Fad diets have sure made the rounds over the years. There has been everything from all-protein diets to fat-free diets, soup diets, baby food diets, low-fat diets, high-fat diets and more. This does not even include the plans that eliminate food groups such as gluten, dairy, soy or corn.
Some diets are linked to research and show promising results, while others seem to be the preferences of a celebrity or royal member. The problem with fad diets is that they can actually make you GAIN weight in the end, leading to a great deal of frustration.
Katie Humphrey, a lifestyle expert whose motto is “Be a Rebel,” explains that the problem with fad diets is that they do not closely match the lifestyle, habits and preferences of the person who wants to lose weight. Therefore it is not sustainable.
Humans in this day and age want results NOW. Desperation to shed those unwanted pounds can cause people to latch onto the idea that they can lose it very quickly if they just follow a particular fad diet with big promise.
Unfortunately, the person discovers that this new plan is too complicated and too exhausting. Their motivation wanes and they quit.
Humphrey said, “we end up butting heads with our bodies – it will backfire on you, forcing the body to do things that does not feel natural, good and healthy causing problems. As people become more and more frustrated and discouraged, they feel like failures and it affects other areas of their life.”
The common theme is that someone might lose some initial weight but if it is not a sustainable healthy plan, they revert back to old patterns, or eat out of frustration and hunger, leading to more weight gain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 35 percent of American adults and 17 percent of children aged 2-19 years old are obese.
This is a problem, and does call for a major overhaul to the way that people eat and exercise. However, the plan should be sensible and healthy. Change does not have to happen overnight. Weight loss and healthy eating requires long term changes in several aspects of life.
Humans associate food with emotions, events, celebrations, stress, pregnancy, and reward. In order to prevent the abdominal spread, do something that is sustainable.
Humphrey asks people, “Are you really ready and are you in it for the long haul?” Remember, you only have one body and one life, so treat it well!
Fad diets can have long term, systemic consequences, as well.
Humphrey pointed out that people should know that these radical changes mess up hormone levels, cause adrenal fatigue, create blood sugar problems, skin issues, digestive issues, and affects their self-esteem.
How someone feels really determines the quality of their life. It affects their relationships, job, performance and emotions, usually for the worst.
For those looking to be pro-active, Humphrey suggests focusing on exercise, food and lifestyle changes. Start small and then work your way up. She encourages her clients and followers to do something that feels fun, whether it is belly dancing, hiking, or kickboxing, find your exercise passion and stick with it.
Humphrey wants people to ask themselves, “Where am I making decisions that don’t serve me? Am I skipping meals or binging at meals or both?” She also would like people to consider different ways to eliminate or alleviate stress such as meditation or deep breathing, and finding joy in life.
Lastly, Humphrey offers this advice. “Choose never to diet again and instead, live life and get healthy on your own terms!”
Sources:
Katie Humphrey, lifestyle expert
http://www.katiehumphrey.com
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Overweight and Obesity.
Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/facts.html
Kelland, K. (2014). Fad Diets Can Work, But Experts Find No Magic Slimming Bullet.
Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/818999
Reviewed September 26, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith