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Fad Diets have been around for decades, and the truth is they’re not going anywhere. Someone is always looking for a new diet and gimmick to sell that’s supposed to help you lose weight. When the results are said to be fast and effortless, it's easy to get sucked in. Especially by the great looking models they hire to sell you the products...
For months, low-carb was the hottest fad diet for weight loss but the trend has shifted, as it always does with fad diets. Here is a list of some other fad diets that you’re probably familiar with or maybe even tried:
Low-carb diet Detox diet
Low-fat diet Cabbage soup diet
Liquid diet Macrobiotic diet
Grapefruit diet Juice diet
So what's the problem with fad diets?
Several things... fad diets are usually very extreme and unrealistic, and they usually cut out major food groups. Has anyone been able to stay on these deprivation diets for a long period of time? And even if weight was lost, did the pounds stay off once going back to a eating normally? If a diet restricts you from eating all desserts, all pizza, all french fries, etc... how long do you think that's going to last? Are you willing to do that for the rest of your life? Deprivation can lead to the point of binging and in the end, people usually gain back the weight they lost, maybe even some extra. Bottom line: fad diets don’t work in the long run to help in losing weight and keeping it off.
Several things... fad diets are usually very extreme and unrealistic, and they usually cut out major food groups. Has anyone been able to stay on these deprivation diets for a long period of time? And even if weight was lost, did the pounds stay off once going back to a eating normally? If a diet restricts you from eating all desserts, all pizza, all french fries, etc... how long do you think that's going to last? Are you willing to do that for the rest of your life? Deprivation can lead to the point of binging and in the end, people usually gain back the weight they lost, maybe even some extra. Bottom line: fad diets don’t work in the long run to help in losing weight and keeping it off.
Fad Diet: Is it right for you?
If the fad diet includes:
- Foods from ALL five food groups
- The right # of servings from each group
- Foods you will enjoy for the rest of your life
- Foods you can buy at the supermarket
- Some of your favorite foods
- Foods that fit your budget and lifestyle
- Regular physical activity or exercise…
Then YES! It is right for you!
It's all about portion control and moderation! You can enjoy ALL foods, even your favorite desserts, in small amounts!
What are some diets that you have tried? Did they give you the results you were looking for, and if so, were you able to keep the weight off in the long term?
It's all about portion control and moderation! You can enjoy ALL foods, even your favorite desserts, in small amounts!
What are some diets that you have tried? Did they give you the results you were looking for, and if so, were you able to keep the weight off in the long term?
I've tried the low-carb diet. As a weight-lifter, I focus my carbs on oatmeal, whole grain, and those that come from veggies. I've avoided pasta, pizza, and any processed carb. I've gotten results in terms of physical achievement. But I'm looking to diversify my carbs. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteGreat point! It's important to follow a diet that limits simple carbohydrates, mostly found in processed foods and refined sugars (soft drinks and candy). Some good simple carbs to incorporate are those found in fresh fruits! Other carbs, known as complex carbs, are found in whole-wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, and starchy vegetables (potatoes, peas, corn). The some other great carbs to incorporate are whole-grain cereals, low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt, beans or legumes.
DeleteThe good thing about eating grapefruits is that it lowers your bodies insulin levels which aid in fat loss. You do loose the weight fast.
ReplyDeleteThat is a theory that has been given through researchers, although, more research needs to be done and it is unknown what exact property a grapefruit has that gives it those insulin-lowering effects. The pro to the grapefruit diet is that it incorporates more fruit into the diet, which most people need in general. But, having a person incorporate more fruit into their diet (whether it be grapefruits, apples, bananas, oranges, etc.) can help one to lose weight.
DeleteAre temporary detox diets effective??
ReplyDeleteYes, although, I wouldn't recommend a detox diet purely for weight loss purposes but more for overall health. Detoxifying your body has some great health benefits by riding your body of toxins. As long as you do it right (safe/healthy) and don't abuse the diet, it can be a good thing to do temporarily (3-7 days).
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