Diets and Most Dieticians are Full Of S***

I am FAT. Am I proud of it No. I gained 20 Kgs in the last 9 months. Lots of factors contributed to it including sleep apnea and most importantly loosing focus and also lots of diet advice. I hit 98.2 KG in Dec 2022 and that was it. I decided this is a century I don’t want.

I have met lots of nutritionists and dieticians over the years. On an average I believe I have spent over Rs 20,000 a KG coming down – going up was obviously cheaper and happier. I have learnt a lot. 10 years ago I was 72 KG and could run 18 KM on Marine Drive hoping to participate in the marathon. I am a Bengali and generally I always believe that fundamentally a Bengali is born to chill and eat – well that doesn’t work always. I read a lot and I realised – its not about exercising but more importantly control of input into your mouth – and overall control of mind. I am embarking on a journey to reduce weight and planning to not follow the conventional wisdom of dieticians. Follow me on this journey.

There are many myths surrounding diets and weight loss that can lead to confusion and frustration for those trying to improve their health. Given I have done this twice – going down 20 kg and going back up again I thought I could write a story which might influence a few.

Here are five common myths about diets and the facts behind them.

Myth: All diets are the same and as long as you cut calories, you will lose weight.

Fact: Not all diets are created equal. Some diets may restrict certain food groups, while others may focus on eating whole foods, for example. The type of diet you choose will determine what types of foods you eat and how many calories you consume. It's not just about cutting calories, but rather about eating a balanced and nutritious diet.

Myth: Carbs are bad and should be avoided at all costs.

Fact: Carbs are an important source of energy for our bodies and should not be avoided entirely. It's important to choose carbohydrates that are high in fibre, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and limit the consumption of processed carbohydrates, such as white bread and sugary drinks.

Myth: Skipping meals or going on a juice cleanse will help you lose weight quickly.

Fact: Skipping meals or going on a juice cleanse may result in short-term weight loss, but this is mostly due to water weight, not fat loss. These methods can also slow down your metabolism and make it harder to lose weight in the long run. Eating a balanced diet with smaller, frequent meals is a healthier and more sustainable approach to weight loss.

Myth: Fad diets and quick fixes are the best way to lose weight.

Fact: Fad diets and quick fixes promise rapid weight loss but are often not sustainable and can even be harmful to your health. Instead, focus on making small, gradual changes to your diet and lifestyle that you can maintain in the long term.

Myth: Eating after 7 p.m. will cause weight gain.

Fact: The time you eat is not as important as the number of calories you consume and the type of foods you eat. Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than your body needs, regardless of the time of day.

In conclusion, it's important to approach diets and weight loss with a critical eye and not believe everything you hear. Focus on eating a balanced diet and making gradual changes to your lifestyle, rather than relying on fad diets or quick fixes. I will keep updating this blog every now and then and hopefully pass on some practical tips which will help you all to also get motivated and hopefully be healthy.

#health #diet #keto #myths