Tim Studebaker’s Journey to Health: Diet Plans

By: Tim Studebaker

Facebook: @TStudebakerABC6

Twitter: @TStudebakerABC6

Email: tstudebaker@abc6.com

 Last week, we spoke with a doctor who promotes a lifestyle change called “Intuitive Eating,” and as we found out, she’s not a fan of short term diets.  But of course, many of us do turn to short- or long-term dieting as a part of our weight loss journey.

I sat down with a dietitian to see which plans seem to work for her patients, and which ones might be more of a challenge.  Registered Dietitian Kelly Markiewicz with Evolution Nutrition works with patients every day who are trying to lose weight and better their health.

Markiewicz says, “We try to come up with a few goals in a time that is realistic, because everybody is different.”

She puts the most popular diet plans into two groups:  long term, sustainable lifestyle changes, and short term diets.

Among the long term plans is the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on healthy fats, fruits and vegetables.

Markiewicz says, “This is one of the most flexible plans that I find are out there, just because you can use it whether you’re out to eat, whether you’re at home.”

Also in that group is the DASH diet, which is designed to reduce high blood pressure, as well as the paid points-tracking service Weight Watchers.  She also says intermittent fasting, which focuses on when you eat, rather than what you eat, can have health benefits.

Markiewicz says, “If you don’t get hungry very often, or if you have a very busy schedule, it can be easier to do.”

The short term diets on the other hand may be okay for a quick jump start, but aren’t necessarily sustainable.  One of those is Whole30.  It’s a 30 day plan focusing on whole, unprocessed foods while eliminating several categories of ingredients.

Markiewicz says, “I’ve found that a lot of people have noticed benefits with regards to gastrointestinal health, with increased energy, weight loss of course.”

And, popular as of late is the Keto diet.  Markiewicz isn’t the biggest fan of that one, especially for people with certain medical conditions.

Markiewicz says, “Your body goes into a state that’s called ketosis, where it will use your fat as your fuel.”

She cautions that you and your doctor need to consider your medical history when choosing a diet plan.

Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter to see what I’m doing and be part of my journey.

Facebook: @TStudebakerABC6

Twitter: @TStudebakerABC6

Next week I’ll speak with a personal trainer about how I can work out effectively and efficiently to reach my weight loss goals.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019