Diet Trends & Myths

Have you ever been tempted by a fad diet? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there!

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Have you ever been tempted by a fad diet? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! Fad may seem like an easy and quick solution to reach your goals, but in reality, these diets often encourage deprivation and the demonization of foods. And because of this, many fad diets tend to lead to nutrient deficiencies and disordered eating habits. Plus they’re difficult to stick to in the long run.

Let’s start by looking at some of the popular fad diets that you likely have heard of or maybe have even tried before. What do they entail? What are some of the problems associated with each one?

High Protein/Low Carbohydrate Diets 

• Eat large amounts of protein

• Limit or avoid carbohydrates
  (pasta, breads, & rice) and sugar

• High in saturated fat and cholesterol 

• Low in antioxidants 

• Leads to nausea, dehydration, headaches, dizziness & feeling tired 

• Once you add breads and other grains back into your diet you regain weight lost

Liquid Diets 

• Substitute meals with a shake
  or drink

• These diets are usually very low
  in calories

• Not a long term solution 

• Once you start eating solid foods, weight that was lost will likely return 

• Lacking in many important nutrients and fiber

High Carbohydrate/Low Fat Diets 

• Eat mainly high complex carbohydrates 

• Limit sugar, fat, and protein intake

• You will feel hungry more often 

• Your body will not get appropriate fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A,D,
  E & K)

In addition to the popular fad diets mentioned above, there’s another diet trend that some are choosing to follow. Some people may remove common food allergens from their diet, such as gluten, even though they do not have an allergy or sensitivity. 

Remember, removing large groups of foods from your diet may leave you missing out on important vitamins and minerals. Some people do suffer from serious medical conditions that make them allergic or highly sensitive to certain foods. Always check with your doctor if you think you might have a food allergy.