I can almost guarantee you all FAD diets out there will make you lose weight to a certain degree … But the questions should be Are you losing fat or muscle mass? Will you keep the lost weight off? Are they safe? And is it possible to commit to this diet for your whole life??!
To answer all these question first let me define the meaning of FAD Diets,
Fad Di·et (fad diet)
A nutritional regimen, generally of an extreme nature, intended to produce results more quickly than a traditional diet-exercise combination; often of a dubious nature.
Fad Diets come in almost every shape, size and form! Some restrict fat, some restrict portions, some focus on food combinations, and others may change consistency as juice or liquids diets or claim that the person’s blood type determines what food they should eat.
Examples of popular Fad diets; Atkins diet, Detox diet, yogurt and dates Diet, Gluten-free Diet, keto Diet …etc.
So HOW can you spot a Fad Diet?
Watch out for one or more of the following:
- Promises quick results.
- Too good to be true.
- Uses words such as Magic, Quick, fat-burning, secret ingredient ….
- Eliminates one or more of the 5 food groups.
- Has no scientific data to support it claims or relays on testimonials only.
Diet and health recommendations should follow years of sound research that has been reviewed by panels of scientist before being offered to the public.
Having a balanced diet is important to maintain our bodies functioning at an optimum levels so depriving our bodies from certain nutrients can have side effect ranging from mild to severe, example:
- Dehydration
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Constipation / Diarrhea
- Elevated uric acid
- Kidney problems
- Fetal harm, still birth in pregnant women
My recommendation to you before following any diet would be to ask yourself these 3 simple questions:
- Will I be able to incorporate this diet as lifestyle?
- Does it contain all food groups?
- Does it focus on staying healthy while losing weight?
If the answer is YES for all three questions then you’re good to GO. And if you are ever in doubt you can always ask a doctor or dietitian.
Few steps to help you eat healthy:
- Have regular meals and snacks.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Add more vegetables to your main meals and snacks.
- Don’t provide sweets and sugary- fatty snacks at home or work.
- Don’t do grocery shopping when hungry.
- Read Nutritional Labels.