Are Diets Safe?

Magazines, television, and radio ads are filled with promises of quick and easy weight loss with the latest fad diet. These fads change every year with popular ones being the ketogenic diet, the paleo diet, and whole 30. You see these diets with the promise of easy weight loss, but you may be wondering, do they work?

The team at Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, your premier fitness center in Washington, has put together the facts about fad diets and whether they work or not.

Are Fad Diets Effective for Weight Loss?

In some cases, you will lose weight when following a fad diet, but they are challenging to stick to because f tend to be very restrictive. Because fad diets are so restrictive, once you stop following this diet, it is likely you will gain the weight back.

Also, many fad diets cut out all types of foods that you need to nourish your body, causing you to lack enough vitamins such as calcium, iron, or vitamin D.

In addition to fad diets, you also should avoid taking diet pills or other over the counter supplements that claim to help you lose weight. These supplements dare not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so they have not been tested to ensure they are safe for you to consume, meaning they could have harmful effects on your health.

Fad Diet Characteristics

When deciding whether or not you want to follow a specific diet plan, it is essential to consider these factors to determine if the diet is a fad. Ask yourself:

• Does the diet claim that you will lose a large amount of weight in a short period? And does it claim you can do so without exercising?
• Are foods labeled as good or bad by the diet? Does it completely cut out certain foods from your diet or restrict the times you can eat?

• Is it a lifestyle change or a temporary quick fix?

• Drinking less soda or other sugary beverages by swapping them with water or no-calorie flavor packets.
• Eat lean proteins such a chicken, fish, or vegetarian sources such as tofu or beans. These contain less fat than other proteins.
• Snack on fruit or veggies rather candy or chips and work to incorporate one or the other into most of your meals or snacks.
• Start your day with breakfast to give you energy and help you feel full.
• Incorporate more whole grains such as high-fiber cereals or brown rice into your diet.
• Pay attention to your portion sizes and eat until you are satisfied.

You can also add exercise into your day by parking your car farther from the door of the store when running errands, take a walk with your pet or friends, join a gym, or try out some exercise videos on YouTube.

Washington Weight Loss Services

At Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, we are dedicated to helping you live a healthy life. With a state-of-the-art fitness center, group exercise classes, and personal trainer sessions, we have an activity for any fitness level! We also offer nutritional guidance and support programs to help you reach your goals!

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a nutritionist at our Washington fitness center.