HEALTH AND SCIENCE

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Follow Fad Diets

The pressure to look a certain way and fit in a particular size of clothes has always been there. And so, many of us are living in the pursuit of losing weight without giving a thought to our overall health.

The fitness industry, dominated by social media influencers, only makes matters worse. Especially when they pose with their tummy tucked in and under perfect light, talking about the latest fad diet they have been following. People believe it will be the next magic pill to lose weight. But it doesn’t work in the long run. Even if you do lose a few pounds in the beginning, the weight invariably comes back.

So, let’s look at some of the reasons why these diets don’t work, and why following them blindly isn’t the best nutritional advice.

These diets are highly restrictive

Most popular diets severely limit calories and are highly restrictive in nature. In addition, they often eliminate entire food groups (carbs, fats, etc.) to create the deficit needed to lose weight.

Not only do these diets make you unhappy since you aren’t eating your favourite foods, but they also reduce the overall energy levels due to the lower calorie intake. These make it extremely difficult to sustain over a long duration, leading you to return to your old eating habits.

Instead, ensure that you eat all the foods you enjoy, but in small calculated portions. It is advised to prioritize protein during a fat loss phase as it helps you stay full for longer and retain muscles. Getting enough protein can be a challenge for vegans, especially those who are lactose intolerant. They can check out this list of the best lactose-free protein powder.

Weight loss is temporary

Many people successfully lose weight over a few months of following these fad diets, but most are unable to follow them in the long run. This is because they miss their favourite foods and eventually return to ‘eating normally.

Honestly, it is very common to see binge episodes after diets like these, so all the effort and hard work go for nothing. Instead, you end up gaining weight to be the same as before or even more.

Nutrition goes for a toss

If you follow fad diets that tell you to avoid certain food groups, you’re sacrificing essential nutrients. As a result, many people lose weight at the expense of their mood, sleep quality, gut health, etc. And these can have a massive impact on your overall health in the long run.

Instead, the right approach is to follow an inclusive diet to get enough nutrition throughout the day. Food should be the primary source for this, but you can consider health supplements such as the best essential amino acid powder to ensure your bodily functions are not compromised.

Your workout suffers

In addition to binges and poor nutrition, these diets may cause a decrease in physical activity.

If you’re following an incredibly restrictive diet, which is low in calories, you will subconsciously start to avoid workouts. It could be because the diet isn’t providing the energy required to stay physically active. Unfortunately, this means you are doing less or not exercising at all, effectively moving backward in your fitness journey.

Having an elliptical bike combo at home will help you get in a workout even on the days you are too tired to go to the gym.

The solution…

Instead of limiting certain foods or food groups, opt for an inclusive diet. Ensure you include all the macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat) and micronutrients in each meal. You don’t have to eliminate “bad” foods; you just need to practice portion control. This can help control the cravings and facilitate long-term adherence to the diet.

Prioritizing fruits and vegetables and eating mindfully can go a long in helping you achieve your fitness goals. 

Conclusion

Weight loss may not be straightforward, but it does not have to be a nightmare. Instead of chasing the latest diet trends, consider what will benefit your long-term health. Maintain a routine you will enjoy for the rest of your life and implement changes you can sustain. This way, you will be happy and see success in your weight loss journey.

Khushali Shah

Author Bio

Name: Khushali Shah
Occupation: Co-owner of healthyandkhush.com

Summary:

Hi, I’m Khushali. I have struggled with weight loss my whole life. However, having lost over 25kgs in the last few years, I have learnt a thing or 2 about weight loss and healthy living. I love sharing science-based tips and hacks that have worked for me through my blogs.

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