Why Jennifer Aniston's Diet Isn't for You

Ever wondered the secret behind Jennifer Aniston's svelte figure? It's a low-carb diet. 'The Switch' actor, known for her perfect figure follows the Zone Diet that involves eating carbs, fat and protein in the ratio of 40:30:30. The diet involves pre-packaged meals by chef sisters Jewels and Jill Elmore, and an occasional piece of cheese. But how healthy is this diet? We talk to the experts to find out.

"Cutting down on carbs for weight loss is not a good idea, as carbs are an important source of energy," says nutritionist Naini Setalvad. An average active, adult woman needs up to 2500 calories. "And up to 60 per cent of it should come from carbohydrates," says consultant dietician Dr Sunita Dube.

According to Naini, 20 per cent of carbs should be from grains and 80 per cent from fruits (eg: papaya, banana and apple) and vegetables (eg: yams, potatoes and sweet potatoes).

"Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and prevent your body from damage due to free radicals," she says. A diet rich in fruits and veggies also ups your immunity. "Foods containing carbs are a good source of fibre which prevents constipation and plays an important role in keeping cholesterol levels under control," Naini explains.

Why Jen's Diet Isn't for You

• A low-carb diet could deplete glucose from your liver and muscle. It also causes you to get dehydrated. Weight loss from a low-carb diet is due to dehydration and muscle loss which is confused with fat loss.
• Muscle loss could lead to fatigue; which means you end up exercising lesser than usual. Muscle loss could also cause your skin to sag. Now you don't want bingo wings and a muffin top, do you?
• A low-carb diet is usually balanced by increasing protein intake. This will eventually put pressure on your liver to metabolise it and this could damage your liver. It could also decrease your metabolic rate.

So, instead of trying out crazy celebrity diets, have a healthy balanced one with loads of fruits and veggies and adequate fat and protein too.