I really dislike the word diet. I feel like the overwhelming majority of people view that word as temporary deprivation in order to achieve some kind of quick-fix weight loss. The thing is, weight-loss isn’t quick fix and neither is overall health. No one needs to “go on a diet” – we need to make nutritious choices that we can live with for life.
For me, it’s all about the overall balance (my word of the year, right there!). Balancing working out with the amount of food I’m eating so I’m at a weight that works for me. Balancing the fruits and veggies with the occasional piece of fudge. Balancing work and family time with getting enough sleep, since I know that sleep impacts hunger hormones – and my goodness, I don’t need to the sleep-deprived excuses to eat junk! 😉
Of course, at this time of year there are tons of fad (bad) diets floating around out there. I’ve rounded up my top 5 tips for spotting a fad diet. If you’re thinking about starting a program that makes these claims – run, my friends, run far away!
5 Ways to Spot a Fad Diet:
1. “Drink only cayenne pepper and lemon juice!”
Our bodies need the right balance of all macro- and micro-nutrients. That’s what makes it run properly. If a diet is asking you to cut out entire groups of foods or nutrients, or go on a long juice cleanse, or only eat 10 different foods, or so on – it’s probably not a healthy choice. Not to mention many diets which cut out excessive numbers of foods are likely to be too low in calories and vitamins/minerals, which can slow down your metabolism and cause you to feel sluggish.
2. “You’ll lose 15 pounds in 5 days!”
Any program that makes promises about excessive amounts of weight loss in a short period of time is, quite frankly, crap. Yes, on some of these crazy diets you might lose several pounds quickly. But then what? You go back to your normal eating habits and gain it back, or you’re expected to maintain some completely unsustainable diet for the rest of your life. It just doesn’t work. The reality is that a healthy rate of weight loss is only about ½ pound to 2 pounds per week for most people.
3. “Try our magical supplement blend!”
I’m pretty upfront about my view on supplements. I think we should try to get most of our nutrients through food but there can be certain supplements that might be beneficial depending on your medical issues or athletic goals. That being said, though, any diet regimen that requires some mysterious combination of supplements not a healthy option. Not to mention, who knows what is actually in that “proprietary formula” they’re touting.
4. “It’s a health breakthrough!”
When you’re reading about the diet, does it say it’s a breakthrough? An ancient discovery? A secret to the celebrities? Miraculous cure-all? Hello, junk science.
I mean, I could sit here and say “I have the SECRET to your health!!!” and you would say “What Chrissy?!” and I’d say “Eat more vegetables.” And then you’d laugh in my face. Because it’s not a secret, and we should all do that.
5. “I struggled with eating for years, until I developed the (insert name here) diet! Now I will share it with you!”
I don’t doubt that some people figure out a healthy eating plan by trial and error that works for them. That’s what many of us do. Even dietitians vary in their ideology and how they approach healthy eating.
But these days, there are too many Jo Schmos on the internet with absolutely no educational background in nutrition promoting their diet or health plan or coaching programs. If you need individualized help from someone – especially if you have certain medical conditions – definitely get it. But find a dietitian or licensed nutritionist to give you some guidance. Skip over the person that got a $29 Living Social credential as a “nutrition specialist” (totally serious, this was just on there recently).
The take home message: Don’t fall for these silly ploys. Eat lots of plant based foods most of the time, enjoy treats on occasion, and move often. {It’s the SECRET to healthy living!} 😉
Exactly why I just wrote a book called Ditch the Diet
Love the name of the book Megan! Can’t wait to check it out.
Oye I hear this stuff all the time. Weight loss is so hard for so many people and advertisers use that to their advantage. Nothing that is too good to be true is meant to last a lifetime. Goals are met by hard work and fad diets are not the answer. Awesome tips!
I know, it’s frustrating seeing some of the advertising techniques used.
Speak, lady. So with you on this. I was reading an article today about how facebook is now having ambassadors and groups for selling weight loss plans, and powders, and liquid diets and whatnot. People need to stop relying on those because they won’t last forever, and then they won’t know how to navigate a healthy lifestyle with REAL FOOD. Come talk to an RD who understands science and the biochemical nature of our bodies.
PS – Love the new blog look!! 🙂
YES! I’m getting tired of seeing so many MLM promotions on facebook. I don’t even have that big of a problem with some of the products themselves, but the misinformation often spread by certain reps in infuriating.
Preach girl! 🙂 Wise words you got here! Not about that restrictive diet life! It’s all about sustainability! Thanks for the tips!
Glad you enjoyed the post Cailee! 🙂