Fad Diets That Have Underlying Health Risks

Weight loss is certainly a journey that doesn’t just end when you reach your goal — maintaining it is essential. Many people are still searching for the most effective diet regimen to retain their weight. Sometimes it can be discouraging, especially if you think that you have already tried everything. But you have to remember that losing weight takes a lot of patience. It’s best to stick to what’s healthy rather than a diet that “promises” to give you results after a week or month.

Influencers have introduced and advertised various diet methods in this social media generation. However appealing, most of those diet regimens shouldn’t be too glorified. Most of what you find online is called fad diets. Incorporating a fad diet into your lifestyle might put your body at risk, as it’s not sustainable. It may make things fast, but your body will not receive the proper amount of nutrients it requires. Quick and easy isn’t always the way — your body shouldn’t change for the worse.

You might have encountered these fad diets on social media. If you have, think twice and do proper research before trying it out. Your body will thank you later if you avoid the following diet methods.

Keto Diet

The Ketogenic diet is also called the low-carb diet. A person’s body goes through the process of ketosis while doing this diet. Ketosis converts protein and fat to energy when the body runs out of fuel. The process leads to weight loss after three to six months. However fast, your body will become stressed with the sudden changes. According to professionals, keto diets are unrealistic, and products are costly. Incorporating it into one’s lifestyle does not promote sustainability.

Downside:

• Keto Flu
• May stress kidneys
• Digestive Issues
• Nutrient Deficiencies
• Low Blood Sugar
• Damages Bone Health
• Increases Risk of Chronic Diseases

Detox Diet

Eliminating toxins from your body sounds great and effective; however, it’s not as good as it sounds. To flush out toxins, you can try various methods of detox — examples are fasting or drinking liquids only. Other people only allow themselves to eat fruits and vegetables to achieve their weight goal. It might be advertised as a healthy method since it’s a “detox,” but it’s not a sustainable diet. You can only resort to a detox diet for a short time — specifically when you just need to shed a few pounds for any particular event in your life.

Downside

• Fatigue
• Low Blood Sugar
• Muscle Aches
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Acidity
• Headaches

Raw Food Diet

Your diet will mostly contain unprocessed and plant-based foods on this diet. Raw food is a bit similar to a vegan diet — especially if you only consume plant-based foods and exclude animal products. You can also opt for eating plant-based foods with the inclusion of raw eggs and unprocessed dairy products. Another type of raw food diet is the omnivorous diet, which will allow you to consume plant-based foods and raw animal products. The diet is beneficial, as you’ll eat fewer processed foods, have better nutrient intake, promote weight loss, and help retain enzymes in food. Also, you’ll have more energy, clearer skin, and improved digestion.

Downside

• Uncooked animal products, such as chicken meat, egg, unpasteurized milk, and shellfish, can cause food poisoning.
• Raw vegetables may contain harmful bacteria.
• Cooking helps release more nutrients.
• Digestive issues may occur.
• Promotes weight loss but not in a healthy way.

Gluten-Free Diet

Excluding foods with gluten will be the main focus of your diet — specifically wheat and rye. Although recommended by other people, a gluten-free diet is actually made for people diagnosed with celiac disease. People without the disease have been trying this diet, as it relieves digestive problems, boosts energy, and is an effective weight loss aid.

Downside

• Nutrient deficiency: fiber, iron, calcium, zinc, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, and vitamin D
• Constipation
• Not budget-friendly

A Diet for a Healthy and Sustainable Life

Before you change your lifestyle, you should take your time to know your body first and do some research. Do not go for the shortcut — choose to be healthy most naturally. Your old jeans might fit again, but your body will suffer in the coming months. Lose weight for the good of your body and not the approval of those who created an unrealistic beauty standard.

It’s better to consult a dietitian for expert advice on how to lose weight most safely. Through this, you’ll better understand why a particular method does not work for you. Those professionals will also help you be aware of the foods and conditions that hinder you from shedding weight.