Category Archives: Diet And Food

With so many diets to choose from, its often hard to determine which ones are good, which are bad and which are just down-right ugly. Heres what you need to know about some of todays most popular diet trends:

What is it? Prescribed in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy, this very low-carb, high-fat diet forces the body to use fat instead of carbohydrate for energy ketosis to reduce seizures.

Pros: Outside of some improvement in lab values, almost none when used for weight-loss purposes.

Cons: Carbohydrate intake is severely restricted to less than 5 percent of daily calories. Virtually eliminates all fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes. Impossible to meet nutritional needs without a heavy dose of vitamin and mineral supplements.

Bottom line: A diet prescribed to treat a medical condition should never be used for weight-loss purposes. Health improvements seen in ketosis occur any time the diet is dramatically changed and calorie intake significantly reduced, so dont believe this is a keto-specific effect.

What is it? No sugar, artificial sweeteners, dairy, grains, legumes (including peanuts and peanut butter) or alcohol for 30 days. Aims to heal the body from inflammation caused by these foods. If you slip up, you start the 30 day cycle all over again.

Pros: Plenty of fruits and vegetables. Calorie counting and weighing are discouraged to shift focus to healthy eating benefits outside of weight loss.

Cons: Lifestyle must be completely altered to accommodate this diet. No long-term maintenance plan for keeping the weight off (or so-called inflammation away) after the 30 days.

Bottom line: 30 days is not nearly enough time to make you healthy or change your lifestyle. This diet is restrictive to the extreme and what happens when the 30 days are over?

What is it? Sometimes referred to as the 5:2 diet or more generally known as intermittent fasting. For this diet calories are restricted for two days (around 500-600 calories) and normal eating is allowed on the other five days. The idea is to trick the body into thinking it is experiencing famine, which will switch it from storing fat to burning it.

Pros: Im hard-pressed to find them.

Cons: Little guidance for what or how to eat, particularly on non-fasting days. Severely and unnaturally restricts intake for short periods of time. Eating patterns like this are strongly correlated with a higher BMI and greater body fat mass.

Bottom line: Restriction and deprivation will always result in overeating later. Always.

What is it? Proponents say eat like our cavemen ancestors to be healthy because our reliance on todays highly processed, convenience food is to blame for all health problems.

Pros: Packaged, convenience foods are eliminated. Focus is on whole foods such as plants and lean meats.

Cons: Two entire food groups are missingwhole grains and dairy. Open meals allow you to cheat as often as needed.

Bottom line: We dont hunt, fish or gather our food the way we did in Paleolithic times, and there is literally no food available today that even closely resembles what was eaten 10,000 years ago. Any diet that recommends cheating or allows you to nosh on cinnamon rolls, fudge and other junk food disguised with a healthy-sounding title is fooling you.

The diets above are the verb sense of the word short term, quick fix, extreme ways of eating with restriction and elimination at the core. They dont address the root of our eating and food issues. In contrast, the diets below are the noun sense long-term, sustainable ways of living without deprivation.

What is it? Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) was originally created to treat and prevent heart disease. Focuses on balance, moderation and nutritious foods.

Pros: Responsibly limits red meat, sodium, high-fat and high-sugar treats. Promotes consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, nuts and legumes. Slowly evolves diet over time. No off-limit foods. Is a natural, moderate and sensible approach to address health and weight concerns.

Cons: Eating out can be difficult due to typical large, heavily salted and high-fat restaurant choices.

Bottom line: Weight loss is a common side effect of eating a well-balanced, nutritious and natural diet like this one. This way of eating is sustainable you can healthfully follow these guidelines forever.

What is it? Based on the diet and lifestyle practices of those living in the Mediterranean region. These people tend to live long, healthful lives and its widely accepted that their diet and active lifestyle play a key role.

Pros: Fresh produce, whole grains, fish, legumes, nuts and other healthy fats form the base of each meal. Alcohol is consumed only in moderation. Red meats and sweets are reserved for special occasions and eaten in small amounts. Calorie intake is based on physical hunger and activity level.

