Fad Diets and Why Are They Bad?

Apart from discussions of the environment, there is no where that bad science is more common than in issues surrounding weight loss - nutrition and diet, exercise and health topics in general.

It's almost a situation of "new diet claim of the month." By wrapping itself around the "latest study" it tries to give itself an aura of respectability. This simply boils down to mixing dieting and bad science. If informed scientists have difficulty in coming to a rational solution, you can imagine how confused laymen are. (Look at the recent recalls of Vioxx and Celebrex).

It basically begs the question "Fad diets, why are they bad?"

So what's a person to do? Not everyone can spend countless hours of their time researching the latest scientific findings. The only practicable solution is to try and approach the problem using common sense guidelines.

Greet with skepticism any outsized claim that the person or group that is introducing the diet or nutrition product knows what is best -- especially when they refute present and long-standing guidelines.

Studies may differ on the details, but they all pretty much agree that to sustain good health, a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, along with a source of protein is important. And added to the balanced diet is some form of regular exercise.

Be wary of anyone making promises for safe, easy, quick results. It's possible to achieve any one of these three, but never all three together. A wise weight loss program will definitely consider safety first. It will rarely be easy - technology has advanced, but not THAT much. And, it is almost never quick.

Reducing excess body fat, losing weight and getting fit require a long-term commitment.

Also tread carefully with the opposite approach as well. For example, there will be those who will exaggerate claims on the danger of eating red meat. While consuming excess animal fat can increase health risks, what is 'excess' is still being examined.

Claims that eating meat in moderation is harmful is based not only on bad science but questionable marketing as well. Choosing a strictly vegetarian diet for ethical reasons or matters of taste is a valid choice, but not one required by science.

In other words, avoid extremes. Following below are some answers to that question we asked earlier: "Fad diets and why are they bad?"

There are 3-day diets that recommend eating nothing but fruit for three days, then other foods the rest of the week. Not a good idea. Such a diet is unbalanced and can cause rollercoaster effects on the body.

There are diets recommending almost all protein and very few carbohydrates. Again, not a good idea. The body needs a wide selection of food from which to extract and synthesize what it needs. That means it benefits from a balance of protein (to produce amino acids), carbohydrates (for energy), fiber and other essential elements.

So when you come across someone selling a new diet or weight loss product as a miracle cure, or with claims of being effortless or giving immediate results, question and investigate their claims, and DON'T BUY.

Autor: Gary Machado

Gary Machado writes on a variety of health topics. Did you find these tips on dieting success useful? I have just completed my new guide to dieting success, 'How to Take Your Dieting To the Next Level." Download it free
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Added: January 18, 2008

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