One quick search for different types of diets will rapidly lead you to become highly overwhelmed with options. Depending on how they are marketed, some can look extremely appealing, especially when they promise rapid fat reductions. But how do you know if you’re considering a fad weight loss diet or if you’ve found something healthy and long term? The answer sounds as though it should be obvious. The reality, however, is something else altogether.
After all, if it was easy to recognize the difference between a healthy lifestyle weight management strategy and a crash or fad dieting style, then there wouldn’t be nearly as many people falling victim to them. That said, there are many signs that you can watch for to make sure you don’t become the next person to throw off your metabolism and lose a few pounds of water weight only to end up gaining several pounds in fat.
The following are some handy tips to help you to know if you’re following a fad weight loss diet or if you’re on to something much better.
• No exercise necessary – A healthy, long term weight loss strategy will encourage you to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly in order to make sure your body is receiving the nutrients it needs and is burning fat in a natural and sustainable way. Fads will tell you that you can still lose all the weight without any need for exercise, or they simply won’t mention activity as a part of their overall strategy.
• Eat anything you want – A truly healthful fat management strategy will tell you that you can eat all your favorite foods but it will teach you about those various options and the impact they have on you. That way, the majority of the foods you’ll eat will be balanced in nutrition, adding junk foods as a rare occasional treat enjoyed in an appropriate amount. Any plan or program that says you can eat as much as you want of whatever you want is most certainly a fad weight loss diet.
• There is a focus on packaged foods – If your diet tells you that all you should be eating are processed packaged foods, likely from a specific brand, then it is most definitely a short-term and fad diet. When you’re eating healthfully for weight loss you’ll be able to keep under control over the long term, you will be encouraged to eat nutrient dense, whole foods. Your strategy will encourage you to eat veggies, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats within an appropriate balance. Processed package foods should be kept to a minimum as much as possible, usually in a gradual weaning-off process. A fad weight loss diet based on packaged foods wants you to buy more, not lose pounds.