Cons: None. Many restaurants have Mediterranean options and paired with a large salad or side of veggies, youll be just fine!

Bottom line: Of all the healthful ways of eating, this is one of the best. Its sustainable, based on intuitive principles, with whole, nutritious foods at its core.

While there is no one diet or way of eating that is right for everyone, any diet that restricts, deprives or otherwise approaches eating in an unnatural way should not be followed. Living a healthy lifestyle doesnt require cheating, isnt determined by a specific number of days or calories, nor should it be focused too heavily on one nutrient over another. A healthful diet is balanced and hunger-based and complimented by regular physical activity and appropriate self-care.

2 large bell peppers, any color, seeded and thinly sliced

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and thinly sliced into strips

1 large Portobello mushroom, sliced

1 medium jalapeno, seeded, thinly sliced

2-3 Tbsp. fajita seasoning

8 flour or corn tortillas

Suggested toppings: salsa, avocado, shredded cheese*

In large skillet over medium heat, add oil, garlic, peppers and onion. Saut 5 minutes. Add sweet potato, mushroom and jalapeno. Cook until veggies are soft, not mushy. Add fajita seasoning. Mix to combine. Remove from heat.

To serve: place spinach on tortilla and top with fajita veggie mixture. Finish with desired toppings.

Nutrition analysis per two fajita serving: 350 calories, 11 g fat, 10 g protein, 54 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 430 mg sodium

*Suggested toppings not included in nutrition analysis

lb. dry pasta (rotini, penne or farfalle)

1 red bell pepper, chopped

cup green olives, drained and sliced

Cook pasta according to package directions. In small jar with lid, combine dressing ingredients. Shake to combine, set aside. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and remaining ingredients with enough dressing to coat lightly. Toss. Reserve remaining dressing. Refrigerate one to two hours before serving, if possible. Add remaining dressing, toss and serve.

Nutrition analysis per serving: 460 calories, 24 g fat, 12 g protein, 47 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 390 mg sodium

Marisa Pruitt is a Gundersen Health System registered dietitian.

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Four diet trends that need to stop; two that need to start - La Crosse Tribune

Diet can protect against type 1 diabetes Nature.com Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease with a strong genetic basis, but a progressive rise in its incidence indicates that environmental factors also contribute to the disease. Now, Mario et al. report that mice fed diets that release high ...

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Diet can protect against type 1 diabetes - Nature.com

Several roundabouts and other improvements are planned along Range Line Road to make it safer and more pedestrian friendly. (Screenshot)

With more cars on the roads, some cities decide to create additional lanes on certain streets. The City of Carmel is planning to do the opposite. With more than 20,000 cars traveling on Range Line Road daily and more coming in the future as new office buildings are under construction Carmel is putting put Range Line on a diet by eliminating lanes and creating a center median.

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said the city will spend $13.4 million on the complete transformation of Range Line Road between Main Street and Executive Drive. It also includes new roundabouts, bike paths and more.

IMPROVING SAFETY

Brainard said traffic medians help slow traffic and reduce head-on collisions. He often refers to the center-turn lane on parts of Range Line Road as the suicide lane because cars in both directions can turn left there.

And while fewer lanes might mean slower speeds, Brainard said the city will remove traffic lights and install more roundabouts so cars spend less time waiting at red lights.

When you add more lanes, all were really doing in our opinion is building a larger parking lot, he said. Under this plan, cars will be going slower even though theyll be flowing just as fast if not faster because of the wait time at intersections.

Brainard said similar road diet projects throughout the country resulted in an 88 percent reduction in accidents with injury because of slower driving speeds, safer pedestrian paths and the increased safety of roundabouts.

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard presents details about the Range Line Road diet during an April 17 press conference. (Photo by Adam Aasen)

BEAUTIFYING THE AREA

Brainard said Range Line Road is already an important corridor, so its important to beautify the street, which will help turn it into a hub of economic activity for local merchants. Brainard said there will be lots of trees planted, but they likely wont obstruct views of traffic. Public art also is part of the plan. The additions can be placed in landscaped medians to create a scenic drive. There will be wider pedestrian paths with trees and other planters as a buffer for cyclists.

