What is the Sirtfood Diet? Adele’s eating plan explained

Singer Adele arrives at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S. , February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni - RTSYC5W
Singer Adele arrives at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S. , February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni - RTSYC5W
Adele’s most recent public appearances have had everyone talking, with the British singer undergoing a remarkable body transformation over the past few months.

The star is believed to have been following the Sirtfood Diet, which recommends filling up on foods high in sirtuin activators.

Sirtuins are a type of protein that protect cells from inflammation, but research has also revealed they can help to burn fat and jumpstart your metabolism.

The so-called sirtfoods are everyday foods that are high in chemicals that activate powerful enzymes in the body.

They include:

  • Apples
  • Blueberries
  • Citrus fruits
  • Kale
  • Red onion
  • Rocket
  • Turmeric
  • Strawberries
  • Green tea
  • Soy
  • Capers
  • Buckwheat
  • Walnuts

There are even some treats on the list, including:

  • Red wine
  • Dark chocolate
  • Coffee

The diet, created by nutritionists Aidan Goggins and Glen Matter, is based on two stages. The first stage is an intensive seven-day programme designed to kick start weight loss.

Stage two involves a nutritionally-complete follow-on eating plan for sustained weight loss and health.

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While it’s touted as being a diet of inclusion rather than exclusion, a number of health experts have criticised the Sirtfood Diet for being too restrictive, particularly with dieters being expected to consume just 1,000 calories each day for the first three days.

After personal trainer Camilla Goodis, who had worked with Adele, revealed the star was following the low-calorie eating plan, she came under fire for her approach.

Best-selling author and personal trainer Alice Liveing turned to Twitter to voice her concerns.

“These ‘so called’ celebrity trainers need to realise that putting someone on a 1000 calorie a day diet and an intense workout regime doesn’t make them a good trainer,” wrote Liveing on Twitter.

“It makes them the instigator of seriously disordered eating habits and the health repercussions that accompany it,” she added.

While caloric intake varies from person to person, most dieticians recommended 1200 calories as a minimum for women.

According to Cleveland Clinic, it’s difficult to get the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Restricting calories in such a manner could also backfire.

Speaking to Well + Good, registered dietitian, Vanessa Rissetto, said restrictive diets like this are “inherently harmful” as they can lead to disordered eating.

“Many people who follow restrictive eating plans become overly obsessed with food and calories, and that’s not healthy,” said Rissetto.

While eating at such a deficit could result in initial weight loss, your body may go into conservation mode, slowing down your metabolism and making it harder to lose weight in the long run.

READ MORE: The ugly truth about ‘detox’ tea.

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