I have always been suspicious of going on diets. There are all sorts of diets that have been proposed and some of them seem a bit wacky. For example,
- the Atkins diet "lose weight by eating in a way that is not good for your kidneys"
- the Beverly Hills diet "lose weight by eating only fruit for 10 days and spending hours on the loo"
- the Cambridge diet "lose weight by eating powder mixed with water".
Most people I know who have done diets lose weight for a while then put it on again after they return to their normal lifestyle. Exceptionally some might want to look like Victoria Beckham and stick to it. Most diets are not sustainable if they involve an extreme way of eating. Common sense suggests that adopting a healthy life with good fresh food and adequate exercise. My weight problems are clearly a combination of a sedentary job, erratic or insufficent exercise and being too fond of some foods and wines.
On the plane to Lyon I picked up a free copy of the Daily Telegraph and was drawn to the article on the Wine Diet. Of course, I am disappointed to report, it does not mean unlimited red wine compensating for indulgence in nice southern European dishes. It was written by Prof Roger Corder, a cardiovascular expert, who researched the longevity of people in Sardinia and concluded that the right alcohol as well as the good nutrition were key to their health.
He has published a book and extracts have been in the Daily Telegraph this week.
Day 1: (read on the plane to Lyon) goes into why red wine is healthy. He describes flavonoids - I now understand Gilraen's post - but stresses procyanidins.
Day 2: (read on the way back) goes into the benefits of (plain) chocolate, fruit, nuts and cinnamon.
Day 3: focuses on the benefits of the Cretan diet, when you should eat and the importance of sleep
Day 4: dismisses common myths about low-calorie diets, fibre and obsessive water drinking
Day 5: stresses exercise, home cooking and gives a menu plan.
I found the extracts highly readable and common sense. I have no doubt that Prof Corder will sell well just because of the title but maybe (and I have not read the whole book!) it is a worthwhile diet book for a change.
Cheers!
Damn!
Shoot, I was hoping vast quantities of red wine would help me lose weight.