Photo by Kristina Snowasp
With the world turning more health conscious, fad diets have become more prevalent, with some not clearly defining the risks and benefits of those diets.
Author Eleanor Gaccetta has become aware of these fad diets and offers healthier alternatives in her book Generations of Good Food. In her comfortable home cooking cookbook, readers will be drawn to the recipes, whether they’re novices in the kitchen or professional cooks.
That said, let’s all take the time to look at some of these fad diets and how individuals can instead make choices to lead a healthier life. But before we start discussing these fad diets, let’s first examine the pressures women and men experience regarding dieting.
Pressures of Dieting Women and Men Face
Women and men have sought out workout routines and diets that assist them in losing a few pounds due to the continual pressure from society to be attractive. But just because something is labeled a diet doesn’t mean it’s necessarily healthful or helpful for everyone.
In its purest form, the word “diet” means “drinks and foods regularly consumed” or “habitual nourishment,” according to the dictionary. In a nutshell, your diet is the daily fuel you give yourself. Diet has also acquired a new definition somewhere along the line: what you consume (or don’t eat) to lose weight.
But in today’s society, we have somehow defined diet as something close to starving ourselves of the vital nutrients our bodies need. We also don’t consider that dieting is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Everyone has different nutritional needs, so a specific diet is required to achieve optimal health.
The unnecessary pressure we’re getting stresses people, leading to more eating and health problems in the long run.
Different Types of Fad Diets
Fad diets have been rampant for years, and we’ve encountered one or two. This section examines some of the most famous fad diets today.
• Paleo Diet
The paleo diet encourages eating how our ancestors did (or, at the very least, how we believe they did). This diet strongly emphasizes complete foods, including nonstarchy vegetables, seeds, fruit, seafood, fish, oils, nuts, grass-fed meat, and eggs. Processed foods, dairy products, sugar, cereals, and beverages with added sugar are off-limits.
One can use comfortable home cooking recipes for their paleo diet, which is one of the things that make this fad diet better than others. It sits at the center of the risks and benefits of fad diets.
• Keto Diet
The keto diet drastically limits carbohydrates to about 25 grams of total carbohydrates per day or around 5% of total calories. Dieters are told to replace those skipped carbs with larger intakes of fat and lower intakes of protein. Although you will probably lose weight quickly due to this, it can be challenging for some to stick to such a strict diet.
Additionally, following the ketogenic diet for an extended period of time carries some very substantial long-term health hazards. This includes developing kidney stones, elevated risk of getting heart disease, low blood pressure, and basic nutrient deficiencies.
• Raw Food Diet
This fad diet has been present since the 1800s and comes back every few years. Since it is centered on eating raw food, anything heated beyond 118 degrees Fahrenheit is prohibited. According to proponents, the natural enzymes in a substance are said to be destroyed by heat over that point.
All raw food eaters can dry, ferment, and germinate fruits and vegetables in addition to juicing natural produce. While some variations contain raw dairy and eggs, others are entirely vegan.
A healthy, balanced diet must include numerous produce. However, there may be better options than consuming raw plant foods. Based on research, cooking food unlocks the minerals lycopene, beta carotene, and lycopene, among others.
The Health Risks and Benefits of Fad Diets
We’ve been talking a lot about fad diets, but what exactly are fad diets? Diets that look too promising to be true are probably fad diets. Several fad diets are described as rich in protein, low in carbs, or highly low in fat.
The following traits are typically found in fad diets:
- contains extremely rigid and absurd rules
- promises quick results
- extremely restricts calories
- based on a singular research study or personal experiences
- promotes hasty weight loss
Here are some of the health risks of fad diets:
- electrolyte imbalances
- increase risk of developing eating disorders
- nutrient deficiencies
- body dissatisfaction
- impaired bone health
Let us introduce the benefits of fad diets as well:
If adhered to faithfully, the only upside to a fad diet is that it aids in weight loss. These diets often limit specific foods or dietary groups, which results in severe calorie restriction and quick weight loss.
These diets do result in weight loss, and the rapid weight loss you observe during the first few days of sticking to one of these diets is typically caused by water loss. The water loss is generated after significant changes in eating practices that somehow shock the body.
Dieting in the Healthiest Way Possible
There is no “one-size-fits-all” nutritional strategy for weight loss. The secret is to develop a long-lasting eating routine that emphasizes eating well for optimum health. As a result, adopt a longer-term perspective on your health according to guidance.
Focus on eating well and exercising instead of following the newest fad diet. You’ll feel better and have more energy, thanks to doing lifestyle changes that are healthy for your well-being.
Keep in mind that there’s no “finish line” when it comes to feeding one’s body properly. The greatest diet should be something you feel confident maintaining for the rest of your life, regardless of whether your objective is brain health, longevity, heart health, or weight loss.
A Diet Shouldn’t Feel Like a Diet at All
Despite the risks and benefits of fad diets, the greatest diet ought not to seem like a “diet” at all. Simply put, it’s a healthy eating regimen that lets you stay active, celebrate holidays, and retain good health.
Eat a varied diet that emphasizes adding fiber, pleasure, whole foods, and color to your plate rather than leaving out entire food groups or hundreds of calories. That is a happier, healthier approach to dieting. You might even learn some common dinner dishes to cook with newbie chefs in your pursuit of a better diet.
You can start by getting Eleanor Gaccetta’s comfortable home cooking titled Generations of Good Food. Click here to order the book today!