How to Spot (and Avoid) a Fad Diet

We’ve all heard the infomercials promising us an astounding weight loss in little-to-no time with next to no effort: “Lose forty pounds in two weeks!” “Drop up to five dress sizes in under six months.” While we want to believe we’re actually watching a model in a bikini stepping out of a hot tub mere weeks after (allegedly) losing upwards of eighty pounds, the reality is that these “fad diets” advertised on television are full of it.

Those looking to achieve and maintain a healthy weight should stay away from these sensationalist programs at all costs. Why? Because they don’t work. The only way to lose weight and keep it off successfully is to adjust what you eat and incorporate more activity into your daily routine.

There are a number of ways to spot a fad diet. Fad diets will often draw on one of these five warning signs:

Promote miracle foods or formulas
Require little to no physical activity
Focus on rapid weight loss (defined as more than 2 pounds a week)
Require specific food combinations
Guarantee results

When it comes to shedding pounds, it’s important to lose the weight the right way. Before starting any new exercise or diet plan, consult your healthcare provider. Don’t be afraid to ease into a new program; a few simple changes can make a big difference when it comes to adjusting your diet and increasing your physical activity.

+ Find out more about losing weight safely through diet and exercise.