Hello there, diet explorers! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent a fair bit of time googling the latest fad diets, thinking about trying keto, veganism. Or maybe, just maybe, you’ve considered just eating nothing but grapefruits for a week (FYI – don’t). Well, my fellow food adventurers, today we’re going on a little journey through the weird and wonderful world of fad diets. We’ll discuss what they are, as well as their effectiveness for long term health. Buckle up!
So, what is a fad diet, exactly?
I’m sure you have a rough idea, but, according to the medical professionals over at the Mayo Clinic, a fad diet is a diet that promises “quick weight loss through what is usually an unhealthy and unbalanced diet”
(source). Sounds awesome, right? Just kidding!
Let’s delve into a few popular types, shall we?
- The Keto Diet
- Intermittent Fasting
- Vegan Diet
- Juice Cleanses
- The Paleo Diet
Ah, keto. My Aunt Karen’s favourite topic of conversation at any family gathering. The keto diet is all about cutting carbs and bumping up your fat intake so that your body goes into a state of ketosis, hence the name. This means your body starts burning fat for energy instead of carbs. But, according to Harvard University, while it can cause rapid weight loss, it’s also linked to certain health issues like liver disease and deficiency of vitamins and minerals .
Intermittent fasting. That’s another one you hear a lot about these days. The idea is to restrict your eating to a certain window of time each day. This is another one where, while weight loss can occur, there are also possible side effects to consider, such as fatigue, irritability, and even an eating disorder
(source).
Now, turning to veganism, a plant-based diet can absolutely be healthy if it’s done correctly. But if you’re just eating vegan junk food all day, you’re probably not going to see real benefits. It’s all about balance, my friends
(source).
Juice cleanses. They sound so light and healthy, don’t they? Unfortunately, they’re often lacking in essential proteins and fats your body needs. It’s a no from me, folks
(source).
And lastly, the Paleo diet. Here’s one I actually tried myself once (spoiler alert – I made it about two weeks). Going Paleo means eating like our cavemen ancestors (read: lots of meat, veggies, and a big no-no to any processed foods). While it promotes healthy eating habits, critics argue our bodies have evolved and adapted to a more varied diet
(source).
To wrap things up…
The bottom line is that while some fad diets can lead to quick weight loss, they’re often not the most balanced or sustainable way of eating. And hey, isn’t food supposed to be enjoyed? So rather than committing to a fad diet, maybe let’s focus on eating a balanced diet full of a variety of different foods. Cheers to that!
