A registered dietitian has shared her expert advice for those struggling with their diets, suggesting that the issue may not be related to their efforts.
Courtney Kassis is a dietitian who posts on social media to help guide people to find lifestyles that will help them become their healthiest selves.
In a recent video, Courtney discussed various reasons why diets might fail, clarifying that it’s not necessarily due to people ‘doing it wrong’.
“Here are six things about nutrition and dieting that nobody taught you,” Courtney said in the video before delving into her first piece of advice.
Calorie counting
A calorie deficit is when you consume slightly fewer calories than your body burns in a day. When done effectively and healthily, this can lead to consistent weight loss over time.
When it comes to calorie counting, Courtney reassured viewers: “If you’re in a calorie deficit and it’s not working for you, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong.” She suggested that underlying inflammation and hormonal imbalances could be the culprits. She explained: “This needs to be addressed before you’re going to see any sort of changes from that calorie deficit.”
Sugar
When it comes to sugar, Courtney advised those who prefer to focus on healthier food choices rather than calorie counting to be mindful of their sugar intake, as overcoming a sugar addiction isn’t as easy as it may seem.
“You will not be able to overcome sugar addiction with willpower,” she stated. “You need to address the root cause of your sugar cravings that are causing a physiological need for sugar.”
Pay attention to where you hold fat
She also encouraged people to consider where they hold fat in their bodies.
Courtney highlighted the importance of being aware of where you carry most of your weight, noting that abdominal weight can be an indicator of potential chronic conditions.
“If you hold most of your weight abdominally, the most dangerous place to hold it, even if you’re at a normal weight and normal BMI. Holding weight here is associated with chronic disease 95% of the time,” Courtney explained.
Accumulating weight primarily in the stomach area can increase the risk of various health issues including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, according to Houston Methodist Hospital. Health experts recommend regular exercise and mindful eating to mitigate these risks.
Intermittent fasting isn’t for everyone
Intermittent fasting involves restricting your intake of food to a particular time frame. Regarding fasting, Courtney pointed out that it may not be suitable for everyone.
She said: “If you think you should be intermittent fasting but you wake up starving, don’t override those hunger cues.”
Instead, she encourages eating a balanced meal with proteins, fats, and fibre.
Advocate for your health
In her fifth piece of advice, Courtney stressed the necessity of self-advocacy concerning your health.
“[If you’re] starting to feel like not yourself and something’s off, don’t let anyone that this is just a normal part of aging and it happens to everyone,” she advised.
She urged individuals to seek appropriate tests, find the right supplements, and adopt a diet tailored to their needs.
Take control
Taking control of one’s health was an overarching theme in her recommendations.
“And finally, take control of your health,” she emphasised at the video’s conclusion.
The NHS suggest people embrace a varied and balanced diet, highlighting the importance of consuming five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, as well as ensuring adequate fibre and protein intake. For individuals aiming to lose weight and requiring assistance, the NHS advises speaking with a GP to discover any local services that may offer support.