Don't Fall Victim to Fad Diets!

Don't Fall Victim to Fad Diets	10/7/2010


It is no surprise that fad diets have been around for over a century. Unfortunately, fad diets are creating an opposite result. With more than 80 percent of 4th grade girls resorting to fad dieting, the need for sound nutrition education starts at a young age. From cabbage soup to grapefruit to pork rinds, fad diets commonly promise that one type of food is the key for weight loss. Beware of dangers Although fad diets seem to work well in the short-term, they are a temporary fix that does not last long and can boomerang. Fad diets can be dangerous and usually over-emphasize one food or type of food. This violates the first principle of good nutrition, which is to eat a balanced diet. Trim down without the fad in 5 easy-to-follow steps 1. Become a mindful eater - Pay more attention to when and what you eat. 2. Lower your calorie intake - Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables. 3. Drink plenty of healthy fluids - Go for water and decaffeinated drinks. 4. See what you are eating - Put what you are going to eat in front of you and set aside time to eat a good meal. 5. Exercise - Get moving, aim for 60-90 minutes of physical activity every day. (Always consult a physician before beginning an exercise regimen.) 4-step "TOO" check for fads Too Fast: Promise of fast and easy weight loss. Too Easy: No need to avoid "fatty" foods or exercise Too Good to Be True: Claims based on photos of "before" and "after" are most likely paid to advertise the plan or product. Too Much Money: Expensive propositions that require you to buy special food, pills or seminars. The above was taken in part from Communicating Food for Health - February 2007 Original article written by Victoria Shanta Retelny, RD, LD