You’ve already lived through more fad diets than you can probably count. Remember when grapefruit was supposed to melt fat? Or when cabbage soup was the answer to everything?
The packaging has changed. The promise hasn’t. And they’re still just trying to separate you from your dollar.
A fad diet usually shows up with bold claims – in a hurry. Lose 10 pounds in 10 days. Reset your metabolism. Never feel hungry again.
Fad diets can be especially risky after 50 or so. You run the risk of nutrient deficiencies, slower recovery, and loss of muscle and energy.
That’s the exact opposite of what you want for this stage of life and as you age.
So how do you spot a fad diet?
- It promises fast results with little effort
• It bans common foods with no medical reason
• It relies on testimonials instead of evidence
• It’s “new,” “secret,” or “revolutionary”
• It makes you feel guilty for eating normally
Healthy eating is like exercise. Aim for consistency. Real food, enough protein, plenty of fiber, and habits you can actually live with.
Healthy, sustainable lifestyle choices. A healthy relationship with food.
And no cabbage required.
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.