In addition, Brainard said overhanging wires from traffic lights are unsightly, so its nice to replace them with new roundabouts at Executive Drive, City Center Drive and 4th Street. A new roundabout opened in late 2016 at Carmel Drive, and new roundabouts also will be added at Medical Drive and 116th Street, although that is south of the road diet project. The next planned roundabout is for City Center Drive, with construction starting after April 24 and lasting until July 1. Brainard said it will be complete before the citys annual Fourth of July parade.

All of the roundabouts will have two lanes.

PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Not all of the sidewalks connect along Range Line Road, and in some places there is no bike lane or sidewalk, making it difficult for runners, cyclists and pedestrians to traverse the road. The city will add 8-foot-wide mixed used paths and cycle tracks on the east side with a physical barrier to protect cyclists, likely planters with flowers. The cycle tracks will be specially marked and made of special material for speedy yet safe commutes for cyclists.

With the elimination of traffic lights, pedestrians and cyclists can no longer wait until a red or green light to cross an intersection. As a result, the city will build mid-block pedestrian crosswalks to enhance the pedestrian experience. They will be similar to what is done at Clay Terrace with a raised surface and a motion-activated crossing light so motorists can either slow down or come to a stop to allow pedestrians to cross. Brainard also noted that medians provide an island of sorts for safe pedestrian crossing.

TURNING LEFT

Some local business owners along Range Line Road were in attendance during the announcement April 17 and had questions about customers or delivery trucks getting to their businesses. Brainard admitted that in some places the median will eliminate the easy left turn, but he said there will be curb cuts in some places and motorists can always travel up to the next roundabout and turn around to enter a business. He said the aesthetics, safer travels and smooth-flowing traffic will bring people to the area, which will be good for businesses.

The project will be funded through previously passed local improvement bonds.

A video that shows the project is available to view at youtu.be/fmvDiEtf3tQ.

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Carmel to put Range Line Road on a 'diet' with upgrades - Current in Carmel

Giant sloth was vegetarian: Diet of fossil megatherium decoded ... Science Daily Scientists have examined the diet of the extinct Giant Sloth Megatherium. Based on analyses of the collagen in the fossil bones, the researchers concluded in ... and more »

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Giant sloth was vegetarian: Diet of fossil megatherium decoded ... - Science Daily

People cut meat from their diets for many reasons health, animal welfare, the environment, among others. There is a growing number of individuals who are reducing their intake of animal products to better themselves and the planet. According to a recent survey, 35% of Brits are eating less meat than they did a year ago. This holds true for Americans, too.

The term reducetarian celebrates this trend in people choosing to eat fewer animal products. It unites vegans and vegetarians (people who eat less meat, just to such a degree that they eat none at all) with everyone who eats less meat than a typical omnivore. And it replaces static and self-defeating identifiers like lazy vegan and cheating vegetarian with more positive ones. Reducetarians work to cut down their carnivorous consumption by gradually reducing their meat, egg, and dairy intakes. They play around with Meatless Monday, Vegan Before Six, and Weekday Vegetarianism to see what works best for them.

Here are 7 reasons this flexible and easy approach to eating will help you become a happier, healthier, and richer person:

1. You will lower your grocery bill.

A family of four may spend anywhere from $760 - $1160 a month for groceries. Vegetables, fruits and plant-based protein are some of the cheapest products on the market, not to mention the best return in nutrient value. The average retail price for beef is about $6/lb ($8/lb for sirloin) whereas $1.49 for a pound of black beans. With 15 g of protein and fiber per cup, your wallet and body will thank you. In fact, one study showed that the average vegetarian saves at least $750 per year on his or her grocery bill.

2. You will cut down on your carbon footprint.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, animal agriculture accounts for approximately 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions thats more than the entire transportation sector combined. But plant-based foods have a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based foods. Thats why the average vegetarian has half the carbon footprint of a meat eater; and for a vegan, its even lower. Cutting down on meat is an easy way to help mitigate climate change.

