Fad Diets: Wishful Shrinking?

As we begin this new year, many of us turn to what dietitians would call fad diets to help us lose weight. I think we all have those “wishful shrinking” thoughts. But the reality is those diets may be putting our health at risk. This is not easy stuff! Even though we may feel desperate to improve our health, quick fix diets are not the answer. Here’s what the Dietitians In Your Kitchen would like you all to know…

Fad Diets Suggest “Good” and “Bad” Foods

Sometimes these lists encourage us to eliminate whole food group(s). Different food groups provide our bodies with specific nutrients. These nutrient deficiencies can have our body work less efficiently.

When we label foods as good and bad, this creates fear around the food we eat. Many of us will want that food more because it is “forbidden”. And when we do eat the “bad” food we feel guilty. Finally, some of us will then internalize the fact that we ate a “bad” food and think we are bad. Or we have no self control – it’s a personality flaw. Run away if a diet tells you about “Good” and “Bad” foods.

Fad Diets Cost Money

Don’t waste your money – many diets promise you health benefits IF you by their product: book, food, supplements.

Of the vast majority (90 percent) who try new nutrition trends, the average respondent has spent $158 in the past year on nutrition products that either didn’t work or didn’t produce the desired results — which can add up to more than $9K over the course of a lifetime.

– New York Post Oct. 2019

Fad Diets Lack Sound Science

Be careful if a diet is based on a study that has not been peer-reviewed. When a study has been peer reviewed, other scientists have reviewed the study and evaluated the methods, discussion and conclusions.

Another thing to consider, some diets are based on recommendations from studies that did not consider differences among individuals or groups.

Fad Diets Equal Short-term Success

Finally, quick drastic solutions have been shown to have mostly short term success. Fad diets tend to have “rules” for us to follow. Many of these rules are not possible to follow longer than our next social gathering.

What Dietitians Do…

Dietitians work with their clients to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Weight loss and health benefits may be gradual, but they are more likely to provide long-term results!! Dietitians can provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for individuals with disease specific needs such as Diabetes or High Blood Pressure. The goal of MNT is to address individual nutrition needs, taking into account personal and cultural preferences and willingness to change. And to maintain the enjoyment of eating only limiting food choices when indicated by scientific evidence. For more information on fad diets check out the presentation: “Fad Diets and Diabetes Sifting Through the Myths for Better Health” by MARIA GIVLER RD PEHP HEALTHY UTAH.