3 Things to Consider Before Jumping on the Latest Fad Diet

The desire to lose weight, eat better, or create health benefits through eating a specific way is something to be proud of. Wanting to do better for your body is not a fad – though a diet might be. Not all diets are created equal. Some fad diets call for extremes, from eating only one food for a week to limiting your caloric intake to a dangerously low level. It is important that you are sure that the diet you consider is safe for you and your specific circumstances.

If you are considering a fad diet, be sure of a few things before you begin. Here are three things to consider when starting a fad diet:

Consider your health.

Your current health status can be affected by a fad diet. Sudden, drastic changes in your diet can cause medical issues. Some diets may cause medication interactions you may be unaware of. Before you consider any weight loss program or diet, get a complete physical and know your health status.

Some diets may be lacking in vitamins, minerals, or other vital nutrients your body needs. Be sure to thoroughly understand the diet and don’t just blindly dive in. If your body begins to react to the protocols of the diet, it may not be for you.

Every diet comes with a detox period, but overall, you should be feeling energized and seeing results while feeling better. If you feel worse, aren’t seeing an increase in energy, stamina, and weight loss, it may be a sign this fad diet is not for you.

Did you know? One fad diet consisted of consuming large quantities of grapefruit. This seems harmless enough, but grapefruit can have negative interactions with many prescribed medications. Many people found themselves sick and/or in medical distress due to the fad diet.  

Consider your lifestyle.

Your lifestyle should play a role in choosing a fad diet. If the diet you choose is far out of your natural rhythm, it will likely be harder to maintain. Though a new diet and making healthy choices will initially feel strange, things should gel within a reasonable amount of time. Diets that are extremely different from your culture, lifestyle, financial means, and family dynamic will be a challenge. 

Did you know? Fad diets like Opti-Fast and Nutri-System require members to subscribe to their program as well as pay for their food products. This financial investment can be much higher than buying whole foods and paying for a gym membership, which are both more likely to result in long-term weight loss.

Consider the evidence.

Fad diets come with a lot of hype. The marketing is flashy, and the testimonials are convincing. Many fad diets ultimately don’t do anything great for you. If you cut calories and reduce harmful foods from your diet, you are going to lose weight. Many times, it isn’t the brand of diet that matters as much as cutting back on harmful foods. Do your homework and see what you are getting into before you part with your money or take drastic measures with your health. 

Did you know? A hormone-based fad diet included putting the urine of pregnant mares under the tongue or injected into the body to support the claims of the fad.

Taking charge of your health is a wonderful thing and there are multiple ways to do it. Fad diets are part of the option to lose weight and find a healthier lifestyle. Before you jump in, be sure to consider your health, your lifestyle, and the evidence, and you’ll find the perfect diet for you.  If it is not sustainable for you, it will make little to no positive difference in the long run.  Make your changes sustainable.