Diet and Nutrition > Diet Plans

When is a Fad Diet a Bad Diet?

Time for a reality check: there is no magic bullet, instant cure, or easy way out. Losing weight is not easy, and many fad diets fall easily into the bad diet category. Be wary of any diet or weight-loss program that:

• Promises rapid weight loss. Any weight loss of more than 2 pounds per week is too rapid, unsafe, and is unlikely to stay off.
• Promises easy weight loss without exercise or that weight loss can be maintained without lifestyle changes.
• Uses miracle or magical foods. No food can melt away fat or undo years of overeating and lack of exercise.
• It's basis lies in consuming only one (or a limited number) of foods, encourages consuming certain foods in mass quantities, or calls for specific food combinations.
• Relies on undocumented case histories. Testimonials and anecdotes mean nothing if there is no scientific data to back up claims.
• Promotes unproven or inauthentic weightloss aids such as herbs, supplements, body wraps, pills, cellulite creams, etc.
• Sound too good to be true. Most of the time it's because they are.

One Calorie at a Time

In the weight-loss game, every little bit helps...cutting a calorie here or a calorie there can all add up to help meet your goals. Here's some ideas to get you started.

Stop the e-mails. Instead of clicking send to communicate with co-workers, mosey on over to their desk. Studies show choosing to shoot an e-mail rather than leave your chair can contribute to yearly weight gain.  

Have a laugh. Not only have Vanderbilt researchers shown that daily laughter burns calories, your chuckles have additional health benefits as well.

Tweak your morning coffee. Nix the whipped cream, go for skim milk, or opt for sugar-free versions of your favorite syrup add-ins.

Step it up. Get a pedometer and challenge yourself to beat your numbers from the days before. All those extra steps burn calories you wouldn't have burned otherwise.