Diet Trends & Why They Are BS

Picture this... you're scrolling through instagram and there it is, staring you right in the face. KETOSIS. You have no idea what this word means but you think "fuck yeah, here's my one way ticket to being skinny".

This is usually how a stupid diet trend starts. First comes the weight loss, then the crazy story to back it up, and suddenly thousands of people are claiming that cutting carbs changed their lives. Unfortunately, Keto isn't the only diet trend taking the fitness industry by storm. I'd need a few hours, and a strong Gin & Tonic to talk about all of them.

Before I jump into a select (popular) few, I want to make something very clear - I DO NOT write this with the intention of bashing people for their diet choices. If you understand results come from a calorie deficit, but found your chosen diet trend helped you in achieving this, here’s a virtual *high five*. This is simply to educate beginners on trending diets, and why it’s not their only choice.

Where was I? Keto, detox teas, 5:2, low-fat. It's never ending, and the list of vulnerable people who have fallen victim to these diet trends is never ending too. Let's talk about Keto for example... removing carbohydrates to burn fat and create Ketones, which the body will use as fuel. Sounds fantastic doesn't it? It's actually rare for a person following a Ketogenic diet to enter a state of 'Ketosis', but of course we don't speak about that. We just speak about Sally who lost 40kg from cutting out a WHOLE %&*$@#* macronutrient.

Instead of people talking about their success stories in a way that highlights the science of fat loss, and how reducing carbohydrates assisted them in staying within a calorie deficit... they speak about the dangers of carbohydrates, and turn their story into a product or plan that can be bought.

I'm sure you can guess where I'm going with this. I'm diving down the calorie deficit rabbit hole, and I want you to come with me (Being in a calorie deficit means you’re eating an amount of calories that does not reach the amount needed to maintain of your current weight). I want you to understand that weight loss doesn't have to be this complex concept that is hard to understand. Weight loss (for the average Joe, who doesn't suffer from any medical conditions) is as simple as: eat less calories than what you need to maintain your current weight. HOW COMPLEX? Eating less than what you need makes you lose weight? It sounds crazy... but it just might work.

This doesn't just oppose the principles behind Keto, but you can relate a calorie deficit to every diet under the sun.

• Detox teas: replacing foods with tea will reduce your calorie intake.

• 5:2: Not eating for days on end will reduce your calorie intake.

• No fat: Removing a whole macronutrient will in turn reduce your calorie intake.

See what I mean? It's not that hard, but we let influencers convince us that weight loss costs an arm and a leg, and can be purchased off their Instagram shop. That‘s what shits me about influencers too, rather than having the desire to really help people, they have the desire to steer followers towards their brand. Next time you read an inspirational post from an influencer that you follow, consider for just a second how it benefits them. If they’re making financial gain and it’s not scientific advice, maybe skip that subscription or product.

Enough with the diet bashing for now, I want to give you a very simple step that you can take if you‘re looking to lose or gaIn weight. Track your calories for 2-3 weeks, and try to keep them regular each day. If your weight stays the same, it is safe to say that this number of calories would be your maintenance level. If you’re looking to lose weight, reduce your calorie intake by 10% to start (this can also be reversed to enter a calorie surplus for weight gain) and track your calories/weight again for 2-3 weeks. If you lose weight, you are by definition in a calorie deficit.

You may have read that and thought is that all it takes? Yes... yes it is. I wish it were more complex, because I might just be able to make a million bucks off of it. Sadly for my bank account, it is as simple as finding your maintenance level and reducing your calories to a point that you lose weight. This again highlights why influencers and fad diet ambassadors continue to grind my gears - they take a simple concept like weight loss and use it against people who don’t know any better. I understand it though, for some us when we have tried to lose weight for a prolonged period of time, and we are willing to try anything to get us over the line. I’m just begging you to message me and ask me a million questions before you consider buying another detox tea.

Obviously this isn't the bible when it comes to weight loss, and I haven't included many helpful tips. So I'll end it with a tip: track your calorie intake, calculate what your intake should be (useful calculator can be found by googling James Smith Calorie Calculator), and start with some small steps towards reaching your goals. If you need anymore help, or want to clear anything up, please feel free to reach out - because I’m always happy to help.

Your coach & friend,

Maddy