We have all heard about fad diets at one time or another. The actual definition, while subjective, brings to mind “famous” diets like Atkins, Cabbage, or Detox diets. We’ve put together a list of recent fad diets, in addition to information about these kinds of dieting programs.
Things to remember about fad dieting:
- A fad diet does not mean it doesn’t work
- Can be safe, or dangerous – ask your doctor
- Generally assessed by popularity
- Becomes a trend in pop culture
All about the purpose of a fad diet
This type of dieting can actually work. However, the distinguishable difference with this type of diet and just eating healthy can include the following identifiable features:
- Quick fix. This type of fad dieting can often overpromise in exchange for very little weight loss, or weight loss that doesn’t stick.
- Warning labels. Watch out for “juice” diets that have warning labels. This is true for diet pills as well.
- Too many lists. Be sure you don’t fall for the lists of good or bad foods – there really is no such thing, per se. It’s more about portion control and total caloric intake.
- Celebrity-endorsed products. Once again, while these products may indeed work, be a little weary of any product that simply slaps a celebrity face on its cover. Look for substance.
- Poor nutrition. Always be nutritionally balanced. Avoid diets that eliminate a portion of the five food groups, i.e. cabbage diet.
Popular fad diets of our time
We’ve seen many diets come and go. Some have stayed, and worked quite well, others have failed miserably. Fads diets include:
- Acai berry
- Cabbage soup
- 3 day
- Zone
- South Beach
- HcG
- Negative Calories
- Low Fat