The no-carb craze and other health and diet trends

THE NO-CARB CRAZE AND OTHER HEALTH AND DIET TRENDS: DO THEY REALLY WORK?

There are two key steps to keeping fit: exercise and a healthy diet. But while both are important, studies show that diet impacts weight loss more effectively than exercise. So if you're trying to shed a few pounds, you're better off re-evaluating your dietary choices rather than increasing the intensity of your workout regime.

The first place many of us turn to with weight loss concerns is the latest diet trend. But with so many diets out there, it's hard to know what works - and what doesn't.

Take the no-carb diet, for example. Does it really work? There are two parts to that answer: yes, it works - as a short-term quick fix. But unless you plan to deprive yourself of carbohydrates forever (it's hard enough during the span of a mere diet!), you're likely to gain the weight back. The same goes for all diets. Thus, the lesson to be learned here is: diets don't work; lifestyle changes to your everyday diet do.

Completely depriving yourself of something - such as carbs, fat or even sugar - is sure to backfire at some point. So why not make small, manageable and healthy changes to your daily diet instead? For example, commit to steering clear of carbs late at night. And when you do eat bread throughout the day, make sure it's healthy whole grain rather than processed. The same goes for sugar: if you crave sweets after meals, switch to healthy options such as fruit or a smoothie. Once your body gets over its initial sugar cravings (this usually takes a couple weeks), it'll be much easier to forgo dessert.

How do you quench your thirst? If sodas and sugary drinks are currently among your favourite beverages, make an active effort to opt for healthy, natural juices, milk or just plain water. You'll be cutting out loads of sugar, and your skin (with its brighter complexion) will thank you too.

Another minor yet effective change you can make towards a healthy diet is to read food labels. Many people don't realise what goes into the food they eat. For instance, that dressing you've been pouring on your healthy salads may actually be chock full of fat! Read labels to ensure you know what's going into your food - and your body.

Ultimately, you must remember that making these lifestyle changes doesn't mean you'll be on a lifelong diet. Trading in greasy, sugary or processed foods for healthy options simply means you're making an active, long-term effort to look after your health. Soon enough - once your body adjusts to its healthy dietary regime - you may find that you'd take a glass of water over a fizzy drink any day.

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