After the traditional season of over-indulgence many of us go in search of some surefire way to get rid of any weight gain - and preferably as quickly as possible.
The extreme and extraordinary diets of 2011 have included everything from Beyonce's maple syrup only diet, to Lady Gaga going gaga over baby food.
But according to renowned cardiologist Associate Professor David Colquhoun falling for the myth that is ‘super diets’, ‘super foods’ and ‘super supplements’ won’t get you super results.
More stories from Today Tonight“Don't be conned,” Professor Conquhoun warned.
According to him, it’s quite simple. Fat makes you fat. Professor Conquhoun says if the amount of energy you consume outweighs the energy you burn up with exercise, you'll put on weight.
The next big myth he dispels is the ‘only’ diet. “You must only eat grapefruit; you must only have maple syrup; and you must only do this - when they say ‘only’, you know that they're kidding you. They're pulling your leg.”
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Next is the dark-side myth - that eating at night will make you gain weight. However research has shown that your body doesn't process food differently at different times of the day.
The number one celebrity endorsement myth is that if a movie star is promoting a product, chances are it probably won't work.
“I'm sure they can act well, I love watching them, but I don't think they've got any idea about science.”
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Instead Professor Conquhoun has his own five simple tips to battle the bulge.
The first is to enjoy your meal.
“Sit down and relax with your meal. Eating in front of the TV - and we're all guilty of this - you tend to over-consume.”
Number two is count your kilojoules. If you consume too many they'll stick to your hips.
“It's a pretty simple equation. What goes in, you’ve got to burn it up, or else it gets stuck.”
Which brings us to exercise - tip number three. The more energy you consume, the more you have to exercise. Remember it's easier to put weight on, than take it off.
It takes twenty hours of moderate exercise to lose just one kilo, but you have to start somewhere.
“Well we're built to run. Exercise is an anti-depressant – it stimulates those happy hormones,” Professor Conquhoun said.
Reducing your risk factors is next. Cut out the smoking, don't binge drink and see your doctor to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.
Number five is indulge and don't be too strict about what you eat.
“We need to have a break out once in a blue moon.”
Finally, Professor Conquhoun has the following dietary commandments we should follow:- Cut out the butter and cream.
- Use extra virgin olive oil in your cooking.
- Swap the white bread for multi-grain and have fish weekly.
- Eat a wider variety of fruit and vegetables, tomatoes, nuts and try soy a few times a week.
- Cut down on the meat.
- Don't feel guilty about having a wine or beer daily.
- Eat in a pleasant environment.
“Don't follow the celebrities. Be your own person,” he concluded.
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