DIET DILEMMA

by: Erin Figueroa, Nutritionist

What do you think of all the new diets out there, do any of them work?

 There are many diets to choose from, some are good, many are not.  Whether or not they will generate the results that you desire, depends on what your goals are and if the diet is something that you can continue through a prolonged period of time.  If the goal is weight loss, there are many diets available that promise quick and easy results but they may not be beneficial to your health.  Rather than focusing on weight alone, it is important to think of your overall health as well.  If your focus is on nourishing your body properly, weight loss will be a byproduct of your efforts if you are overweight.

 A healthy diet should focus on plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (organic when possible), good sources of protein, and healthy fats.  Food should be eaten in their natural state, not processed.  Be wary of diets that severely limit entire food groups or macronutrients, such as carbohydrates.  Diets such as these may be beneficial for short periods of time in order to correct imbalances or for people with specific medical conditions, but they are not the best choice for the general population.  Many beneficial nutrients are eliminated in the process.   The main goal should be to promote overall health so that you can enjoy your life to the fullest.