For years certain diets have been advertising that their
plan will make you lose weight miraculously with little effort. Look at
infomercials and website ads that claim that on their plan you will lose 10
pounds in a week by following only one easy rule. These are not only unhealthy but
can be potentially harmful. And these plans are not sustainable over the long
term. Most people who try these programs will gain the weight back-- plus more.
The best way to avoid these diets is to not start one in the first place. To
easily detect a fad diet, evaluate each plan with these six questions.
Does this plan eliminate
entire food groups such as no fat or no sugar? If a diet plan cuts out entire food groups,
stir clear of it. .Many plans will claim that the key to losing weight is by eliminated
carbohydrates. However, eliminating
entire food groups, like carbohydrates, also eliminates the important nutrients
that these foods provide. Carbohydrates are important for brain function and energy.
Cutting them out can lead to lack of energy and concentration problems. Many of
these plans can then lead to malnutrition.
Does this plan
contain a list of “good” and “bad” food?
If there is a “good” and “bad” list, avoid this plan. There are no “bad”
foods as many diet plans claim. There are foods to eat less of, such as
desserts, but not completely ban. There are also foods that we need to eat more
of, like fruits and vegetables, but calling them “good” can lead to guilt when
we eat the “bad” ones. All foods have a place in a healthy eating plan.
Does this plan call
for you to take a special pill/herb or drink a shake in place of a meal?
Any diet plan that says weight loss will not happen unless you take this
special pill/herb or shake is just trying to sell its product. Many weight loss
pills can cause heart attacks and other health problems. Always eat real food
when you are trying to lose weight.
Does this diet plan
call for a major cut back on eating, effectively starving yourself? If you find that the diet calls for an
extreme lack of calories then it definitely is not worth your time. Starvation
can lead to weight gain because the body is trying to conserve its resources
from what little food energy you are taking in. Then, when you start eating
again you will overeat and gain more weight. Eat enough nutrient dense foods so
you do not feel constantly hungry.
Does this plan have a
promise of a quick weight loss, such as 10 pounds in one week? Stay as far
away from this type of plan as possible. Losing 10 pounds in a week is
extremely unhealthy and you could do real damage to your body. Plus, most
people would not be able to sustain the starvation long enough. You will become
discouraged with your progress and overeat when you decide you can’t be on the
diet anymore. A healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week maximum.
