When it comes to weight loss, many of us are on the latest diet. However, whether cutting carbs or maintaining keto, a new study from the University of South Australia shows that dieting tendencies are more costly than waistlines and can leave large holes in your hip pockets.
In a new study, UniSA researchers value the affordability of popular meals and cost per capita calorie reduction compared to the Australian Health Diet Guide (AGHE) and Mediterranean diet recommendations. We have discovered that it can fluctuate up to $ 300. week.
Studies have shown that the most cost-effective diet was modeled from AGHE and adapted for calorie restriction weight loss. The diet plan included all five major food groups and affordable staple items such as bread, pasta and legumes, as well as small amounts of animal food.
The most expensive diet plans usually restricted multiple food groups and included premium products such as organic produce, protein supplements, low-carb alternatives, and high-protein bread.
In Australia, more than 2.5 million Australians have tried weight loss diets.
Associate Professor Karen Murphy, Senior Researcher, is important to understand the cost of weight loss programs, especially when people are facing financial difficulties and reduced access to fresh food in the COVID-19 and current floods. Say that.
“In Australia, about 12.5 million adults are overweight or obese, which is two in three adults, or 67% of the adult population,” said Karen Murphy.
“Of course, interest in weight loss diets continues to grow, but the costs associated with these programs are rarely reported.
“Our research evaluated the weekly costs of seven different diet plans and found that the cost of weekly grocery shopping for the entire product unit was between $ 345 and $ 625. This is significantly higher than the average Australian spends on groceries each week.
“The financial feasibility of sticking to these programs may be questionable for certain people, including low-income earners, so it is important to understand the costs behind the range of diets offered. am.
“Moreover, it’s easy to misunderstand that eating a healthy diet consisting of five major food groups like AGHE is too expensive, but it’s not.”
This study showed that some of the more expensive meals absorb up to 13 percent of disposable income *.
In addition to cost, UniSAPhD candidate Ella Bracci says nutrition is also the key to starting a new diet.
“It doesn’t matter if you choose keto or not carbs. Weight loss is always related to calorie intake. If you burn less calories, you lose weight,” says Bracci.
“Some diets deliberately limit certain food groups, such as bread and pasta, to help change unhealthy habits. However, some dietary restriction patterns are with food. It is also important to recognize that you may create an unhealthy relationship and be at risk of undernourishment. Continued without guidance from a qualified nutritionist or nutritionist.
“Healthy eating principles such as the Australian Healthy Eating Guide (AGHE) and the Mediterranean Diet focus on fresh ingredients and staple foods, which can be more expensive. There is a misconception that you don’t have to eat a healthy diet. Break the bank.
“Buy specials and price cuts, buy seasonal or frozen, lyophilized, canned products, choose home brand or non-premium products when possible, and buy in bulk as needed.
“If you think about your options wisely, you can reduce your waistline without compromising your bottom line.”
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