Fad Diets – Should You Follow Them?

With all the focus on the scale and weight in our society, it isn’t surprising that millions of people fall prey to fad diets and bogus weight-loss products. Conflicting claims, testimonials and hype by so-called “experts” can confuse even the most informed consumers.

Are fad diets really worth following?

Here’s the truth that most fad diets won’t tell you:

• There are no foods or pills that magically burn fat.
• No superfoods or special fat loss foods will alter your genetic code.
• No products will miraculously melt fat while you watch TV or sleep.
• Some ingredients in supplements and herbal products can be dangerous and even deadly for some people because there are no regulations on supplements. That means there is no oversight on what is placed in the supplement.

Steer clear of fad diets, pills and products that make these claims:

Rapid Weight Loss

If you lose weight quickly, you’ll lose muscle, bone and water. You also will be more likely to regain the pounds due to metabolic adaptation. Instead, focus on eating in a way that helps you feel nourished, satisfied and energized.

Quantities and Limitations

Ditch diets that limit most foods and promote unlimited quantities of specific foods, such as grapefruit, cabbage soup, meats and fats. It’s boring to eat the same thing over and over and hard to stick with monotonous plans. Avoid any diet that eliminates or severely restricts entire food groups or macronutrients, such as carbohydrates. Even if you take a multivitamin, you’ll still miss some critical nutrients.

Specific Food Combinations

There is no evidence that combining certain foods or eating foods at specific times of day will help with weight loss. Eating the “wrong” combinations of food doesn’t cause them to turn to fat immediately or to produce toxins in your intestines, as some fad diets claim.

Rigid Menus

Life is already complicated enough. Limiting food choices or following rigid meal plans can be an overwhelming, distasteful task. With any new diet, always ask yourself: “Can I eat this way for the rest of my life?” If the answer is no, the plan is not for you.

No Need to Exercise

Regular physical activity is essential for good health. The key to success is to find physical activities that you enjoy and then aim for at least 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week.

If you need help, please call our office today to make an appointment with one of our dietitians to help you tailor a plan that is right for you.

adapted from eatright.org