Ditch the deprivation diets and punishing puritanism, says Dr Chauhan

Dr Chauhan

Diets, drying out, dynamic exercise and detoxing are now as regular a part of the post festive period as cold turkey sandwiches.

But it may surprise you to learn that we medics are not always behind these often punishing New Year health kicks – largely because they are rarely sustainable and in some cases, are downright dangerous.

The crash diet is so named because it is doomed to disaster as, in my opinion, it is based on there being good and bad foods (instead of balance) and are obsessed with the concept that the body is no good at disposing of waste. Rapid weight loss is another symptom of our “want it now” society – in this case the bikini body or the fashionable model chic that is slim. Losing a lot of weight in a double quick time directly affects the rate of your metabolism, slowing it down and actually leading to faster weight gain in the future. The cleansing diet plan also deprives your body of vital nutrients, weakens your immune system, increases incidents of dehydration, dangerously lowers your sodium levels and even causes cardiac problems.

Shedding a few pounds pays off long-term for your health, helping to reduce incidents of heart disease, diabetes and even some forms of cancer. The best advice is to do it slowly but safely. Look at reducing your portion sizes, balance your diet with more vegetables and fruits (some are known as superfoods as they help detox you, too) and cut down on the alcohol.

Which brings us to the subject of total abstinence and the many initiatives – some charitable – to get us to go dry and lose the booze for a month or so. Sudden withdrawal from the drink is attainable for most, but for those who are alcohol dependent, this can have catastrophic consequences, including delirium tremens, shaking, nausea and even seizures. The mental health issues that lead to alcohol abuse won't be solved overnight either. Anyone who regularly uses or abuses drink and is plotting total withdrawal, should consult their GP first.

Trimming the fat by keeping fit should also only be attempted with great care. Exercise can place great strain on the heart and the muscles and again, failure to attain difficult goals can mean that boot camp regimes are quickly dispatched before any positive change is made.

Beginners or returners would do better with a challenge such as the NHS Couch to 5K, which is endorsed by athletes and details a specific exercise diary incorporating rest days:

• www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-week/

For those truly plotting a course to health and fitness it is first and foremost about enjoyment. Finding foods that are tasty, hearty and nutritious is vital and fun physical activity will be exercise that will run and run and run.