Do the Time Warp Diet Part 3: What to avoid

Ruth Tierney

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Anything artificial
“Preservatives are likely to slow down metabolism and interfere with weight-loss hormones,” says Jillian. Cut out fizzy drinks and any food containing sodium benzoate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and sodium nitrate (a preservative in processed meat).

Trans fats
“Bad fats” found in manufactured pies, biscuits, cakes, chips and margarine increase levels of interleukin-6, which can reduce metabolism. Cut out anything with “shortening” or “partially hydrogenated oil” in the ingredients.

Refined grains
“White pasta, bread and rice are so easy to digest, they guarantee sky-rocketing blood sugar and insulin spikes,” says Jillian. These high levels of insulin turn kilojoules straight into fat.

Anything diet
US researchers recently discovered that low-fat products make you eat more. Cut out products with “diet”, “lite” or “fat free” on the label.

High-fructose corn syrup
HFCS boosts fat-storing hormones. It’s found in sweets, cereal bars, fruit drinks, ketchup, mayonnaise and pasta sauce.

Excess soya
“Isoflavones – found in soya – mimic the actions of oestrogen,” says Jillian. “A healthy-looking soya bar contains 160g, which is too much.” Cut back on processed soya products: soya-fortified bars, soya milk and faux meats.

Excess alcohol
Alcohol releases oestrogen into your bloodstream, promotes fat storage and decreases muscle growth. “If you’re going to have alcohol, drink wine as it has certain health benefits,” says Jillian.

Excess caffeine
“Caffeine stimulates the nervous system. Your liver releases blood sugar for energy, your pancreas spits out insulin to counter the sugar, blood sugar dips because of the insulin,” Jillian says. Cut back to one or two caffeinated drinks a day, and drink an extra glass of water for each. Don’t have caffeine after noon.