Let's talk about fad diets
Please stop wasting your time and money looking for the next quick fix.
YOU are unique. An incredible unique individual. With your own unique set of wants and needs.
And despite what fad diets would lead you to believe - one size does NOT fill all.
A #faddiet is usually pretty easy to start with, then gets harder over time and is very difficult to sustain. So is this really the best option for you long term? Is this something you can sustain for the rest of your life?
Importantly - This is not you 'failing' the diet. It is the diet failing you.
Most fad diets offer quick fixes and are often based around eliminating foods and food groups. Quite often they also use buzz words like “detox” and “cleanse” and “reset”. Often, they also promote pseudoscience and false claims and promises.
Developing a healthy mindset and relationship with food for the long term is SO much harder. There is no ‘plan’, pill, shake or bar that can do this for you.
Most concerningly, fad diets can be dangerous. Both physically and mentally.
Here are the facts:
- There is no need to completely eliminate any foods or whole food groups (unless previously advised by your qualified health professional of course).
- You do not need to eat particular foods to “detox” your body, we already have incredible organs to do this for us like our liver and kidneys.
- It is not possible to “cleanse” your body, or “reset” your digestive system (Imagine all the diseases and conditions we would be able to rid of IF this concept was actually possible!).
Next time you come across the latest fad diet I would also love you to ask yourself
“Is this something I can do for the rest of my life?”
OR
“Is it something I can afford or sustain for the rest of my life?”
The answer to these questions should help you next time you catch yourself questioning something you’ve heard online, from a family member, friend or Susan at work. You and your health deserve so much more than this.
I hope you found this article helpful - You may also enjoy my blog about eating every two hours, and this one about fearing dessert.
Is there a topic you'd like to see me write about? Let me know!
written for you by
Melissa Eaton
A university qualified Dietitian, Nutritionist (MNutDiet, BSc ANutr.), PhD student, and former teacher from Sydney, Australia.
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