Many Singaporeans struggle with their weight nowadays — what with the flavourful but unhealthy options to eat everywhere we go. As a result, we look to all sorts of solutions to have more control over our figure. This includes fad diets that promise a quick fix to our weight problems.
But does this approach actually work well for you in the long run? The short answer is no. To help you understand why, let’s talk about the different ways you risk your health when you adopt a bad diet. We’ll also discuss if you should join a weight loss program in Singapore for a diet plan that suits you.
How Does a Bad Weight Loss Diet Harm You?
Here are some of the consequences you could suffer from with a poor weight loss diet:
Nutritional Deficiencies Lead to Numerous Conditions
Many problematic diets are dangerous because they tend to cut out entire food groups. For example, completely cutting out carbohydrates — including fruits and vegetables — would greatly limit your fibre intake, which can cause digestive issues like constipation or diarrhoea. Even worse, you’d also miss out on many essential vitamins and minerals.
If you’re always lacking plenty of nutrients because of your food choices, no amount of supplements will save you. You may end up with other health problems such as:
- Anaemia
- Chronic fatigue
- Poorer eyesight
- Skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema
- Hormonal imbalances (which can affect muscle mass, libido, menstrual cycles, and other functions)
- Weaker immune system (you become prone to infections)
- Cardiovascular conditions such as abnormal heart rates, palpitations, and high blood pressure.
Mental Health Issues
Let’s not forget about the toll that a poor diet causes on your mind as well. It’s not unusual for a person to develop unhealthy relationships with food and have eating disorders. You may also become more irritable, anxious, or have trouble focusing due to a growing lack of nutrition.
You Might Just Regain the Weight Afterwards
Have you ever heard of the term “yo-yo” dieting? This is when you find yourself in a constant cycle of losing and then regaining the weight you lost. There’s a higher chance of you having this conundrum if you’re under a severe diet plan. When you become too restrictive with what you eat, your metabolism will gradually slow down to conserve energy. It will eventually lead to weight gain again.
Healthy Diet Adjustments to Consider
The good news is that it’s not too late to turn things around. Let’s make some small, manageable changes that won’t risk your well-being, including:
- Prioritise Balance - Instead of eliminating food groups, work on eating in moderation. You still need carbs, fats, and proteins — but in the right portions.
- Focus on Whole Foods - Processed foods will only hinder your weight loss efforts and are unhealthy to boot. With whole foods, you can have more nutrients and control over your calorie intake.
- Stay Hydrated Daily - Drinking plenty of water helps suppress your appetite, boost metabolism, and digest and transport more nutrients throughout your body.
Stay Healthy With a Weight Loss Program
If you need help creating an effective diet plan, Singapore has many holistic weight loss programs you can sign up with. They’ll take your health and dietary needs into consideration when planning out your path to a fitter self.
Not only do they focus on your food, but these programs also help you embrace healthier habits and address behaviours that hinder your efforts to get in shape. Their guidance can be the stepping stone you need to manage your weight sustainably for a long time.
So if you want to have a fruitful weight loss journey, don’t be afraid to reach out to your local program. We could all use some support until we slim down, wouldn’t you agree?