by Eliana Lakritz MS RD LDN, Clinical Dietitian Baystate Noble Hospital 
Fad diets, including (but not limited to) the Paleo, Atkins, Ketogenic diets, “cleanses” and shake-based programs, have become much more prevalent within the past few years. Some people even try out non-FDA approved pills, creams and procedures. The growth in popularity of weight loss fads is not surprising given the amount of misinformation and false promises out there from so called “experts” in nutrition. Consumers get sucked in by diet ads promising rapid weight loss with minimal effort. Despite what you may hear, there are no magical foods/drinks that can burn fat overnight. There are no pills or machines that give you abs while you watch TV. The fact of the matter is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Many fad diets show results simply because they limit an entire food group, provide only “approved” foods, or emphasize a few particular foods (think cabbage soup and citrus). Calorie-restricted meal plans include rigid guidelines and repetitive food cycles, allowing for minimal flexibility outside of the diet. When you eliminate high calorie foods that you eat often and rely on daily, you are undoubtedly going to be reducing your overall calorie intake. Reducing calories is what weight loss is all about, so its no surprise that over-restriction yields results. However, what happens when you no longer follow the fad diet/program? What do you do when you go out to eat for a friend’s birthday and can’t have that diet shake? How do you tackle Thanksgiving dinner? Where do you turn when the program gets too expensive? When people stop these diets or programs, most usually re-gain any weight they have lost. Some may even experience dangerous side effects from non-FDA regulated products or nutrient deficiencies.
The truth is that without building a foundation of skills and understanding of healthy eating, diets cannot be long-term and weight loss cannot be maintained. The best long-term solution is to learn how to eat healthy without dependence on a product or program. Along with a regular exercise regimen, emphasis on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains remains the most practical and maintainable option.
If you are interested in learning more about nutrition counseling sessions with a registered dietitian at Baystate Noble Hospital, please call 413-568-2811 ex: 5671 for more information.
