Dave Shaw: Health tips from a top model

Miss Supermodel New Zealand winner Deb Lambie.

A Google search reveals nearly every superstar model is a self-declared nutrition expert when it comes to eating for the aesthetically pleasing world they live in. It does seem in a profession demanding a certain look, consistently healthy diets are hard to find.

Models and fad diets are often associated. These warped health messages can flow to the younger generation and affect their perception of what a good diet really is.

However not all models are the same, as I found out from my friend and recent Miss Supermodel New Zealand winner - Deb Lambie. Deb is in her final year of medical school and during our discussion about food, I had to ask for her to slow down - she's that passionate.

Deb sheds new light on how a model can eat to ensure she maintains the body she desires while remaining full of health and vitality.

She believes plenty of healthy food, exercise and a few treats can work wonders. Deb explains how she prefers a 'flexitarian' approach because consistency is what matters most.

"It doesn't matter how amazing a diet is, if you can't stick to it over the long term it's not worth doing," she says.

"I eat mainly wholegrain carbs, fresh fruit and vegetables. I also eat a little dairy, meat and fish.

"Fad dieting can get short term results and in the past I have experimented with a couple, but I would never do it again. It's unhealthy, not sustainable and too difficult to stay motivated - and sane!

"Being a contestant in international beauty pageants made me realise that beauty comes in many shapes and sizes.

"At the World University Competition in Korea, at the start of this year, Miss China was my height but much smaller whereas Miss Paraguay was my height and much more curvy. They were both gorgeous and we each had a very different look.

"It made me realise that you look the best when you are fit and healthy and at your natural body shape."

Deb's health tips

Don't calorie restrict
If you do, you're more likely to make poor food choices later on. Hungry people lose self-control. Plus, calorie restriction can put you in a bad mood and makes dieting a drag. My advice is to eat up - just make sure you are eating lots of the right foods and are avoiding processed foods that are high in fat and sugar.

Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
These are great sources of energy. You can essentially eat as much as you like and they are delicious.

Aim to be fit and toned - not skinny
Getting fit isn't about losing fat. It's about building a beautiful body. Often, this can mean putting on muscle as well as trimming down. When I started gym work I used to worry about getting too muscular. But in my experience, everyone seems to love having more shape and strength as a result of their gym work.

Make your exercise fun
Mixing it up is best. I do a bit of running and love doing exercises outdoors like sprints, burpies and pull-ups. I also tend to keep my workouts at 20 to 30 minutes of high intensity and make sure I get rest between each session.

Fad diets can work short term. But not over the long term
Anything that will cause you to lose weight fast is probably difficult to sustain within your lifestyle. Maintaining a diet is so important. If your body can lose weight that quickly, it can put it back on quickly - that's not a good feeling.

If you want to cut out anything make it alcohol
Alcohol is full of calories without nutritional value. Also, after a few glasses of wine out comes the dessert, chocolate and chunky fries.

Dave is holding nutrition clinics as part of MajorFit Ltd at Next Generation Health Club in Parnell. Book an appointment here. Contact him via Facebook here.