Medical costs related to obesity are estimated at $147 billion per year. But according to recent research, the answer to the obesity epidemic might in fact have more to do with our brains than with our bodies.

3. You will help fight world hunger.

In 2015, world population reached a staggering 7.3 billion and is expected to hit 8.5 billion by 2030. This increase in mouths to feed creates a rising demand for food. The inefficiencies of feeding plants to raise animals for food instead of feeding these plants directly to people contributes to world hunger. For example, it requires 9 calories of feed for chickens to create 1 calorie from poultry. A decrease in livestock production, as well as a decrease in land to grow crops to feed these animals, will help combat this critical issue.

4. You will help conserve water.

Just one pound of meat requires roughly 2,500 gallons of water - thats 10 times the amount of water required to grow one pound of grain protein. This would mean that the water used to make one burger is equivalent to the amount of water used when showering for two whole months (assuming a four minute daily shower). Its no surprise that animal agriculture accounts for 80% to 90% of U.S. water consumption. With drought-stricken areas on the rise, reducing your consumption of meat can help conserve our precious water.

5. You will be saving farm animals from cruelty.

Factory farmed livestock live in inhumane and cruel conditions. From extremely crowded cages to harming of animals through practices like de-beaking, over 95% of the meat that we find in our grocery store comes from these horrible places. Reducing your consumption of animal products will help lessen the demand for them.

6. You will save money on medical bills.

The American Dietetic Association declared that appropriately planned reducetarian diets, including vegetarian and vegan diets, will provide you with the nutrition you need to stay healthy as well as aid in prevention of certain diseases. Evidence suggests that following a plant-based diet will lower your risk of heart disease, a leading cause of death in the U.S.d States. Furthermore, reducing your meat consumption may help lower your cholesterol levels and blood pressure as well as your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Given how expensive it is to treat these non-communicable diseases, eating less meat could save you thousands of dollars in health care bills. On a global scale, changing your diet could contribute to saving around $700 million in health care, unpaid informal care and lost working days.

7. You will fuel a growing revolution of start-ups and investment in good food companies.

As the plant-based industry continues to grow, so does its economic value. The Plant-Based Foods Association estimates the industrys annual revenue is roughly $4.9 billion dollars and is expected to keep growing. More than 2,000 jobs (that pay better than many other jobs) are added to this sector every year. Supporting plant-based companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat will not only benefit your taste buds, but also the economy.

Brian Kateman is editor of The Reducetarian Solution: How The Surprisingly Simple Act of Reducing The Amount of Meat in Your Diet Can Transform Your Health and The Planet, co-founder and president of the Reducetarian Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing meat consumption to create a healthy, sustainable, and compassionate world. He is a TEDx speaker and leading expert on food systems and behavioral change.

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7 ways dropping meat from your diet can help save the planet, the ... - MarketWatch

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Mission control: Salty diet makes you hungry, not thirsty Science Daily For some reason, no one had ever carried out a long-term study to determine the relationship between the amount of salt in a person's diet and his drinking habits. Scientists have known that increasing a person's salt intake stimulates the production ... Salty diet makes you hungry, not thirstyThe Tribune Study Shows High-Salt Diet Decreases Thirst, Increases HungerNewswise (press release) Salty diet reduces thirst, increases hungerProthom Alo (English) Medical Daily all 36 news articles »

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Mission control: Salty diet makes you hungry, not thirsty - Science Daily

Farm raised tuna see improved feed conversion, survival on diets with plant-based proteins, says Illinois Soybean Association.

The association has been working to develop diets for several types of tuna, said Mark Albertson, director of strategic market development. The decision was made to work on tuna diets after methods of farming the fish were developed.

It recently completed a series of studies looking at the use of diets with plant-based protein sources for farm hatched juvenile Bluefin Tuna in Spain, yellowfin tuna in Panama and juvenile Bluefin tuna in Mexico, he said.

