For the next four weeks we will delve into the world of fad diets, what they really are and what they really do for you. We’ll discuss a few of these diets from a nutritional aspect. As our readers have suggested, two types we’ll discuss are low carbohydrate/high protein diets and the soup diet. But before we get to those, exactly WHAT IS a fad diet?
A fad diet is a diet that makes promises of weight loss or other health advantages such as fat loss and a longer life, and in many cases are characterized by highly restrictive or unusual food choices, and an unbalanced nutrition profile. Fad diets that are restricted to certain foods may work for a short while, but most are boring or unappealing. This can make them difficult to follow on a long-term basis, and people revert to former eating habits when the diet fails.
Fad diets are often targeted at people who want to lose weight quickly without exercise. Sadly, 98% of people who diet using these diets in order to lose weight gain it back within 5 years.
How to Determine Fact from Fad?
To determine if a diet is a fad diet, ask yourself these questions:
- Does the diet promise quick weight loss?
- Does the diet sound too good to be true?
- Does the diet help sell a company’s product?
- Does the diet lack valid scientific research to support its claims?
- Does the diet give lists of “good” and “bad” foods?
If you can answer “yes” to any or all of these questions, the diet is probably a fad diet. Now I know that some of the information above can seem a bit daunting or even downright depressing, but there is HOPE! After all, knowledge is power. And the more you learn with me on this 4-week journey, the closer you will get to eating the way that is healthy and right for you!
