Worst diets shunned by nutrition experts

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Worst diets shunned by nutrition experts

Hundreds of the nation’s dietitians have voted on the three worst diets to avoid in the New Year. The Lemon Detox Diet was rated the worst, followed by the Acid and Alkaline Diet. The Six Weeks to OMG Diet rounded off the top three.

More than 230 members of Australia’s peak nutrition body, the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA), took part in an online survey to uncover the worst diets to avoid in 2013. From a list of nine popular diets, the Lemon Detox Diet was deemed the ‘worst’ by experts for the second consecutive year, with almost three quarters (74%) of the dietitians voting against it.

The Acid and Alkaline Diet and The Six Weeks to OMG Diet were amongst the worst three diets for 2013, attracting votes from 42 and 40 per cent of nutrition experts respectively.

DAA Spokesperson and Accredited Practising Dietitian, Melanie McGrice, hopes these findings will stop Australians, particularly young women, from trying the endless array of fad diets promoted every January.

‘Don’t put your health in the hands of celebrities-endorsed diets or products that make miraculous weight and fat-loss claims. Like many things in life, good health takes perseverance and commitment to a healthy lifestyle,’ said Ms McGrice.

DAA believes this is timely advice given the Association’s recent Newspoll survey of 200 women aged 18-24 showing 42 per cent are hoping to lose weight in the New Year.

‘Start with small, sustainable changes like having more home-cooked meals and going for regular walks. Extreme diet measures are unnecessary and counterproductive,’ said Ms McGrice.

DAA will soon launch its annual Australia’s Healthy Weight Week campaign (20 to 27 January), which this year urges 18-25 year old women to commit to looking and feeling their best.

Australia’s nutrition experts give some tips on how to ditch the diets in 2013:

Watch out for gimmicks or quick fixes. Being healthy takes time. If you’re lost, see an Accredited Practising Dietitian for advice you can trust. Megan Alsford APD, Melbourne.
Everyone wants that miracle diet that solves all problems. The truth isn't sexy, but it works: A wholesome, nutritious, balanced diet. Bonnie Lau APD, Upper Mount Gravatt.
Carbohydrates are essential for effective brain function. Low carbohydrate diets won't help you perform at your best. Susan Davis APD, Canberra.
Get half vegetables, one quarter carbohydrates and one quarter protein on your plate at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Elisa Rossimel APD, Broken Hill.
No need to ban certain foods - you'll only crave them more. Plan small amounts of ‘treat’ foods into your week and take time to taste and enjoy them. Quality over quantity. Elke Supple APD, Adelaide.

(Source: Dietitians Association of Australia)

More information

For more information on nutrition, including information on types and composition of food, nutrition and people, conditions related to nutrition, and diets and recipes, as well as some useful videos and tools, see Nutrition.