How to Spot a Fad Diet

...with fad diets and their promises of fast and easy weight loss. These “quick fixes” may sound like just what you are looking for, but achieving a healthy weight and maintaining it comes from making lifestyle changes that you can stick to. Fad diets tend to fail in the long run and can even be harmful to your health, depriving you of adequate nutrition, altering your metabolism or even contributing to elevated cholesterol and blood pressure.

So the next time your interest is piqued by a weight loss program with bold claims, look closely at its components so you can tell a fad diet from a healthy weight management plan. The following are signs that the option you’re considering is one you should skip:

It Has A Specific Beginning And End

Successful weight management is a lifestyle — not a one-time activity. Statements like “one week to weight loss” are signs that the plan doesn’t teach you how to make changes you can stick with in the weeks, months and years to come.

It Promises Very Rapid Weight Loss

In general, losing one to two pounds per week is a reasonable and healthy goal — anything faster than that and you will lose water and calorie-burning muscle mass, instead of fat.

It Advertises That You'll Lose Weight In A Specific Area Of Your Body

Where you slim down first is more a matter of genetics and cannot be determined by how or what you eat.

It Claims That There Is No Need To Exercise

Eating less and moving more are two crucial pieces of the weight loss equation; while it is possible to take off pounds with just one, doing both will always improve your results — and your overall health.

It Mandates Cutting Out Certain Foods Entirely

Loading up on only a few choice foods may deprive you of the nutrition a more balanced diet can provide — never mind making eating pretty boring!

It Encourages Extreme Rigidity or Daily Rituals

Eat a grapefruit with every meal. Only drink lemon water with honey. Sticking with strict recommendations like these is not only unrealistic, but unnecessary, and can lead to inadequate nutrient intake. As long as you are making good food choices and eating healthy portions, no two days need to have the same menu.

It Says That You'll Look Like An "After" Photo

Sure, drastic before and after photos can grab your attention. But remember: Weight loss is personal, and no plan can guarantee that two individuals will have the same results.

It Is Also Marketed As A Health Cure-All

Good nutrition can improve and even prevent many conditions, but it is not a magic bullet. It is always smartest to discuss any health concerns with your physician.

If you’re still unsure of what eating plan is right for you, consider consulting a registered nutritionist who can help you identify or create a regimen that will be effective, safe and appropriate for your daily life and preferences.