As if running her eponymous fashion label and being a mother of two wasn’t enough, Victoria Beckham has now pledged to overhaul her health by doing the Honestly Health Alkaline Programme. The diet, a celebrity favourite followed by Hollywood health pack leaders Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, is based on the principle that acidic food cause a variety of ailments and that balancing your diet with alkaline foods will lead to better health and weight loss.
While the slender star has received attention in the past for her frail figure, there is concern that she might be further jeopardising her health with this new diet commitment. Last week, the Dietitians Association of Australia released a list of the three worst diets of 2013, which saw the Acid and Alkaline Diet ranked second. The verdict was delivered after over 230 members of the DAA analysed the nutritional benefits and claims of each.
Dietitian DAA Spokesperson Melanie McGrice said in a statement that Australians should be wary of celebrity-endorsed diets that make big weight loss claims. Beckham’s diet, which varies slightly from the fore mentioned Acid and Alkaline Diet, is based on a book called
Honestly Healthy by Vicki Edgson and organic chef Natasha Corrett.
It warns against foods like starchy grains and vegetables such as pasta, wheat and beans. Other foods stripped from the menu are meat, fish, dairy and coffee. While eliminating processed foods and high-sugar and sodium snacks can have a host of health benefits, there is concern that prohibiting diary, meat and some vegetables can have a negative effect.
If you want to overhaul your health this year, but aren’t sure which diet is right for you, the DAA has released a list of tips and tricks approved by their expert panel. Follow their advice for a safe, fool-proof way to achieve better wellbeing.
1. Being healthy takes time, so watch out for plans that promise quick fixes. Good health takes time, so be patient and choose foods that will benefit you in the years to come, not just for a wedding or special event coming up.
2. Carbohydrates are essential for effective brain function. Low carbohydrate diets won't help you perform at your best so be wary of diets that restrict carb intake.
3. Use this guide as a rule of thumb when making a meal: Aim for half vegetables, one quarter carbohydrates and one quarter protein on your plate at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Sophie Miura is madison's health writer
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