Fad Diets and Why They Don’t Work

As spring comes and goes, many of us are still looking to lose that winter weight. We want to feel and look our best for the dog days of summer. For those who struggle with reaching their ideal weight, it can be tempting to try a fad diet or quick fix to see an improvement in physique or on the scale.

Why Fads Don’t Work

Here are some of the reasons these types of diets often fail:

• They can deprive you of essential vitamins: Vitamins and nutrients are essential for proper function of our bodies, and without them, risk of cancer and diseases may increase. Lack of nutrients also can cause brittle hair, mouth ulcers, hair loss and scaly skin.
• They can unnecessarily demonize essential food groups: Fads often aim to cut out entire food groups, with carbs being the most common victim. Carbohydrates are vital to body function; they are the base fuel for us. Without them, you may become fatigued due to your body running on fumes.
• The caloric deficit: Similar to carbs, many fads severely cut down on calories; that may cause an initial weight loss, but it’s not sustainable. You will often gain that weight right back.

Alternatives to Fad Diets

Think about these choices before you try a trendy diet you see on social media:

• Eating consistently: Eating throughout the day has been proven to have many benefits. Blood sugar levels stabilize, metabolism increases and you prevent indigestion. Eating three meals a day consistently will not lead to weight gain unless you are constantly eating too many calories.
• Eating balanced meals: Eating meals high in lean protein, fiber and healthy fat contribute to us reaching our recommended daily value of vitamins and nutrients.
• Get active: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity each week for the average adult. Reaching this goal can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Consistent activity, such as weightlifting or aerobic exercise, has been shown to reduce fat and aid in weight loss.

Consider trying these tips next time you want to improve your health and physique. Fad diets are not the answer, and they can do more harm than good. Consistency and commitment are key.

Now go out and enjoy the nice weather – summer is on the way!

Learn more about health and wellness benefits.

By Jarret Sengelmann, LiveNOW Health and Wellness Coach.