3 Health trends I don't recommend and what to do instead!

I am here to debunk some of the myths on popular diet trends and share what I would recommend instead!

Keto vs. Carb Cycling: Low-carb and keto style diets are arguably the most popular for weight loss. Reducing carbs gets results because it lowers your blood sugar. This lowers insulin and promotes fat burning for energy. However,restricting carbs all the time isn't necessarily the best approach in the long run, especially in extreme cases, like the keto diet. It is not often practical and although calorie restriction helps with short-term weight loss, it can eventually lead to metabolic damage. I recommend carb-cycling instead.This is where you participate in low carb days and the occasional high carb day which acts to increase the hormone leptin and thus, boosts your metabolism. Going back to the low-carb days in between allows your body to shift back into fat-burning mode.

Intermittent Fasting vs. Intuitive Fasting: I used to be a hard core intermittent faster. I used the 16:8 rule - 16 hours of fasting to 8 hours of eating. In recent years, my tune has changed when it comes to strict intermittent fasting. There is great research that shows intermittent fasting helps to slow aging, improve cholesterol, lower blood sugar and promote weight loss. However, there are instances when I feel it can be detrimental, specifically when an individual has a high level of stress, anxiety, or adrenal dysfunction. Restricting food for a prolonged period of time can be interpreted as stressful on the body, further promoting cortisol in an already stressed individual. I also believe that intermittent fasting during the luteal and menstruation phases of the menstrual cycle can be detrimental as these are phases that require more nourishment and rest.  Alternatively, I encourage intuitive fasting where there may be some times in the month that your body is resilient enough to fast, but other times when it is appropriate to nourish and ground yourself with food first thing in the morning.

The Carnivore Diet vs. Mediterranean Diet: We have seen many diets trending this year, but none has shocked us more than the carnivore diet! This diet consists of mainly beef, butter, bacon and eggs, and completely eliminates grains, fruits, and vegetables. While it's possible that some people who have been eating a lot of refined carbs and sugar may feel better in the short run, this diet has the potential to be detrimental long-term. A lack of grains. fruit, and vegetables in a diet devoid of fibre and antioxidants which are all important for preventing the development of health conditions like Crohn's, colitis, high cholesterol, depression, and cancer. Although protein is important, it is not the only macronutrient our body needs! Instead, choose the Mediterranean diet. This is a style of eating based on the traditional cuisines of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizing minimally processed, plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains. It also includes olive oil, moderate amounts of dairy, poultry, eggs, and fish. The diet limits red meat, processed foods, and refined sugars. It is one of the most well-researched diets for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. And in my opinion, it tastes pretty good too!

If you don't know where to begin, I am always happy to connect and create a personalized plan for you.  I hope you enjoy the beauty of spring!