Weight loss is an area that many people struggle to achieve. It’s easy to follow the latest fad diets to receive fast results. However, fast weight loss isn’t always the healthiest (or best) solution. Read this guide to learn the reasons why fad diets don’t work and break the cycle of unstainable weight loss.
Heavily Restricted
The basis of fad diets relies on restricting or eliminating certain foods. Under heavy restrictions, people must adhere to small portion sizes or specific (and oddly constructed) meals. With an emphasis on caloric intake, fad diets focus on fast weight loss rather than sustainable weight loss. In many cases, the restrictions are harmful to a person’s overall health and well-being.
Lack Important Nutrients
Another reason why fad diets don’t work is that they lack important nutrients. Many diets cut out entire food groups (like carbohydrates), which can affect someone’s health. The lack of nutrients from certain food sources and limited vitamins and minerals does more harm than good. Though weight loss may come from elimination, the consequences are not worth shedding a few pounds.
Not Realistic or Sustainable
When someone considers a fad diet, they should ponder the question, “Can I see myself eating this way for the rest of my life?” Heavy restrictions and food group eliminations are simple to stick to during a short time. However, dissatisfaction will develop, causing someone to not stay with the diet for the long haul. This may lead to poor food choices down the road and an altered view of health and nutrition.
Understanding Healthy Weight Loss
Healthy weight loss is possible through an appropriate caloric deficit and emphasis on physical activity. Learning how to create nutritious meals that incorporate all food groups will enable sustainable weight loss. Prioritizing physical activity helps, too!
It’s important to note that some people seek fad diets as solutions to failed weight loss attempts. However, there are ways to achieve weight loss with additional help. In particular, one way a gastric sleeve can improve your quality of life is that it breaks the cycle of failed dieting. If you think bariatric surgery is the solution for you, it’s worth investigating.
