Low carb diets, fat-liberation diets, grapefruit diets, Atkins diets and thousands of others: fad diets have been around the market and famous amongst people seeking for a slim and attractive body. Though some people may make a short term gain out of these diets, they offer numerous flukes or possible health complications. Here, in this article you will come to know about what exactly fad diets are all about, why people are hooked to it, the risks that are associated with it, and few suggestions for the better and effective diet plans for a healthy weight loss.
What Are Fad Diets?
Fad diets are any form of diets that received attention from the public within a certain period of time and are passed off as the means of obtaining the much-desired slim figure. They may ensite in restrictive patterns of eating, exclusion of certain food groups or absolute dependence on certain “miracle” nutrients such as ‘super-foods’, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, among others. Some examples of popular fad diets include the Keto Diet, the Atkins Diet, the Paleo Diet, Juice Cleanses, and more.
The Risks and Drawbacks of Fad Diets
Nutritional Deficiencies: Most diets associated with trends also leave out certain food categories, which make it less likely to produce proper nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Short-Term Focus: Most popular diets can be characterized as promising rapid and drastic improvements in body weight and overall health instead of focusing on the maintenance and proper nutrition in the long run, thereby leading to diets’ unsustainable nature and subsequent weight gain upon the cessation of dieting practices.
Metabolic Impact: The dieting process also poses its risks, for instance, reducing the metabolism rates and therefore making it difficult for one to maintain a slender figure.
Health Risks: The dangers of the fad diets are: extreme diets results in health problems such as; dehydration, electrolyte deficiencies, heart complications, and digestive tract disorders among more.
Psychological Impact: This may result in pathological attitudes to food, eating disorders, the effects of restrictive eating include obesity, a vicious cycle of periodic diets.
Healthier Alternatives for Sustainable Weight Loss
Balanced Diet: Mainly aim to eat from different groups of foods so as to get a variety of nutrients needed in the body. Major focal areas include fruits and vegetables, protein and fiber dishes made from fresh and natural ingredients, whole grains and healthy fats.
Portion Control: Be careful with the sizes of portions to incure extra caloric intake. One should avoid eating with large plates and can use measuring utensils to allow for correct portions.
Regular Physical Activity: Exercising is an important activity that has been proven to help keep off diseases. Be consistent, and try to incorporate activities that involve cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and performing flexibility.
Mindful Eating: Include the following in mindful eating: Choose proper amounts of food, take your time while eating the food, and get fully involved in eating the food.
Hydration: It is crucial always to drink water bearing in mind that without water you cannot survive for more than three days. In some instances, a person will think that his or her body is calling for foods and the truth is that it is just asking for water.
Professional Guidance: For detailed plan and more specific dietary recommendations consult with a registered dietitian/nutritionist with whom you can develop comfortably sustainable eating plan for the particular needs and demands of your life.
Whereas rapid diets are attractive due to their ability to provide consumers with quick weight loss and an easy solution for their weight problem, these types of diets definitely have their drawbacks regarding health and are generally not healthy for prolonged usage. Guard against the latest fad diets and aim to adhere to good portion control, healthy eating habits, and exercise routines. Weight management indeed requires consistent changes that are incremental and realistic that will attract the desirable improvements in your bodyweight and health status.
