Fad Diets for Weight Loss: What Are They and Do They Really Work?

By Phoebe Bradshaw

Fad diets are weight loss plan that promises "dramatic results" in lesser span of time and/or lesser efforts than usual. Of course, most of these generally do not deliver what they promise. In fact, some of these diets can actually do more harm than good to your health.

Do Fad Diets Really Work? And Why Are They Popular?

Vanity is innate among humans. A person, who has a desperate urge to want to look better physically, is often willing to try anything that promises to help him/her lose weight. Companies that promote fad diets take advantage of this fact. They appeal to people by promising weight loss that's very quick and easy. Many people prefer to try the quick fix of a fad diet instead of making the effort to lose weight through long-term changes in their eating and exercise habits.

Another reason that made fad diets a hit to the public is because it is usually short-span. And again, people love quick results; we do not want to wait. Fad diets are short-span because it usually requires you stop eating certain types of food or eat "special" combinations of foods. Hence, you are getting fewer calories than you normally would. However, it's likely that much of the weight you lose is from water and lean muscle, not from body fat. Also, most people are not able to keep up with the demands of a diet that strictly limits their food choices or requires them to eat the same foods over and over again. People who use fad diets usually end up gaining back any weight that they initially lost.

If you want to truly lose weight, the best way still is to be natural and determined. You do not need any magic pill or system to do it. There are natural steps to guide through, and they are as follows:

1. Don't skip meals.
2. Vary your food intake (including plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits) to ensure that you get all of your daily nutrients.
3. Limit your consumption of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.
4. Avoid too much sugar. High-sugar foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients.
5. Limit liquid calories. Avoid sugary soda, alcohol and juices (choose whole fruits instead).
6. Be particular on your food portioning. Use the nutrition label to determine what a serving size is.
7. Exercise regularly. Any exercise that you love and never get bored of doing is the best exercise in the world for you. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times per week.
8. Be more physically active in your daily life. Park farther away so you'll have time to walk or take the stairs when you can.

In our efforts to losing weight, pills, supplements or special exercise/diet plans do not really matter. The best thing you'll ever need to have is a good set attitude. Determination, willingness and perseverance are what you need to keep your weight loss endeavor alive and on the go.


To read more interesting articles about real and safe weight loss, click on the link or visit www.HealthyLifeCircle.com today!