Tuna is known to be the most challenging species to try to feed, especially with a plant-based diet because theyre so carnivorous in the wild, he told us.The idea of trying to feed them a soy-based diet is really difficult, but weve been toying with this for a while, and we fed other species that are quite carnivorous. Now that theyve been hatching them, it seemed the right time to take a crack at it.

The group saw some positive results with its alternative diets around the survival rate of juvenile, farm-raised fish, feed economy and feed conversion (FCR), he said.

[The] farm raised fish [sector] is the fastest growing use of soy, he said. There is more soy being used around the world for aquaculture than beef production.

Fish in the Panama trial were wild caught then moved to a closed system, said Alejandro Buentello, the association researcher, in his report. Fish were transitioned onto a moist pellet feed.

In the trial, fish had improved feed conversion on the formulated diet, but weight gain and condition were better with the control diet, said the researcher. However, it appears improved diet formulation may address the issue.

The fish used for the trials in Mexico were wild-caught and then raised in fish ranches, which is a practice in that area, said Albertson. However, most fish produced in that manner are fed dead sardines.

We dont think tuna ranching is sustainable, he said. In the practice, both the tuna and the sardines have to be caught, he added.

There was a transition period to use the alternative diet, but it allowed for a 3:1 feed conversion ratio after acclimation, he said.

A sardine-based diet has an FCR of 17.8 to 14.1, according the associations report.

We changed them from a sardine diet to soy sausages, he said. We developed sausages that slowly sank, and then we mixed them with ones that floated and then [used] 100% that floated you can see how much the fish are eating, and when theyre floating we could retrieve those [uneaten] and feed those again. There was zero waste once we were able to transition.

By changing the feed source from dead sardines to a formulated feed, there also is the possibility of reducing disease from use of fish in the diet, he said. We were able to eliminate any possibility of transmitting disease through the feed if you lose a cage of 2,000 tuna thats millions of dollars, he added.

Fish were given the moist pellets previously tested in Panama for 54 days, again the feed conversion was better for fish getting the pelleted diet and final body weight were similar for fish getting the control and the pelleted diet, said the researcher. But, condition was slightly lower for fish getting the formulated diet.

Were excited with our research because, if youre not relying on sardines, you can put your (farm) in other places, said Albertson. The water where most fish are ranched is too cold for optimal production, he added.

In the study in Spain, the juvenile tuna were transitioned to a weaning feed after use of enriched rotifers and copepod nauplii as a first feed, he said. Seven feeds from different sources were examined in the trial.

The soy-based feed was able to outperform the others in terms of survivability of the fish, he said. Were new at this so we thought this was great, he added.

In overall production, the diet was third for growth performance, reported the researcher.

The tested diets were supplemented with a DHA-product to improve omega-3 levels and some incorporated amounts of krill oil as an attractant, said Albertson.

Additionally, to design the diets soy protein concentrate had to be used instead of soybean meal, he said. They like protein, but soybean meal has both protein and carbohydrates [and those] can cause enteritis in carnivorous fish, he added.

Using the concentrate removed the carbohydrates from the soy-based ingredient, he said.

With most animal feeds were competing against other plant-based feeds, but when it comes to fish feeds for carnivorous fish its sardines and fishmeal, so we can afford to do some things with the tuna diets that we couldnt with catfish or tilapia diets, he said. The economics are a little different.

The transition to tuna diet research is the latest step in a long process for the association.

Weve really worked our way up to tuna, he said.Weve worked our way up from vegetarian fish to omnivorous fish to the most carnivorous fish.

However, work on the tuna diets is not completed. The group is hoping to get support to continue its work this summer.

We do think this will increase demand for soybeans, he said. In our opinion, the reason we have the soybean checkoff is to do something that someone else isnt already doing, and this was a big risk for us.

Soybean producers may not see an immediate return on the work being done to design tuna diets, he said.Tuna is a major species, and not only does it have the potential to help soybean farmers be more profitable, we think it is the right thing to do from the sustainability aspect of it, he added.

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A LOWFODMAP diet is a diet with a difference it wont help you lose weight.

But it can help prevent symptoms such as bloating, wind and abdominal pain.

