Wildside Times #7

So you might still need to get your beach body, or you might not have managed to get that six-pack to start appearing, but before you know it, there will be some New Year’s resolutions to initiate. Although they generally only last a few days, or in some cases a few hours, they are still a cool little tradition the world over. To make your diet decisions more accessible, we broke down some of the most popular diets out there in case you want to look at a bit of a lifestyle recalibrate after the upcoming party season.

In the grand symphony of life, diets often take centre stage, each offering unique notes in pursuing a healthier lifestyle. So, let’s embark on a culinary adventure through the landscapes of six diets that have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many: the Mediterranean, DASH, Flexitarian, Keto, Paleo, and Banting. Buckle up, grab a snack (preferably a carrot stick, for now), and let’s navigate the diverse world of diets with a sprinkle of nutritional wisdom.

Picture this: You, lounging on the shores of the Mediterranean, surrounded by azure waters and the aroma of olive oil wafting through the air. While reality might not be as poetic, the Mediterranean diet brings you pretty close. Bursting with fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and a generous pour of olive oil, this diet is as heart-healthy as Instagram-worthy. Fish, lean proteins, and a moderate intake of red wine complete the Mediterranean symphony, proving that sometimes, life’s zest lies in a drizzle of olive oil.

DASH: Not a Sprint, But a Dash to Health

DASH into the world of balanced eating with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Renowned for its focus on reducing blood pressure, DASH emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Picture a plate where leafy greens hold hands with lean proteins, and whole grains do the tango with nuts. It’s a dietary dance where sodium takes a backseat, making your heart sing in

Flexitarian: The Flexible Foodie’s Delight Are you that person who can’t commit to a movie genre, let alone a diet? Welcome to the flexitarian feast! A flexible vegetarian, or flexitarian, diet offers the best of both worlds—plant-based goodness with occasional flirtations with meat. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, or in this case, having your kale and the occasional burger. This diet encourages plant-based domination while leaving room for meaty rendezvous when the craving strikes. Flexibility is the name of the game, making it perfect for those who can’t resist the siren call of a baconwrapped anything.

Keto: The Low-Carb, High-Fat Maverick Keto, short for ketogenic, isn’t just a diet; it’s a lifestyle, a commitment to low carbs and high fats that would make your grandma question her baking choices. The goal? To achieve a state of ketosis, where your body becomes a fat-burning machine. Picture plates adorned with

avocados, bacon, and eggs—a ketogenic symphony that might raise an eyebrow at the bread basket. Bid farewell to sugar, embrace healthy fats, and ride the keto wave into a world where butter isn’t the villain—it’s the hero.

Paleo: Channeling Your Inner Caveman (or Woman)

Palaeolithic humans might not have had Instagram, but they sure knew how to eat (we assume). The Paleo diet channels our ancestors, urging us to dine on what could be hunted or gathered. Picture this: a plate filled with lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Say farewell to grains, dairy, and processed sugar; your inner caveman is not a fan. It’s a throwback to the basics, an ancestral dance of nutrition that invites you to embrace the simplicity of prehistoric pleasures—sans the mammoths.

Banting: A South African Low-Carb Fiesta

Named after William Banting, a 19thcentury undertaker turned diet guru, Banting is South Africa’s low-carb darling—big thanks to Prof Tim Noakes. Picture a rainbow of veggies, a generous serving of protein, and healthy fats joining the party. Banting kicks sugar and refined carbs to the curb, welcoming whole foods

and natural fats with open arms. It’s a nutritional fiesta where cauliflower rice and avo-toast reign supreme, proving that even in the realm of diets, we South Africans know how to throw a flavourful bash.

Intermittent Fasting

One of the easiest diets to understand and stick to is Intermittent Fasting. I.F. works because it focuses on when you eat, not just what you eat. Taking breaks from eating helps your body burn stored fat for energy, aiding in weight loss. This method improves insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of diabetes. It’s simple and flexible, fitting into different lifestyles. The breaks in eating also trigger a cleanup process in your cells, promoting overall health. Plus, it’s easy to stick to, making it a successful and sustainable approach for many people looking to improve their wellbeing.

Closing the Buffet: Diets on a Plate

crucial to remember that the journey to a healthier lifestyle is as unique as a fingerprint. Each diet we explored today brings its flavour to the table, catering to different tastes, preferences, and health goals. Whether you’re savouring the Mediterranean breeze, dashing toward heart health, flexing your dietary muscles, keto-carving your own path, embracing your inner caveman, or enjoying a South African low-carb fiesta, the key is finding a sustainable approach that nourishes both body and soul.

So, let’s raise a symbolic toast to the kaleidoscope of diets, acknowledging that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. In this culinary adventure, may you find a diet that fuels your body and brings joy to your taste buds. Here’s to a healthy, flavorful journey that makes every bite a celebration of life! Cheers to diets—may they be as diverse, vibrant and weird as the people savouring them.

•Diets do not lead to permanent weight loss for over 95% of people.

•The evidence says that less than 5% of people who lose weight keep it off for more than five years.

So, the diet industry is a R1,2 Trillion per year global industry with a 95% failure rate, so there is that to think about.