I like food. Seriously, I really enjoy everything from grocery shopping, preparing, cooking and plating; personally, I think the presentation is the best part, and it makes the food taste better, but I’m also sure I just made that up.
According to stateofobesity.org, Ohio has the 11th highest adult obesity rate in the nation and the sixth highest obesity rate for youth, ages 10 to 17. Fast food is becoming less of a convenience and more of a reason to develop bad eating habits. It seems like every other social media influencer or celebrity is broadcasting a new diet—but are they all beneficial to your health, or is it just a trend?
The Keto Diet suggests that you could have fewer cravings while quickly losing weight. Ketosis is a metabolic state characterized by raised levels of ketone bodies in the body tissues, which is typically pathological in conditions such as diabetes or may be a consequence of a diet that is very low in carbohydrates. Ketosis can lead to someone needing to be treated with insulin injections; however, the Keto Diet has “extreme carb restrictions.” The Keto Diet sounds like fat rich foods and moderate proteins are good, while any kind of carbs are bad. Although you could stay on the Keto Diet indefinitely, it is meant to be a fast way to lose weight and it is then up to the person to maintain their weight loss.
The Paleo Diet emphasizes fruit and vegetables, rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber which helps curb weight gain. Ultimately, you’ll lose weight because you are eliminating entire food groups and going back to the hunter-gatherer way of eating, or as the Paleo Diet has been nicknamed, “the caveman diet.” On the Paleo Diet, you’re eliminating high-fat and processed foods that can have a high calorie count. Any significant statistical facts in regards to health benefits of the Paleo Diet have yet to be confirmed, so why make such a drastic change in how you’re eating just to be part of a craze?
I try to support my friends that want to be more mindful of what they are putting in their body, but if the first thing they can’t have is carbs or dairy, then I’m automatically out—because, well, cheese. I don’t believe anyone needs to follow a particular diet to live a better lifestyle unless it’s for specific reasons. Unfortunately, our society makes a lot of its decisions based on trends, when I think they first need to evaluate their individual goals and the reasons they want to diet in the first place. Secondly, everything is a matter of moderation. Too much of a good thing can also be bad for you, but if we’re conscious of our portions, then we can tailor any diet to fit our needs.
Before you make the choice to pay for a subscription for a diet plan, or you clear out your cabinets because you’re suddenly on the Mediterranean Diet, try seeing a nutritionist or simply ask yourself what is it that you want to change about the way you eat, and start from there. Self-evaluation is free.
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