Eating like a cricket

Recently cricket champ Shane Warne told the media his toned physique and loss of 8kg was the result of a diet of cereal and baked beans.

 

In an effort to preserve his game, Warne cut out all pizza, beer, vanilla slices, sausage rolls and chips, telling the media it was more difficult to keep pace with age.

 

But can overweight men really take a leaf out of Shane's book? According to nutritionist Leigh Blashki, as effective as Warne's method appears to have been, questions need to be asked about the kind of weight being lost and how healthy and sustainable the approach really is.

 

"If the reports about Shane's method of weight loss are true, then it seems apparent he hasn't enlisted the help of a professional sports dietician," Leigh said.

 

"It is not that Shane has 'toned' his physique by the dietary means he employed (toning is more about contractile ability of muscles), but rather he has simply lost weight. It is unclear whether that weight loss has been predominantly fat, muscle or fluid (or most likely - a combination of these).

 

"However what can be said is that by simply cutting out the high calorie pizzas, sausage rolls, etc, he has reduced his overall calorie intake, as well as his intake of water retaining sodium (salt), which are the most likely causes of the weight loss."

 

Can a diet of cereal and beans really constitute a balanced diet? Leigh explains.

 

"A close look at Shane's diet shows that he is getting protein and carbohydrates with little fat. However, he is possibly lacking in essential fatty acids, antioxidants and minerals and may not be consuming enough protein.

 

"The combination of cereal and beans may form a complete protein, in that the cereal may contain the amino acid profile missing from the backed beans and vice versa. Vegetarians use these kinds of combinations regularly to consume a complete spectrum of amino acids. However over time, the lack of 'quality' complete protein may become evident in poor recovery and lack of muscle tone.

 

"A sensible dietician would advise Warne to incorporate into his diet Whey Protein Concentrate - the highest quality complete protein source - along with plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will assist healthy, sustainable body fat reduction without loss of muscle tone and impaired recovery.

 

"Remember also that during the cricket season, Shane Warne's metabolism is boosted tremendously by his highly active lifestyle. The average armchair sportsman who may try to emulate the spin bowler, cannot expect to get results purely from a change of diet."