Diets & Weight Loss

Is the Intermittent Fasting Diet Worth Trying?

Dr Joanna McMillan

The practice of fasting for health or spiritual reasons is as old as the hills. Pretty much every religion and many Eastern philosophies, have forms of fasting. Typically fasting is promoted as a means of discipline, reducing gluttony and for focusing the mind.

More recently fasting has been promoted as a means to weight loss. The intermittent fasting diet typically involves eating regular, healthy food 5 days a week and fasting on two non-consecutive days. The fasting days can simply involve skipping breakfast that day and eating a regular lunch and dinner.

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Fibre is now recognised as being vitally important to our gut health and our overall health.  But did you know that it can help you to lose weight and keep it off too?  Studies show that a higher fibre intake is associated with lower body fat (including belly fat), body weight and BMI.

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It may once have helped the medicine go down, but these days, loading up on sugar will put you on a sure-fire path to health disaster. That’s because sugar plays havoc with your blood sugar levels; is packed with calories that can lead to weight gain; has been linked to a wide range of health issues like diabetes, heart disease, depression, cancer, dental decay AND it can even accelerate ageing!

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Have you heard the expression ‘Summer bodies are made in Winter’?  With Spring in the air and Summer not too far away, now is definitely the time to get your act together if you have health and weight loss goals to achieve!

In this article, I will take you through a few strategies to get you on track for Summer. Firstly, I focus on salads, why they make top weight loss meals and tips for creating a great salad.  For those that are looking for more support with weight loss (and less cooking!), I’ll explore some of the options available that can help you achieve results before Summer arrives.

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Interestingly, the two biggest barriers for women not maintaining a healthy lifestyle are a lack of time, and lack of priority.  This week, why not start to make some positive changes that can last a lifetime.

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In Australia, 47% of women and 34% of men use at least one dietary supplement.  Usage is even greater among older age groups and those with higher education levels.

By dietary supplement we mean a single vitamin or mineral, a combination multi-vitamin, herbal or traditional products, or a sports nutrition or weight loss product.

Most users take supplements by personal choice, rarely by doctor’s recommendation.  This is great news for supplement manufacturers!  Globally, the industry raked in over $150 billion last year alone and it’s growing.

But the big question is - will they help us live longer or healthier lives?

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We’ve all heard that wine is good for us but how good exactly? And how much is enough? And what type is best? 

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Uh oh, have you been swapping barbells for bars recently and indulging in a few too many schooners?  This certainly isn’t going to help your health kick, but is there a way to mitigate the damage?

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Before you can answer that question, let us explain what a reducetarian is.  Firstly, if you’re thinking to yourself not another diet to get my head around, then think again.  This is not a diet, more a philosophy about food, sustainability and positive change.

The term reducetarian was coined several years ago and describes a growing movement of individuals who actively reduce the amount of meat and animal products in their diets.  The concept appeals to many people, as it’s inclusive and attainable.  It’s not just for vegans and vegetarians.  It’s also for those who may not want to completely eliminate meat and animal products but still want to make a change.

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Did you look in the mirror this morning and a dad bod looked back? Perhaps you’re wondering how this crept up on you… perhaps you’re not even a dad!

As for how it happened, it may have involved;

• Friday night beers with mates turned into Monday through Sunday beers;
• A few too many burgers with chips, kebabs or pizza;
• Breaking off a Kit Kat (or three) for afternoon tea;
• Skipping the gym again in favour of working late or sleeping off that hangover from above-mentioned beers;

Or simply too busy, can’t be bothered to shop or cook, or can't cook!

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