DIET - FAD DIETS
A fad diet is one that makes unrealistic promises. Most fad diets are very low in carbohydrates and in calories, causing fluid loss from the body, which indicates a loss of weight on the scale. Once the body gets rehydrated with water, the weight will come right back.
Evaluation of a fad diet:
- Is the diet medically and nutritionally safe? Get an opinion from a physician and a registered dietitian.
- Red flags for fad diets include: overemphasis on a specific food group or groups, limited food choices, and a "calories do not count" approach.
These are ways to decide whether to use a diet or not. If there is no nutritionally or medically reliable information provided, and if there are no statistics to back the claims, then it is not a good diet to consider. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
SUMMARY
For weight loss to be successful, here is a summary of basic guidelines:
- Aerobic physical activity will assist in increasing muscle tissue which will burn more calories. You should plan on 20-minute sessions at least 3 times per week.
- Gradual changes in eating habits will help encourage a permanent lifestyle change.
- A slow weight loss of 1 or 2 pounds a week, until the desirable body weight is reached, is best.
