Did you see the articles in the news about the “World’s healthiest diet?” It is basically a low carbohydrate, high protein diet. Certainly it has benefits, as most of us tend to eat far too high a proportion of carbohydrates. Too much bread, pasta, rice and not enough vegetables, fruits, and protein. There are various types of such diets that already exist such as the “low carb”” “the Atkins”; and “the Paleo”, so I was a little bewildered to see something being touted as the “worlds healthiest diet”.

Does this mean we should all be on this diet? I don’t believe so. According to Ayurveda and the Eastern traditions of medicine, we are all constitutionally different and have specific requirements. What is good for one person maybe detrimental to another and vice versa. Additionally it is important to assess the digestive system and whether it can process the incoming food.

I have met many patients this year who have lost much weight on the 5:2 diet where there are 2 non-consecutive days of calorie restriction. Just as important as the type of food that is consumed is the quantity of food, and how and when it is consumed. Reducing the quantity is one of the easiest and most important part of a healthy diet. In busy societies, the other problem is consuming a big heavy meal late in the evening, with not enough time for the food to digest before bed. These simple changes can be very effective in optimising weight.

Fundamentally, however, self-knowledge is the most important factor. Know what  makes your body feel enlivened and know what creates dullness and heaviness. It really is as simple as that. Meanwhile let the scientists keep arguing about what is best and worst. If you wait long enough, they will change their minds!

In Health and Wellness