The GOLO Diet: What You Need To Know Before Trying The Eating Plan
The GOLO Diet is a popular eating plan that has gained attention for its promise of weight loss and improved metabolic health. Before you consider trying this diet, it’s essential to understand its key principles and potential benefits and drawbacks.
Key Principles of the GOLO Diet:
1. Balancing Insulin Levels: The core concept of the GOLO Diet is to stabilize insulin levels by consuming a specific ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This is believed to promote weight loss by reducing fat storage.
2. Release Supplement: The diet often includes the use of a proprietary supplement called “Release,” which contains plant-based ingredients claimed to support metabolic health and weight loss.
3. Whole Foods: The GOLO Diet emphasizes whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates, while minimizing processed foods and sugar.
4. Moderate Exercise: Physical activity is encouraged as part of the plan to support weight loss and overall well-being.
Pros of the GOLO Diet:
– Balanced Approach: The diet promotes a balanced intake of nutrients, which can be beneficial for overall health.
– No Extreme Restriction: Unlike some diets, the GOLO Diet does not require extreme calorie restriction, making it more sustainable for some individuals.
Cons of the GOLO Diet
– Supplement Dependency: The use of the “Release” supplement is a key aspect of the diet, and its effectiveness is a subject of debate.
– Lack of Independent Research: There is limited independent scientific research on the long-term effectiveness and safety of the GOLO Diet.
– Individual Variability: As with any diet, results can vary from person to person, and it may not work for everyone.
How do you follow the GOLO diet?
The GOLO diet has a two-pronged approach. It doesn’t have any foods that are off-limits, although the company encourages people to eat “fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.”
Followers need to buy a 30-, 60-, or 90-day supply of the company’s Release weight-loss supplement which comes along with a GOLO booklet. (The booklet is said to detail information about portion sizes and calorie intake.)
The supplement features seven plant-based ingredients, along with three minerals, according to the company: magnesium, zinc, chromium, rhodiola extract, inositol, berberine, gardenia extract, banaba extract, salacia extract, and apple extract. (Worth noting: Berberine has been called “nature’s Ozempic.”)
Is the GOLO diet effective for weight loss?
This is tricky. GOLO’s website has plenty of testimonials from people who say they lost a lot of weight, but the company clearly states that they’re “not typical.”
“While some people may experience greater weight loss in the first few weeks the GOLO weight loss system is designed to minimize weight loss to one to two pounds per week to minimize muscle loss,” GOLO says online. It’s worth noting that this is the weight loss range experts typically say is healthy.
Conclusion:
Before trying the GOLO Diet, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it’s a suitable option for your specific needs and health goals. Additionally, keep in mind that no single diet works for everyone, and a balanced, sustainable approach to eating is often the most effective for long-term health and weight management.