Some interesting research on dieting

I would love to write my own post on this, but life is a bit hectic on this side of crazy-ville.

This article is extremely interesting, check it out!

What do you think?

What? 2013?

Well look at that. It's two weeks into 2013. When did that happen? Certainly not at a time that I was taking notes. This year has really snuck up on me, and let me tell you, I am about as prepared for 2013 as I was for that Population Genetics test in 3rd year (the one where I achieved an outstanding result of 8%).

Last year, like any self-respecting A type personality with two X chromosomes and a degree in dietetics, I had a list of goals that was going to transform me into a superhero by the end of 2012. Oh, the plans I had! Marathons and scrapbooks and redecorated bedrooms! The ambition! The folly! Then, before I could say, "Where's the decoupage?", life happened. Loved ones in ICU, burglaries, divorces, moving houses, losing friends, moving cities. It all happened. Needless to say, my goals flew out the window as I used all my energy to simply not have a nervous breakdown.

[Image source: good-wallpapers.com]

This year, I am going to be a little more cautious. I don't need any more pressure. For 2013, I have one simple plan: To look after myself. Going for a run, getting enough sleep, allowing myself time in nature - aren't these the first things to fall by the wayside when things get tough? This year, there are no goals, no kilograms, no milestones I am aiming for. All I want is that, no matter what happens, I will put myself first.

[Image source: okwalls.com]

As for what we can expect from An Unlikely Dietitian? There's going to be loads of fun as I move to Cape Town and explore the thousands of restaurants, food trucks and cocktail bars unusual ingredients that the Mother City has to offer. At the same time, we'll probably be focussing on cheap and convenient meals (sigh) as I turn into a student again for my Masters at UCT. And, as always, we're going to be constantly chatting about balancing health, happiness and self-love to achieve maximum joy and peace in our lives.

One last little inspiration for 2013 (about two weeks too late):

What are your new years resolutions?

5-a-day challenge (Or: Getting back on track)

If anybody is keeping up with my little blog, you will know that I have been away for a glorious two weeks in the Mother City, Cape Town. It was marvellous and I shall post some photos just to make you all jealous. 

This even makes me a little jealous. Of myself.

Body image starts in your head (Or: Getting over a fat day)

I'm off to Cape Town tomorrow.

Poor, poor me.
[Image source: runawaynow.com]

This has made my life quite hectic recently: finalising work in the hospital, choosing wine farms to tour in Stellenbosch, planning beach outfits - I know, hellish days in Africa. And all this hustle and bustle has been interspersed with brief periods of absolute panic. Panic, dear reader, brought about by the sight of my thighs when exposed to raw sunlight. Over the last few weeks I have been feeling like a puffer fish under permanent attack, and its not going to do my mood, or my vacation, any favours.

A little puffer fish that won't deflate.
[Image source: mauicharters.com]

Let's be honest. Fat days happen. I don't like the word "fat", but to be frank, some days you wake up and there, in the mirror, is Meat Loaf. With your eyes. It's alarming to say the least.

The facial expression is just about right too.
[Image source: ordinary-gentlemen.com]

Now, of course it's in your head. You know this already, I don't need to tell you that it is physically impossible to go up a dress size overnight. So you throw on your breeziest kaftan, tell yourself firmly that you're imagining things, and roll waft out the door to start your day.

The problem with it being "in your head" is that... it's in your head. And sugar, there ain't no escaping that head of yours. The way I see it, at this stage, you have three options: (1). Gently remove your head and leave it on your nightstand at home, (2). Drag yourself around like Eeyore, trying to avoid reflective surfaces,or (3). Sort your head out.

Weight loss diets: How to separate the fad from the facts

There comes a time in every dietitian’s career (or, more accurately, several times) when he/ she feels ready to give someone a good old-fashioned strangle. This murderous urge is set off by the birth of Yet Another Fad Diet. I have just battled through such a time.

Sometimes being a dietitian can get to your head.
[Image source: examiner.com]

It all started when I had the bad luck of stumbling upon the Wheat Belly Diet, started and promoted vigorously by a certain cardiologist.

I don’t mean to be nasty, but I’m afraid I have to call quackery with this man. He misquotes journal articles to support his cause, makes things up, and ends it off with an enthusiastic recommendation that you buy his book (no ulterior motives there at all). If I have some time off over the next few days, I can address that diet specifically.

For now I want to talk about fad diets in general, and how we can figure out if it’s a load of rubbish, or if it is really a safe, healthy, effective way of losing weight – in the long term. Because if we cannot sift the bad from the good, we’re setting ourselves up for years of losing/gaining/losing/gaining weight, messing with our metabolism, and possibly even putting our health at risk.