A leading healthy eating coach has issued a stark warning for millions of Brits embarking on New Year diets, highlighting critical 'red flags' that signal unsustainable and potentially harmful plans.
Unrealistic Promises and Secret Formulas
Vanessa Sturman, a 37-year-old healthy eating and behaviour expert with ten years of experience, cautions that over 80 per cent of people abandon their New Year resolutions. She attributes this high failure rate to programmes built on "unrealistic promises" and the allure of "secret formulas."
Sturman, from Barnet, London, specifically warns against claims promising rapid results like losing 10kg in a fortnight. "Dramatic claims grab attention but rarely deliver lasting results," she explained. "Quick weight loss might happen with a large calorie deficit, but it rarely leads to sustainable weight management and often backfires."
She urges scepticism towards any plan promoting miracle supplements or hidden methods for overnight belly fat reduction, stating firmly: "If a diet only works short-term, it doesn't work."
The Dangers of Misinformation and Fear-Mongering
In today's digital landscape, Sturman emphasises the need for vigilance against misinformation. She identifies several concerning tactics used online:
- Influencers claiming "all the experts are wrong": She labels this "classic clickbait" and advises questioning why one person would know more than decades of scientific research.
- Fear-based messaging: Labelling everyday foods as "toxic" creates unnecessary anxiety. Using seed oils as an example, she notes evidence shows they are not inflammatory and can be a heart-healthy alternative to butter.
- Suggestions to abandon medical advice: Any plan advising you to ignore your doctor or stop medication is a major red flag.
"Many programmes, products and pieces of advice could be overpriced, ineffective, and sometimes even unsafe," Sturman told Surrey Live. "Most January diets don't fail because of willpower; they fail because they are built on guilt, restriction, unscientific claims, and promises no programme can deliver."
Building Sustainable Habits for Long-Term Health
Instead of restrictive, short-term diets, Sturman advocates for a gradual, integrated approach to better eating. The key, she says, is to weave changes into your daily routine rather than eliminating entire food groups.
She recommends building an enjoyable and flexible eating plan centred on a balance of:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Lean protein
- Complex carbohydrates
- Healthy fats
"Whether you are getting professional support, making changes yourself, or following influencers online, keep your eyes peeled for these red flags," she advised. "Discussing any changes with your doctor can also help you identify if you are doing something dangerous or ineffective."
Her golden rule is to avoid unattainable targets and focus on building habits that support energy, performance, and long-term health—habits you can actually maintain throughout the year, not just in January.
