The right diet plan
Dear Donovan,
There are a number of diet plans that I see popping up all the time — from low carb to no carb, to low fat and no fat, and the list goes on. This can get a bit confusing at times because everyone seems to have a different idea of what foods are good and what are bad.
Can you tell me what is the best diet plan to follow in order to be generally healthy, maintain a good weight, and ward off disease? I am 56-years-old, 5ft 8, and weigh 145 pounds. I exercise religiously so I am quite toned, but I’m concerned about what I put in my body especially in light of concerns about diseases like cancer.
At some point or another most people will need to lose a few pounds. This extra weight gain is usually brought about by stress, pregnancy, poor eating habits, medication, sedentary lifestyle, etc. To remedy this weight gain, overweight people usually go on a diet. However, as you have mentioned, there are so many diets floating around that you could easily become confused.
It is very important when choosing a diet that you select one which offers gradual weight loss. It is also important that you find a diet programme which fits your lifestyle. It would be unwise if you have a busy lifestyle to choose a diet which requires you to count calories or make complicated meal preparations. It is also best to stick to a diet programme which has been tried and proven over the years.
A new diet programme may come with side effects. You might also want to check with a professional, for example, a nutritionist or a doctor, to see what programme might be right for you. This is very important when there are other underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension. In addition, you need to find a diet that can be sustained even when you have reached your weight loss goal.
Another important condition is that the diet must supply all the nutrients and food groups that will sustain energy, mood, proper weight and health. It is also best to choose a diet which has minimal processed foods and low fats, oil and sugar. A diet with a large plant base is ideal.
In your situation I see where you are exercising and your weight seems fine for your height. However, you are still concerned about what you put in your mouth. This is very important. In my practice, rather than diet, I would prefer that people think about making lifestyle changes, one which has consideration for food choices as well as exercise. Studies have shown that this might be the only way to take weight off and keep it off as well as maintain health. In your situation you are concerned about some lifestyle diseases and I would suggest that you continue with your exercise as well as eating more plant-based foods, example fruits, vegetables, vegetable juices and whole grains. In addition, foods high in antioxidants are also important, as is reducing food from animal sources as well as sugar, fatty foods, fried foods and processed carbohydrates such as rice and flour.
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
