Fad Diets Can Wreak Havoc on Your Health

Fad DietsA stylish, quick weight loss is what a fad diet promises, which is not usually a healthy and balanced diet. Nowadays, new diet plans for weight loss pop up each day on TV and social media. People who are health conscious or who need instant results in weight loss, follow these fad diet plans which can actually be dangerous to their health and may not result in long-term weight loss. Some fad diet plans claim that they make you lose fat, but it’s really water weight that you are losing.

Quick weight loss can result in cardiac stress and make the metabolism slothful, leading to future weight gain. It also cuts off the supply of essential nutrients which increases heart palpitations, indirectly weakens your immune system, dehydrates the body and increases the chances of developing heart diseases. Some examples of fad diets that are unhealthy include:

  • High Protein Diets: To lose weight and build muscles, focusing just on proteins (meat, eggs and so on) and exceeding the amount of protein in your body may lead to severe problems for the liver and kidneys. Diets that focus on protein-rich foods may be missing specific nutrients and adding fat and calories to your diet.
  • Liquid Diets: Relying on liquid diets or juice/broth fasts can cut out the necessary substances that may be beneficial to the body. Fasting makes your body burn fewer calories, which can lead to dizziness and fatigue.
  • Grapefruit Diet: Many people believe that eating only grapefruit can help you shed pounds. But that’s not true, by following such one food diet you may miss out on needed vitamins and minerals.

Avoid the above fad diets and try to follow a balanced diet. A diet has to be balanced and we have to get all vitamins, nutrients, carbohydrates, and fat in adequate amount for our good health. Eating the right food in the right amount is what’s necessary for a healthy life. Make sure that the diet contains foods that are anti-inflammatory, so that you can reduce the major cause of heart diseases. Include foods such as garlic, turmeric, raw carrot, almond, dal, peanuts and so on. Other factors for a balanced diet are:

  • Eat plenty of vegetables, legumes and fruits.
  • Take in a variety of wholegrain cereals that include breads, rice, pasta and noodles.
  • Use of lean meat, fish, poultry or other alternatives.
  • Include milk, yoghurts, cheeses or alternatives.
  • Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
  • Limit saturated fat and moderate total fat intake and foods low in salt.
  • If you choose to drink, limit your alcohol intake.
  • Limit sugar or sweetened beverages.

We need to be healthy, so exercise and sweat it out. To feel healthier, have healthy food and physical activity which will give you more energy. You can set a good example for your children and look after your family well by offering them healthy food.