Healthy lifestyle sports and fitness winter and summer sports

3.Meal replacement shakes

This diet can be attractive because it encourages unlimited amounts of fats (even the ‘unhealthy’ saturated type) and protein. The thought of a diet that includes butter, bacon and sausages can be very appealing to some people. The diet also provides structure which helps many stay on track. The reduction in energy from excluding carbohydrates means people can often (in the initial stages) lose weight quite quickly, which is motivating.

Cons
Lack of carbohydrates can lead to tiredness, bad breath and constipation. The unlimited fat intake can also put people at greater risk of high blood fats and cardiovascular disease (such as heart attack and stroke). This diet also excludes certain fruits and vegetables nutritious foods that many Australians are not eating enough of to maintain good health. Any diet that singles out certain foods (such as particular vegetables) over others makes life difficult and needs to be treated with caution.
DAA Verdict
This diet is not nutritionally balanced. It does not contain the right amounts of fat, protein and carbohydrate to make it sustainable or in line with national dietary recommendations. Putting restrictions on healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can confuse people and put them at increased risk of nutrient deficiencies. Less than 4% of Australians over the age of 12 years eat the recommended amounts of vegetables, and only one third eat the recommended amount of fruit. Any diet should encourage a variety of all fruits and vegetables each day rather than restricting them.
The liver cleansing diet
This diet was made famous in 1996 when Dr Sandra Cabot’s book The Liver Cleansing Diet was published. It is an 8-week eating plan to combine foods for efficient metabolism, weight control and liver repair. It is based on the premise that the liver is the major fat-burning organ in the body, and by following this diet your metabolism will improve which will lead to fat being burned.
The diet is broken down into three phases – the first two weeks, the middle four weeks and the last two weeks. About 40% of the diet is raw fruits and vegetables. Sources of protein include legumes, grains, seeds, nuts, fish and seafood as well as free range chicken and eggs. No other meats or dairy products can be consumed, although different breads and pastas are allowed, as are monosodium glutamate (MSG)-free condiments (MSG is a common food additive), but no unhealthy fats such as margarines or processed vegetable oils. Each phase starts with drinking two large glasses of purified water with the juice of a fresh lemon, lime or orange to cleanse the liver, followed by raw vegetable juice, every morning. It also recommends various supplements and herbs to support liver health.
Pros
This diet follows many scientifically proven healthy eating guidelines such as opting for minimally-processed foods, choosing water as a drink, eating more high-fibre foods (such as legumes and wholegrains) and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Cons
The diet makes many claims that are not backed by sound scientific evidence. Excluding dairy products without adequate calcium replacements can lead to a greater risk of osteoporosis. Lean red meat can provide the body with a good source of iron, protein and other vitamins and minerals. The recommendation to purchase products, such as supplements, can be costly and will not suit everyone.