FAD DIETS: Why Don’t They Work

Fad Diet: a diet plan that typically promotes a specific food or food group while eliminating other important nutrient sources. At the same time, it promotes quick fixes and rapid weight loss.

Fad Diets Claim to Help - But Do They?

Many fad diets claim to help you eat "healthier," eliminate "bad foods," and help you lose excess body fat quick. However, does this mean these diets are the best strategy to lose the extra body fat and eat healthier?

Fad diets are not sustainable, their only focus is short-term changes.

Absolutely! You can lose weight by only drinking green juices and/or by removing an entire food group, such as carbohydrates, from your diet. However, this can lead to deficiencies in key nutrients. Restricting yourself from food you like, feeling hungry throughout the day, and missing social events because of a diet, will most likely have you back on the old habits which got you to try these fad diets on the first place.

Rapid weight loss promotes greater loss of lean body mass, aka muscle, when compared to slower weight loss. You might ask how? Well, in short, the body is a very efficient machine. When you consume extreme low calorie diets, the body will find its way to stay in homeostasis (balance). The metabolic demand of muscle is high, meaning, it requires more energy to maintain. Therefore, the body will choose to break down muscle first.

The Bottom Line: Focus on Sustainable Changes

Fad diets may promise quick results, but they often lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and an unsustainable cycle of restriction and rebound. Instead of chasing short-term fixes, focus on long-term behavioral modifications, building a healthy relationship with food, and being mindful about how you feel mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Sustainable weight loss isn’t about cutting out entire food groups or following extreme plans - it’s about creating balanced, realistic habits that support your overall well-being. By prioritizing nourishment, flexibility, and self-care, you can achieve lasting results without guilt or deprivation.

If you are looking for a more effective and sustainable approach to nutrition, start by making small, mindful changes. Need guidance? Let’s work together to build a plan that truly works for you!