Dieting fads have been around for a long time. Did you know that a "cigarette diet" was popular in the US during the 1920s 😆! Lucky Strike, a cigarette brand, even had an ad which read "Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet!" So money-making scams to pull you away from real, natural foods are not new.
New diets are popping up frequently....all promising amazing results within a very short span of time. But are these diets really practicable for the long-term? Many dieters often find themselves putting back on all the weight they lost on the diet very quickly. They then try to go back on the diet or try the latest new diet instead. All this yo-yo dieting is not good for the body, not to mention the mental stress it can cause.
What are the signs that a diet is too good to be true? Look for these signs:
Extreme reduction in calorie intake
Cutting out food groups completely
Restricting your consumption to limited foods or food substitutes such as protein bars, shakes or juices.
Reliance on 'superfoods' or products that are not easily available locally
Watch this short 5 minute video that explains how the body actually loses weight in some of the popular diets, and what to watch out for.
So what should you be doing?
Eat real, natural foods
Make sure you have a well-balanced plate, with carbohydrates, protein, vegetables and fats, in reasonable quantities
Consume treats in moderation
Modify your lifestyle: get enough sleep and exercise, work on managing stressors
In short, carry on the D9 way!
You may also want to read our articles on 'Confused about nutrition headlines?' or 'What are Eating Disorders?'