Extreme Diet Not Recommended During Pandemic: Nutritionist

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesia Sports Nutritionist Association (ISNA) head Rita Ramayulis asserts that following an extreme diet during a pandemic is not recommended. She explains that limiting nutritional intake may cause several health issues.

“Sticking to a diet is allowed, but not an extreme one. Have a diet by consuming foods that help regulate the body’s immune system properly,” said Rita to Antara on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

Rita explains that although it will lose your weight, following a strict diet can disturb the acid-base balance and the body metabolism which lead to malnutrition. The metabolic damage triggers inflammation and weakens body immunity.

“Doing an extreme diet is not recommended because what’s likely to decline are water, muscle mass, and bone mass. While in fact, during the weight loss process, what should be lost is fat,” she underlined.

Rita further shares tips for those wishing to stick to a healthy diet during the pandemic. The first tip is energy deficit or calorie deficit for losing weight. “Increase the intake of high-protein and low-fat foods, as well as have balanced nutrition. Consume foods that contain zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, and iron.”

Those, she says, are rich in antioxidants needed for the body to fight the effects of free radical exposure. Free radicals can increase levels of bad cholesterol, cause inflammation, and weaken the immune system.

Some examples of extreme diets include the cotton ball diet, the tapeworm diet, the sleeping beauty diet, to the full liquid diet.

Related coverage:

4 Diet Mistakes and Tips to Lose Weight in Healthy Ways

ANTARA