Why Fad Equals Bad

Any fad diet may at first seem alluring. Quick weight loss, limitless amounts of bacon (if you're on Atkins) and a happier you . . . right? Absolutely wrong. The real reason why you lose weight at a rate higher than one pound a week (the recommendation for healthy weight-loss) is because you are allowing nutritional deficiencies in your diet and your body is feeding on muscle mass. Less muscle mass leads to less calorie burning. The reality is a lower weight but a slower metabolism.

Translation: you will gain back the weight.

When you consider long term benefits, has any fad diet ever held true? No. in fact most people gain the weight back plus some as soon as they cease the fad. If we are aware of this, then why does it continue?

My quest with the Atkin's Diet led me to just this downfall. After peeing on a strip to discover my body had gone into ketosis, I knew my butter, bacon, chicken and cheese diet was on a roll. However, the second I gave into the temptation of a slice of bread my body and my mind went into panic mode and the scale began to rise.

Diets have taken such a strong hold over my life that I even had nightmares of cheating. I dreamt of myself raiding the fridge and eating pizza and ice cream. It was horrifying … as mentally unstable as that sounds.

The diet corporations, who are feasting on an estimated $50 billion a year American habit, consistently play on our need for thinner waists and "results now" mentality. We are lured by the promise of "eight pounds in 10 days" and know that "it worked for Beyonce" . . . so we take the plunge.

One of the problems I see here? Nothing should ever be a restricted food! No one will ever be able to permanently eliminate carbs or fat from their diets, so why not start thinking long-term health?

Golden Rule of Nutrition: No food is bad food and anything can be enjoyed in moderation.

These fad diets often become obsessively habitual and therefore carry more than just nutritional consequence. The real key to maintaining the healthy you (and the healthy you does not mean 100 pounds and size five) is first accepting your normal weight and embracing it. If you are eating a variety of foods and exercising regularly there is no reason to get down on yourself about size or shape.

No longer will food control your thoughts; no longer will it be your best friend and worst enemy, but rather an acquaintance that equips you with energy to get through the day.

I eliminated the word DIET from my life and almost instantly felt healthier, energized and most importantly . . . full!