Olumurewa Damilola

Thinking about diets? Do not look too far, let’s put you on the right track on how to get started. Perhaps you wonder, what dietary habit is the best? Worry less, let’s get you educated on the pros and cons of each diet. However this might sound, dieting is gradually becoming a norm for some of us, in fact, in a sense, it is now even becoming something fashionable, and seemingly important, that everyone wants to jump or embark on a dietary journey, or mission. People go on different diets for various reasons, some are on a mission to flatten that protruding belly, some want to truly live a healthy lifestyle, and some set of people just want to explore and know what it is like to eat only vegetables and fruits. The point is, people have varying and numerous reasons. Interestingly, an amusing fact is, some people do no’t even know the meaning or definition of living a dietary lifestyle.

So, what is a dietary lifestyle? A dietary lifestyle or habit includes what a person eats, how much a person eats during a meal, how frequently these meals are consumed, and how often a person eats. Bear in mind that we have quite a number dietary habits that are being practiced or observed, here are some examples, plant-based diet (Vegetarians), mediterranean diet, pescatarian diet (eat only fish), raw foods, south beach diet, carnivore diet, vegan(eat only animal products), paleo, kategonic, and so on.

However, of these different kinds of diets, five of them are quite popular and they are vegan, vegetarian, paleo, kategonic, and mediteran, and it is these particular diets we will be looking into in this piece. Now, each of these diets have their pros and cons, because it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a particular diet before making it your lifestyle. Going on a diet is not a do-or-die affair, as a dietary lifestyle does not necessarily even make one completely healthy.

So the first on our list will be the vegetarian diet. In a vegetarian diet, anything meat, or that has to do with meat is abstained from. Although, some people on this diet can choose to eat fish. At that point, should you choose this style, we would say you have gone pescetarian, that is, feeding on fish and other seafoods. So, no more Sallah meat or Christmas chicken. Some advantages of a balanced vegetarian diet is that, it reduces the risk of heart attack and cancer, and can also reduce joint pain caused by arthritis. However, bear it in mind, that vegetarians have a greater risk of iron deficiency, anemia, because meat which is lacking in their diet, is a major source of iron our body needs. Although, the consumption of fish as a substitute for meat, could restore iron, alongside recommended supplements or supplements prescribed by a doctor. Please, do not go on a diet without consultations, it is your health we are talking about here.

Next, is the vegan diet. In veganism, unlike our vegetarians, you abstain from all animal products including meat, fish, dairy, honey, and eggs. A slight whisper, that’s our brethren in Babcock University. So, instead of meat in your meal, all you have for a substitute is ‘tofu’. When soy milk is coagulated, what you have is called tofu, and that is what you will take in place of meat or fish. As an ardent of veganism, you are to also abstain from milk, because it comes from animals also.  Now, as much as a vegan diet reduces the chances of certain heart diseases and cancers, the side effects it comes with is a high risk of inadequate protein, vitamins, and mineral intake including iron acid and omega-3 fatty acids (fish being the major source of omega-3). Therefore, you might want to consider taking vitamins and supplements to avoid deficiencies as a vegan. In all, do not go on a dietary journey without weighing the good sides and possible side effects, better still, consult a specialist.

Now, moving to the paleo diet. The paleo diet is based on what must have been eaten during the paleolithic or prehistoric period prior to modern farming, in short, to embark on a paleo diet journey, then lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds will be your diet, while delicacies such as legumes (beans and soya beans are a common example), dairy, refined salt, potatoes, grains, and highly processed foods should be abstained from, for the paleo diet practitioner. You like rice or beans Perhaps, you like the mixture then this dietary lifestyle is not for you. However, because the paleo diet focuses on lean meat, fruits, and vegetables, you may experience weight loss, improved glucose tolerance, better blood pressure control, and lower triglycerides (I am not a medical student yet, but a high triglycerides simply means other conditions that increases the chances of heart diseases). Also, another possible side effect, which is due to the fact that the diet excludes grains and legumes, which are good sources of vitamins and nutrients, and all dairy products which provide protein and calcium, you might be lacking these vital nutrients. Bottom line, do not embark on these dietary plans without an expert, a nutritionist or dietician, whoever is in charge.

Ketogenic diet, this diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. First of all, the name of this diet is derived from an anatomic or biological situation in our body called ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state where your body uses fat, rather than carbohydrates, for Energy. It is also believed that the brain functions at a more optimal state once the ketosis mode in the body is activated, and one of the ways to activate this mode is via intermittent fasting, as when all the carbohydrates in the body has been used up for energy, the body systems begin processing the proteins and fats in the body into energy to power the brain. A ketogenic diet forces your body into a ketosis mode, as you limit your carbohydrate in-take to 20-25 grams per day. These calories are replaced with healthy gays from fish, meat, eggs, nuts, and oil. It has been observed that’s ketogenic diet can help in losing weight as your overall calories are reduced. Ketosis may also help in reducing the risk of heart attack and some kinds of cancers. So, for those who want that weight loss, or a flat stomach, or reduced calories, this diet type has proven efficient. However, it has been researched that a ketogenic diet should always be followed under a doctor’s or registered dietician’s close observation. Note that low intake of carbohydrate  can lead to flu-like symptoms, low energy, stress on kidneys, digestive issues, and more. Bottom line, consult a specialist.

And lastly, the mediterranean diet, which is also referred to as the “heart-healthy diet” as it blends basic healthy eating habits with traditional Mediterranean flavours. The main components of a mediterranean diet include; daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, weekly intake of fish, poultry, beans, and eggs, moderate portions of the diary, limited intake of red meat, and also encourages consumption of a glass of red wine. The mediterranean diet  reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and type 2 diabetes. However, as result of the little or no intakes of red meat and other dairy products, a practitioner of the mediterranean diet  might possibly suffer from iron and calcium deficiencies. You already know the bottom line, never embark on a dietary journey without proper consultation of experts and specialists.

In all, irrespective of the chosen diet, it is essential to pick a dietary plan that fits your health and possibly your lifestyle or carreer. As an athlete, or a performer of certain artistic or acrobatic display, like a ballerina, or professional dancer, there are certain dietary plans that would fit your perfectly. Some can be designed specifically for you as a result of your health status or something, hence, the importance of consulting a specialist, expert, or consultant, can not be overemphasised. Also,  make it a point of duty and responsibility to confirm the status of these people, in terms of being approved or being certified indeed.In all, irrespective of the chosen diet, it is essential to pick a dietary plan that fits your health and possibly your lifestyle or carreer. As an athlete, or a performer of certain artistic or acrobatic display, like a ballerina, or professional dancer, there are certain dietary plans that would fit your perfectly. Some can be designed specifically for you as a result of your health status or something, hence, the importance of consulting a specialist, expert, or consultant, can not be overemphasised. Also,  make it a point of duty and responsibility to confirm the status of these people, in terms of being approved or being certified indeed.