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Intrigued?Heres what you need to know

The low FODMAP diet was developed by a team at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia and has now been successfully adapted inthe UK by researchers at Kings College London and implemented at Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust in London.

FODMAP is an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols Catchy, right?

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Put simply, these are sugars and carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine and digestive system leaving them able to feed intestinal bacteria.

A such, high FODMAP foods can fuel symptoms such as pain, bloating, and flatulence in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The low FODMAP diet seeks to avoid these foods a list which includes garlic, onions, cakes and cheese.

The low FODMAP diet differs from many other diets in the way that weight loss is not its goal and it is unlikely that following a low FODMAP plan will help you shed the pounds.

Instead, the diet prevents symptoms such as bloating, wind and abdominal pain all associated with IBS.

High FODMAP foods increase in the amount of water in the small intestine which may contribute to loose stools and also feed bacteria in the gut which can result in gas.

By choosing low FODMAP foods, which include spinach, chicken, bananas and blueberries, you can avoid these symptoms.

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Some high FODMAP foods to avoid include:

Oligiosaccharides

Avoid these: Onions, wheat, leeks, nectarines, barley, rye, lentils, pistachios, kidney beans, broccoli

Eat Instead: Quinoa, corn, potato, buckwheat, pumpkin, cucumbers, tomato, courgettes and gluten-free items

Disaccharide (Lactose)

Avoid these: Milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, yogurt

Eat Instead: Feta, cheddar cheese, lactose-free products, soy or almond milk alternatives

Monosaccharide (Fructose)

Avoid these: Apples, mangos, honey, pineapples and pears

Eat Instead: Banana, blueberries, raspberry, strawberries

Polyols

Avoid these: Mushrooms, cauliflower, prunes, blackberries and sugar alcohols (xylitol, sorbitol)

Eat Instead: Almonds, pine nuts, Brazil nuts and stevia

Garlic and onions should be avoided entirely.

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The low FODMAP diet is still a relatively new concept in the UK but gradually more and more GPs and gastroenterologists are referring patients for advice from a registered dietitian with experience of the low FODMAP diet.

While the diet is safe, it is also quite a complex approach to food so it is important that you receive good quality advice if youre serious about following it.

The low FODMAP diet is effective for treating digestive issues and is successful at alleviating gut symptoms for around 70 per cent of people with IBS who try it.

Beth Trueman, 22, was first struck by extreme bloating as a university student two years ago.

She has since learnt how to cope with her chronic illness since discovering a low Fodmap diet, which helps to keep her symptoms at bay.

Dr Ayesha Akbar, aconsultant gastroenterologist also recommended the diet for those hoping to overcome bloating.

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What is the low FODMAP diet, how does it work, is it safe and are there any success stories? - The Sun

Kate Middleton is saidto have used the high-protein, low-carb diet before the Royal Wedding

IT began in France to re-educate people about how to eat healthily, and now has an army of A-list fans, including Kate Middleton and Jennifer Lopez.

The Dukan diet fad is a high-protein, low-carb eating plan which started in France under the name Je ne sais pas maigrir, which translates as I dont know how to lose weight.

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But is it safe and does it work? Here is everything you need to know.

Created by nutritionist Dr Pierre Dukan over a decade ago, the Dukan diet quickly became a firm favourite of the 1.5 million French women who followed its plan.

It claims to help dieters lose up to 10lbs within a week by the dieter focusing on protein-high foods and cutting out carbohydrates completely.

The restrictive diet includes four phases, attack, cruising, consolidation and stabilisation, with dieterseating just protein and vegetables and avoiding high-carb foods.

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During the attack phase, dieters must stick to meat, fish, eggs and non-fat dairy products, which are designed to promote rapid weight loss.

Dr Dukan lets dieters consume a daily tablespoon of oat bran which swells in the stomach to promote fullness and also helps ease constipation.

The cruising phase focuses on the user alternating pure protein and vegetable days, and is designed to promote a weight loss of 2lbs a week.

On the vegetable days, Dukan dieters can consume an unrestricted amount of vegetables, along with meat, fish and non-fat dairy products.

