Whether it’s low-carb, paleo or the 5:2 diet we briefly discuss some of the problems with fad diets. Many of us have fallen victim to the appeal of a new fad diet. They promise weight-loss, big results and rarely deliver. This is often because they are too strict, require you to give up too much or do not have enough variety.
You may find that fad diets seem to work after the first few weeks. But they are rarely a long-term solution.
Long term stability, restrictions and sacrifices
Fad diets are difficult to fulfill on a long-term basis, mainly because you’ll constantly be checking what you can or cannot eat and you’ll start to resent food and get angry at yourself on a regular basis because you broke a fad diet rule. In the long run maintaining a balanced diet is the more sustainable option.
Completely cutting out a particular food group, seems to be a common trait of a fad diet and whilst it may help in the short term to improve energy and promote weight-loss. In the long term restricting yourself in this manner will set you up for failure and lead to relationship issues with food.
Many of these fad diets will have you constantly checking what you can or cannot eat. This is an annoyance and often an unnecessary measure on the journey to getting fit. The ‘quick-fix’ diets are often based around unrealistic weight-loss and muscle gain goals.
You should be wary of diets that are centered around sacrifice and binge mentalities. Rapid weight loss is not a good way of becoming healthy. If you adopt a strict diet for a month but fail to maintain it then you are likely to return to your regular unhealthy ways.
These ‘quick-fix’ diets are also often based around unrealistic weight-loss, can make you obsessive about every single thing you put in your body and you should be wary of diets that are centered around sacrifice and binge mentalities. If you want to make long term gains it is better to focus on small changes and incremental progress.
If you want to make long term gains ditch the fad diets.
Alternatives
There are plenty of alternative health options that are more relaxed and beneficial than the fad diets mentioned above. If you want to have a healthy body you should focus on variety, portion control and regular exercise. Use the Harris Benedict equation to workout you daily calorie target
Variety in the food you eat is a great way of giving your body all the nutrients, vitamins and energy it needs. Introducing nutritious wholesome foods in to your diet and ditching sugary treats and drinks will always help you become healthier.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of how much you are eating. Eating smaller portions of food will mean you are able to eat the food you like without gaining as much weight or feeling unhealthy.
Regular exercise is a must, even if it’s just a 5-10 minute walk every day. Any diet that suggests that you shouldn’t exercise is probably not going to get you the results you desire. You should be getting some moderately-intense exercise every day. It is an easy way to stay in-shape and remain active.
Find a diet that lasts
Ultimately, dieting shouldn’t be complicated. There are hundreds of fad diets around based on pseudo-science and unrealistic results. You have to decide what diet best suits your body type and your goals. This is a personal choice and should not be entirely tied to a dieting regime that only popped up last year.
Some diets are worth the investment. However, many of these fad diets ask the participant to sacrifice too much for too long and rely on binge mentalities. It is much more realistic to design a diet with a nutritionist or a personal trainer that is suited to your personality and your body.
