Diet Confusion: Which Diet is Best for MX?
by Kim Wathen, M.S. Exercise Phys/Dietitian
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| If you are training or need to lose weight, the diet you choose can have an extreme effect on you health |
The majority of the “new” diets we see fall under the same categories as previously released diets. For instance, Atkin’s New Diet Revolution, Protein Power, The South Beach Diet and Sugar Busters are all versions of a low carbohydrate, high protein diet. The bottom line is that typically if a diet works it is because the dieter is paying more attention to caloric intake (and most likely eating fewer calories), and is possibly adding exercise as well. But which diet, if any should the serious or recreational rider be following?
When comparing diets for the rider who is looking to lose weight, there are a few questions you should consider when deciding if the diet will work. A diet may not work in the long run if it promotes:
Foods and approaches with “miracle” fat or weight loss qualities
Odd amounts of foods or rigid food combining
An overemphasis on any particular food or type of food
Quick weight loss
A food or product you must buy for success with the diet
Little or no physical activity
Bottom Line
As an athlete it is important to eat for both health and performance. While many diets may contribute to weight loss in the short term, many of them are not healthy long term nor are they the route to achieving optimal performance on the track.
As stated earlier, the majority of your calories should be coming from carbohydrates. Not only does your body use them for energy, they are your brain’s only source of energy. If you don’t give your body and brain an adequate supply, the result will be lack of endurance/energy and mental sharpness among many detrimental effects to your health.
The charts below lists the main advantages and disadvantages of some of the most popular diets listed by name.
| Weight Loss = No | A low carbohydrate, high protein diet. | Athlete = No |
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Advantages: Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = With Caution |
A low calorie diet which focuses on healthy food choices. The plan also includes exercise.
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Athlete = With Caution |
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Advantages: Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = No |
A low calorie, high protein, low fat diet. Also includes high amounts of exercise.
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Athlete = No |
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Advantages: Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = Yes |
A nutrition plan based on healthy food choices and focusing on programming your life so you will be successful with your weight loss.
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Athlete = Yes |
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Advantages:
Focuses on the whole person
Creates an environment for success
Uses “high yield” foods (foods which supply a lot of nutrients relative to the calories they contain)
Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = No, No, NO |
This low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diet is a low-calorie diet averaging 800-1,000 calories in most versions. |
Athlete = No, No, NO |
| Advantages: None! Disadvantages: Inadequate amounts of nutrients Weight loss is short term because people don’t stay on the diet Fatigue, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, hair loss Weight loss is due to eliminating food groups and lower caloric intake, not to any single food or food group |
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| Weight Loss = No |
A low carbohydrate, high protein diet that claims weight loss, no hunger, and healthier heart.
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Athlete = No |
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Advantages: Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = No |
This diet boldly claims that much of the current thinking about good nutrition -- a diet high in carbohydrates, low in protein, and fats -- is "dead wrong."
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Athlete = No |
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Advantages:
Weight loss and fat loss
Allows good amounts of fruits and vegetables
Disadvantages: |
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Weight Loss = Yes
(with added Calories)
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This program centers around prepackaged meals which the user supplements with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy products at the start.
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Athlete = Yes
(With Added Calories)
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Advantages: Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = Yes |
A weight management plan which is portion and calorie control based.
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Athlete = Yes |
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Advantages: Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = Yes |
A dietary pattern which includes a large amount of plant foods and nuts, small amounts of animal proteins, and a very small amount of saturated fat. A glass of wine is almost always served with lunch and dinner.
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Athlete = Yes |
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Advantages: Disadvantages: |
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Weight Loss = Yes
(with added Calories) |
A low calorie, low fat, high fiber, plan which uses prepackaged meals.
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Weight Loss = Yes
(with added Calories) |
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Advantages: Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = Yes |
An extremely low fat diet.
Has been shown to reverse heart disease. |
Athlete = No |
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Advantages: Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = No |
This diet doesn’t focus on weight loss. The author claims that his regimen can make you live longer as well as look younger; improve your metabolism, improve bone density, improve the skin, decrease cancer risk and lift your mood.
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Athlete = No |
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Advantages: Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = Yes |
Diet which uses “low energy dense” foods to keep the user satisfied.
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Weight Loss = Yes
(With Added Calories)
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Advantages: Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = No |
A very low calorie diet which uses organic foods exclusively and includes the use of colonic cleansing, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and vast amounts of supplementation.
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Athlete = No |
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Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: |
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| Weight Loss = Yes |
This program offers 2 programs; one based on point tracking for foods consumed and one which uses calorie tracking. Both plans are based on healthy eating guidelines.
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Athlete = Yes |
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Advantages:
Local meetings provide motivation, support and encouragement
Website offers recipes, exercise information, online support community and progress charts
Users are not told exactly what to eat, but are encouraged to make healthy food choices
Exercise is encouraged
Does not sell its own food products
Teaches users how to eat healthy and how to maintain their weight loss
Disadvantages: |
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About the Author - Kim has an undergraduate degree in Dietetics from Michigan State University and began working as a personal trainer and nutrition consultant while finishing her Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology. As a self-employed trainer and dietitian, she has the privilege of working with people at many levels of fitness. She designs custom nutrition and fitness plans based upon the client's goals and current fitness level. She has designed programs for, and currently works with a 17 year-old amateur football linemen; senior citizens, and professional motocross racers working to hone their athletic skills, and rise to the top of their sport.
That's it for now, until next time, good luck with your training and remember, if you have a question, log on to the Virtual Trainer Expert Forum and have your question answered by a panel of experts. In addition, be sure and check out the Racer X Virtual Trainer archive section. Your complete one-stop information zone for motocross fitness. ![]()