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Consolidation phase revolves around preventing weight gain that can occur in a rebound effect to rapid weight loss.

During this period, pasta, cheese, fruit and bread are slowly reintroduced back into the diet.

The final stage, stabilisation, lets diets consume whatever they please, apart from one day a week which must be strictly protein-only.

The Dukan Diet cuts out carbs, which are the bodys preferred energy source, and forces the body to use a different fuel fat stored in the body.

Apart from keeping to low-fat, low-salt and high-protein foods, theres no restriction on how much you can eat during your first two weeks.

The aim isgradual weight loss of up to 2 pounds a week and to promote long-term weight management.

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The Dukan diet isnt nutritionally balanced, which is acknowledged by the fact you needa vitamin supplement and a fibre top-up in the form of oat bran.

Theres a danger this type of diet could increase your risk of long-term health problems if you dont stick to the rules.

The British Dietetic Association said that it is not advisable to cut out entire food groups and even Dr Dukan has said that there are some side effects.

The start of the diet can come with a range of side effects including bad breath, a dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, insomnia and nausea from cutting out carbs.

The lack of wholegrains, fruit and vegetables at the start of the diet can also cause constipation.

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After the diet spread like wildfire a host of celebrities have sworn by its effects.

Kate Middleton reportedly dropped two dress sizes using the diet in the run up to the Royal Wedding.

Other celebrities who are said to have done the diet to return to their svelte pre-baby figures are Jennifer Lopez and Gisele Bundchen.

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What is the Dukan diet, is it safe, what foods are restricted and are there any success stories? - The Sun

This 'cleansing' diet, involving juices of fruit and vegetables, has become a favourite of celebrities

THEYare known as juice detoxes, and cleanses and have taken over the dieting world in recent years.

Juice diets focus on peopleconsuming liquid mixes of fruit and vegetables with the aim of promoting healthy, radiant skin, weight loss and clarity of mind but do they work?

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The cleansing process involves the person taking inonly fruit and vegetable juices for nutrition, while abstaining from other food consumption.

The detox diets can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Some plans can involve the user consumingjust liquids, while others can include solid foods as a snack or meal.

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Juicing presents a quick way to easily inject some quality nutrition into your diet.

Many of the detoxes involve restricting calories consumed and limiting the amount of unhealthy foods taken into the body.

In many cases, participants will blend fruit and vegetables to drink, or buy ready-made juice drinks for this time.

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Many nutritionists do not recommend the diet thanks to the high sugar contentfound in fruit-based juices.

As the sudden rush of sugar hits the blood stream, the body reacts by releasing insulin to encourage cells to take up the sugar.

A dip in energy can occur, as the body quickly reacts to utilise the sugar, leavingyou feeling flat or tired and causing some people to reach for more sugary foods.

The Director of Sports Nutrition at the University of California, Liz Applegate, confirmed that the body doesnt need any help in getting rid of toxins.

She also said that the diet is often low in protein, which is needed to build healthy immune cells.

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Juice detoxes are have a reduced fibre content, which is an important as it helps to remove waste products from the body, such as excess hormones.

Hunger pangs, stomach pains, moodiness, headaches and changes in bowel functions are just a few of the side effects of the diet.

Here are nine more reasons why the juice detox may have negative impacts on your health.

The juice diet has become a popular health trend among Hollywood celebrities, who view the detox as a way to rapidly lose weight and to flush toxins out the body.

Blake Lively and Nikki Reed are said to be fans of consuming juices such as Blueprint Cleanse products, which are made from 100 per cent raw fresh fruits and veggies.

Juices are also said to be a favourite among celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Miranda Kerr.

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Last year,Peter Andre turned back time as he revealed an incredible six-pack after going on a strict juice diet.

Another fan of the diet is Vicky Pattison, who revealed her incredible new size 8 body after embarking on a juice diet retreat.

Earlier this year, the Geordie Shore lass returned to the Portugal haven to shape-up and detox after Christmas.

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What is the juice diet, how does it work, is it dangerous and are there any success stories? - The Sun