A fad diet is a popular dietary pattern that promises quick weight loss, but does not follow healthy eating guidelines that support good health. These diets often sound too good to be true and involve eliminating certain foods, banning entire food groups, or overselling the benefits of a particular food. Some fad diets hype specific foods or suggest going overboard on some foods, such as those that contain probiotics. Fad diets are not healthy or sustainable because they do not promote healthy and sustainable diet and lifestyle habits.
Here are some red flags of a fad diet:
- Promises a quick fix
- Promotes "magic" foods or combinations of foods
- Implies that food can change body chemistry
- Excludes or severely restricts food groups or nutrients, such as carbohydrates
- Has rigid rules that focus on weight loss
- Makes claims based on a single study or testimonials only
Fad diets are not regulated, so its important to be a savvy consumer and spot the red flags of a fad diet. Fad diets can be harmful because they may deprive you of essential nutrients that only balanced eating can offer. They may also lead to yo-yo dieting, which is stressful for your body. Its important to remember that a healthy weight can be achieved and maintained by making positive changes to both eating habits and physical activity patterns.
