Guide to eating sensibly

Eating too much protein and not enough carbohydrate

Carbohydrate is the main source of fuel for the body. By restricting carbohydrate, the body goes into a state called ketosis.

Ketosis is when the body starts burning its own fat for fuel. Energy is obtained from toxic substances called ketones. These ketones are created by the breakdown of the body's fat stores. When the body is in ketosis, you feel less hungry and so eat less than you would usually. Yet protein-heavy diets can also cause health problems for your kidneys and liver. These two organs have to work overtime to deal with the excess protein from the diet.

Eating too much protein is dehydrating. Extracting energy from fats and proteins requires lots of water. This water loss results in rapid weight loss. After you start eating normally again, your body will start using carbs again for fuel and conserving water and you'll gain back the lost weight.

Skipping breakfast

Skipping this important meal of the day to lose weight is counter-productive because it slows metabolism and can lead to overeating. That's because running on empty means that you're more likely to binge on fatty sugary snacks when those hunger pangs strike mid-morning.

Although eating any breakfast is better than not eating anything at all, there are some foods to avoid. Avoid sugary cereals, fatty and calorie-laden pastries and fatty meats such as luncheon meat, sausages and bacon.