There are so many different diets and products on the market today. Unfortunately, not all of them are good for you. There are so many people who will try many of them out of desperation, often one fad after another, trying to find the one that works. Little do they realize this will only hinder your weight loss goals and kill their hopes of getting healthy. You can avoid these rollercoaster fad diets by learning how to spot them.
Fad Diets are ‘miracle diets’ that pop up year to year, and even month to month, that make unrealistic promises. Just because you can read the testimonials and see reputable people talking about the diets doesn’t mean the diets aren’t harmful!
How to Spot Fad Diets
Unrealistic Promises – We have all read an ad that has claimed we can lose ten pounds in a week. This is not only untrue, but this is very unhealthy and dangerous. Most of the weight you would lose would be water weight and you will gain it all back when you start eating regularly again. Always keep in mind that you can safely lose one to two pounds each week.
Cutting out Certain Food Groups – Every food group mentioned in the food pyramid has something important to offer our bodies. Your body even needs fat to build cellular membranes, insulate nerves, and cushion muscles, joints and organs. Ignore any diet that suggests you restrict or cut out certain groups of food.
Cutting Calories to the Bare Minimum – Your body needs at least 1,000 calories a day for it to sustain itself. Keep in mind this does not include the energy you use doing daily activities. Adults should aim for at least 1,200 calories a day and if you are exercising you should add a bit more, at least half of what you burn. If you don’t eat enough food you will be hungry, tired, and irritable, and much less likely to make smart, healthy choices.
You Don’t Need to Exercise – Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, both food and exercise play an important role. Any diet or program that says you don’t ‘need’ to exercise is not a balanced regimen. These are typically the types of diets that try and get you to consume an extremely low amount of calories.
Liquid Diets – These are probably the most unhealthy diets you could try. A diet that is all liquid will not be able to provide you with the nutrients you need to make it through the day. When your body lacks vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbs, it steals it from your bones, muscles, and organs. You may end up losing weight, but at what cost? You will end up unhealthier than your were before the diet.
Instead of jumping on the next Fad Diet bandwagon, opt for whole foods, lean meats, and lots of water. Yes you need to exercise, but you don’t need to run 5k a day. A simple 30 minute walk can get you on the right track in no time.
