Fact or Fiction: 9 Ways to Spot a Fad Diet

It’s been a few days since you decided to change your life, committed yourself to a healthier way of living. How’s that going for you? Has that bag of chips staring at you finally won the battle of the wills? Or are you holding fast to your list of resolutions?

If the chips beat you, then maybe it’s time to rethink your diet and exercise plans for the year. Before you start on a weight loss plan, however, make sure that it’s the real thing, and not a dangerous fad.

It’s far too easy to buy into that “miracle” fat cure. If a meal plan promises instant weight loss or boasts results of 10 pounds in 10 days, then it’s most likely a dangerous scam. Pills and diets like this could cause serious long term harm.

Here’s handy reference list on how to spot a fake fad diet that everyone seems to be falling for. These are tips and tricks that will save your body and your wallet time and time again.

These tips may seem obvious, but sadly, many people fall for the “fads” of the health world. This may be a common sense wake up call for those yearning to drop the pounds like hot potatoes.

A diet is a lie if it:

• Dismisses exercise as an unnecessary part of a healthy life.
• Endorses a specific product and tries to convince you that you won’t lose weight without it.
• Claims that you will lose weight extremely rapidly by just eating the meal plan – one pound a week is a realistic goal, any more than that is not.
• Does not require a change of lifestyle, just a pill or supplement.
• Allows only a certain or a few specific food groups. A well balanced diet can only happen when all types of healthy foods are working together to benefit your body.
• Advertises as “one and done.” Any diet that promotes a “one and done” pill or short term change of diet will not keep the pounds off for long.
• Is not backed by science or studies, doesn’t have peer reviews or any testing groups.
• Costs an exorbitant amount of money.
• Seems too good to possibly be true, or practically screams scam.

The truth is, proper nutrition and a well-balanced, active life is really all you need to stay healthy and fit. Sometimes it’s easy to judge your own merit by the number that your scale shows you – stop doing that! Change your attitude towards health, stop looking for a quick fix and commit yourself to a brighter, healthier future.

Yes, it will be harder, and yes it will take longer, but living in a manner that makes you feel great is a reward in itself.

“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

-The Alternative Daily