from allergies and intolerances
Thankfully new technology has given health professionals like us the tools to simply diagnose and correct. And the results are dramatic. Elementa has a simple and easy allergy and intolerance testing service on offer to you.

Hair testing by EAV machinery
For the small charge of just $99 for the test (normally $120) you can get an exact fix on your food sensitivities.  If necessary our allergy/intolerance specialists can provide one-on-one consultations (or phone consultations) to discuss the results and provide further diagnostic testing, lifestyle and dietary advise and quality supplements and herbs to get you back on track.
Just fill in the on-site immediate allergy and intolerance testing form or come in to Elementa to fill in a form and get a hair sample taken.