Fad diets are weight loss plans that promise “spectacular results” in less time and/or with less effort than usual. Of course, most of these usually don’t deliver what they promise. In fact, some of these diets can do more harm than good to your health.
Do fad diets really work? And why are they popular?
Vanity is innate among humans. A person who has a desperate desire to look better physically is often willing to try anything that promises to help them lose weight. Companies that promote fad diets take advantage of this fact. They lure people in by promising very quick and easy weight loss. Many people prefer to try the quick fix of a fad diet rather than make the effort to lose weight through long-term changes in their eating and exercise habits.
Another reason that fad diets have become a hit with the public is that they are generally short-lived. And again, people love fast results; we don’t want to wait. Fad diets are short-lived because they usually require you to stop eating certain types of foods or eat “special” combinations of foods. Therefore, you are consuming fewer calories than you normally would. However, much of the weight you lose is likely due to water and lean muscle mass, not body fat. Also, most people cannot keep up with the demands of a diet that strictly limits their food choices or requires them to eat the same foods over and over again. People who use fad diets usually end up gaining back the weight they initially lost.
If you really want to lose weight, the best way is to be natural and determined. You don’t need any magic pill or system to do it. There are natural steps to guide, and they are as follows:
1. Don’t skip meals.
2. Vary your food intake (including lots of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits) to make sure you get all your daily nutrients.
3. Limit your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.
4. Avoid excess sugar. Foods high in sugar are often high in calories and low in nutrients.
5. Limit liquid calories. Avoid sugary sodas, alcohol, and juices (choose whole fruits instead).
6. Be particular in the portions of your food. Use the Nutrition Facts label to determine the serving size.
7. Exercise regularly. Any exercise that you love and never get bored of doing is the best exercise in the world for you. Try for 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times a week.
8. Be more physically active in your daily life. Park farther away so you have time to walk or use the stairs when you can.
In our efforts to lose weight, pills, supplements, or special diet/exercise plans don’t really matter. The best thing you will need to have is a good attitude. Determination, will and perseverance are what you need to keep your weight loss effort alive and moving.