What is the problem with ‘Fad diets’?
What exactly is a fad diet?
A fad diet is a trendy but often unsustainable approach to weight loss.
These diets gain rapid popularity but frequently lack long-term health benefits.
They flood magazines, social media feeds, and online platforms, endorsed by influencers seeking quick results.
Common fad diets include:
Meal replacement shakes
Fat loss pills
Cleanse diets
Why should you be cautious about fad diets?
At STRIVE® Gym in Osborne Park, we prioritise sustainable health and fitness practices. The problem with fad diets lies in their often unproven claims and potential health risks.
For example, meal replacement diets involve replacing regular meals with low-calorie shakes. While they may lead to initial weight loss by creating a calorie deficit, they can also cause fatigue, headaches, and cravings.
Furthermore, they restrict enjoyable foods, leading to frustration and eventual weight gain shortly after.
Do ‘fad diets’ cause weight loss?
Initially, yes.
By eliminating certain food groups, such as carbohydrates, fad diets can induce weight loss through calorie reduction.
However, they rarely provide lasting results.
Restricting your favourite foods can be demotivating, resulting in a cycle of dieting and rebound weight gain.
How can you identify a fad diet?
Here's how to recognise a fad diet:
It promises rapid weight loss that seems too good to be true.
It lacks credible scientific support or endorsement from fitness professionals.
It relies on trendy, short-term solutions rather than sustainable lifestyle changes.
What's the better approach?
STRIVE® Training Clubing Club in Osborne Park, we advocate for:
Calorie Control: Monitor your calorie intake versus expenditure using tools like MyFitnessPal to understand your eating habits.
Balanced Nutrition: Adopt a balanced eating plan that includes a variety of nutritious foods while allowing occasional treats. This approach promotes long-term adherence and enjoyment.
Physical Activity: Incorporate enjoyable physical activities into your daily routine, whether it's gym sessions, outdoor sports, or recreational activities.
Sustainability: Choose a nutrition strategy that aligns with your preferences and supports your health goals without extreme restrictions.
Final Note
While fad diets promise quick fixes, they often lack scientific backing and sustainable results.
We hope this has provided some clarity, but if you do have any other questions about nutrition, training or anything in between, please do reach out.
