Why Diets Don't Work - and what to do instead!

Fad diets and quick weight loss schemes can be quite appealing, especially when we want to fit into those old jeans now! It’s also easy to get seduced by all the advertisements for programs that promise quick and effortless weight loss.


But, unfortunately, weight loss and weight maintenance are not effortless. Both involve daily dedication to making positive and healthy choices and waiting for results at a later time.


Don't Focus Just on the Number on the Scale

Following a weight loss program is not just about the number on the scale, but health matters too, especially if you need to maintain your energy to take care of a family.


Diets can Lead to Vitamin Deficiencies

A recent study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, analyzed the micronutrient composition of four popular diets (Atkins, Zone, LEARN, and Ornish) to determine their nutritional adequacy.  


Overweight participants were required to follow one of the assigned diets for 8 weeks. No vitamin or mineral supplement was required by the study. 


After eight weeks of being on the diets, over 25% of women had intakes lower than the daily requirement for thiamin, folic acid, vitamins C, A, and E, iron, and magnesium. 


Eliminating entire food groups, which many of these diets do, may result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which is never good for overall health or maintaining energy



What is Healthy Weight Loss?

Although we want results now, a solid, healthy weight loss program should result in a loss of approximately ½ to 1 kilogram per week. Any program that promises more weight loss than that on an on-going basis is probably a fad diet of some kind.


So what do you do if you want to Lose Weight?

First follow a balanced diet which includes lean protein, whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Each food group provides a specific nutrient your body needs to function properly, so make sure each meal is well-balanced.


Don't Eat Less Than 1200 Calories Per Day

Even though it may be tempting to try to speed up your weight loss, don’t eat less than 1200 calories per day, as it is too difficult to fit in all the nutrients your body needs in less than that (plus when breastfeeding, you may affect your supply and the nutrition you are providing to your bub).


Another important factor with weight loss is accountability

Losing weight may seem like an individual problem to tackle on your own, but having strong social and professional support is one of the most important factors in losing and maintaining a healthy weight. Social support is also vitally important because it helps us feel like we are not alone on our journey and may even get us through those days when we want to give up. 


Create a new healthy community around you. This can be done in-person or online. For example, our In Shape Mummy Facebook Group is a great place to start if you want to create this type of supportive community.  With a healthy diet and a solid foundation of supportive people around you, to be there on the days you want to quit, you will reach your weight loss goals in no time.



Julie Masci, BHlthSc, APD, AN

Julie Masci is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist. She is a Mum to 3 children under 10. Julie has appeared on Brisbane’s televisions as an expert dietitian on Channel 9 News, Channel 7 News, Today Tonight and Brisbane Extra, as a diet and nutrition expert. She has extensive experience as a public speaker on a variety of nutrition topics, such as obesity, diabetes, and digestive health. In her career, she has been a monthly contributor to Prevention Magazine as their Grocery Guru and Australian Weight Watchers magazine. Julie is one of In Shape Mummy’s dietitians and the founder and director of New Life Nutrition.


Fast Track Your Results with the In Shape Mummy Health Shake

Many Busy Mums don't have time to cook health food and exercise ALL the time.


Great news! Now you can Fast Track Getting In Shape with our Quick, Easy and Delicious Superfood Meal Replacement, the In Shape Mummy Health Shake for Breastfeeding Mums.


Support your Milk Supply and Boost Your Health while you Lose Weight with our Premium blend of Organic Pea & Brown Rice Protein, 25 Vitamins & Minerals, Probiotics plus Organic Superfoods.


Enhanced with natural and organic herbs that have been used for centuries to Support Breastfeeding. Plus, Probiotics to help strengthen your babies immune system.


100% Breastfeeding & Vegan Friendly. Contains NO Artificial Nasties, NO Soy, NO Dairy, NO Gluten & NO Caffeine. Made in Australia.


Enjoy as the Quickest and Easiest Healthy Meal!


FREE 12-Week Healthy Weight Loss Support Program worth $168 with first shake purchase.


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I'm loving it so far.. I'm already down from in weight and I feel great :)  Not exaggerating when I say this is the best purchase I ever made .. can't wait to get to my first mini goal of 65kgs then set my new goal of 60kgs :) .. so far it's been life changing, thank you so much!! It has literally boosted my milk supply. I used to pump 160mls and now I average 240mls .. I've never been able to get that."


- Tania, Vic

Tanya lost 10kgs

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I've lost 35 kgs thanks to the In Shape Mummy Health Shakes. 110 kgs to 75 kgs! Juggling two little boys under 2 years old doesn't leave much time for healthy choices for Mummy and the In Shape Mummy Health Shake is such an easy solution to get all the goodness I need to keep going! My older son is 20 months and I didn't get the chance to lose the weight gained whilst carrying him before I was pregnant again with baby #2. I easily gained 40kgs across the two pregnancies and no thanks to terrible pelvic pain in pregnancy #2 wasn't able to keep active. Now that my second son is here and the pelvic pain has gone I have stuck to replacing breakfast with my shake and walking every morning for the duration of the morning sleep. Some days I will do a second shorter walk during his nap. I'm still able to enjoy yummy healthy foods and definitely do not feel like I'm going without. I no longer crave sugary foods as the shake sets me up for the day with its magical satisfying ingredients! The shake has become even more of a must since returning to work! If I thought I was busy before, life just got a whole lot busier! Now that I've lost the weight, I have more energy, zero aches and pains and have a better mood. I tell all my friends about In Shape Mummy because easy weight loss doesn't need to be a secret! Xx"


- Carly, Vic

Carly lost 35kgs

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I discovered In Shape Mummy Health Shakes not long after my second baby was born. He has an intolerance to dairy so I was looking to find something that was safe for breastfeeding, and also vegan friendly. I have recently started a detox program with the help of a naturopath. She was so impressed with the ingredients that she has encouraged me to continue having it! In Shape Mummy has not only helped me lose the 26 kgs I put on in pregnancy, but it’s helped me nourish my body when I’ve been time poor and sleep deprived. It’s the only shake that I actually enjoy the taste of! My breakfast everyday includes ice, almond milk, water, a banana and my In Shape Mummy (my current fave is the caramel fudge!). At 11 months postpartum I feel great! And my breastfeeding journey is still going strong - my milk is in perfect supply for what Bub needs. I cannot recommend In Shape Mummy Health Shakes more highly!” 


Melanie, Vic

Melanie lost 26kgs

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I have lost over 30kg with In Shape Mummy Health Shakes, exercise and a complete diet change. ⁠⁠ I started at size 22 and am a loose size 12 at the moment… and nearly a 10! ⁠I feel so much better! With my injuries in my spine, pelvis and knee my weight loss has been the best thing for my pain. ⁠
7-8 months ago I couldn’t have even imagined I could drop this much weight! The change in my life has been insane! ⁠ My advice to other mums is “stick with it and don’t give up!” ⁠ Thanks so very much for your In Shape Mummy Health Shakes. They are the best thing for mums on the go and while breastfeeding as well. Words can not express how grateful I am with my weight loss. I couldn’t of started this without your shakes. My life is forever changed." ⁠


Jess, NT

Jess lost 30kgs