When it comes to dieting and wanting to look their best, most people usually have the same goal: to achieve the optimal result in the shortest and easiest manner possible. With this target in mind many turn to dieting, and more often than not follow a fashionable programme or cleanse thinking this is the best option. From a proper nutritional standpoint, we call these programmes ‘fad diets.’

Fad diets make you lose weight quickly, yes, but not without a price. Fad diets prevent you from benefiting from nutrients, make you lose weight in the wrong way, decrease your athletic performance, can make you feel tired and unfocused, and put your body in starvation mode leading to undesirable physiological results that can do more damage than good.

Famous examples of fad diets that prescribe an almost complete lack of carbohydrates or complete lack of fats can result in slowed down metabolism, digestive failures, decreased energy levels, and changes to body odour.

 

THE MYTHS YOU SHOULDN’T BELIEVE

 

Limiting food choices

Consuming the same kind of food in any quantity and limiting others for days or weeks prevents your body from receiving and benefiting from important nutrients. Substituting multivitamins for the foods you avoid because of the diet is neither sufficient nor healthy.

Carbs and fats are the enemy

Both carbohydrates and fats are essential components of your physiology. Carbohydrates are an essential source of energy for your body, and the fibres found within are essential for your bodyā€™s digestive health and metabolism. Furthermore, distinctions need to be made between simple carbs and complex carbs. Similarly, fats can be divided into healthy and unhealthy. Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely beneficial, for example.

Quick solutions are guaranteed

Quick solutions aren’t smart solutions. You might lose weight, but it’ll probably be in the form of muscle loss, and when you do regain the weight, it’ll probably be in the form of fats. Instead, you should make sure you get a nutrient-dense plan that allows you to reach your target in a healthy and sustainable manner, which will ensure you don’t revert back to the way you were again.

The stricter the plan, the better

The stricter the plan, the faster the results. At the same time though, the stricter the plan, the less likely you’ll follow it. If the plan is too strict for you, it most likely

wonā€™t work. When selecting a programme, try following one that doesn’t make too many radical changes to your lifestyle, so that it won’t be a shock to your system.

You don’t need to exercise

Physical activity is crucial for your health and physique. Alongside a balanced diet, aim to exercise 3-4 times a week doing something you enjoy. Swim, cycle, run, walk, dance, do anything… Just move!

It’s too difficult

The biggest myth of all. Eating healthy food requires effort and commitment, but it is doable. You’ll be able to treat yourself every once in a while; one cheat meal won’t make you fat, just like one salad won’t make you thin. There are an unlimited number of success stories you can take inspiration from, and in the end the results will speak for themselves!

FORGET THE FADS, FOCUS ON NUTRITION

At the end of the day, the road to improvement is about dedication. There is no magic diet or cleanse that will burn fat instantly or alter your genes, and there is no substitute to eating clean, balanced, healthy meals. Fad diets may be popular and might bring about short term results, but they do so at the expense of your long term wellbeing.Ā  Your health and performance are more important than the way you might look on the seventh day of a diet that most probably won’t last a week.

Whatever your Aim is, it is absolutely attainable, especially with a balanced nutrition plan that supports your goal. Fad diets don’t work because they presume that one diet can be effective on all persons, regardless of their differences in physique, metabolism, body composition, size, health, age, and gender. It is important to have a nutrition plan tailored to your needs and characteristics.

Dedicating yourself to your goal and working towards it are the keys to a better lifestyle. Donā€™t take your health and physique for granted, and remember that the smart way is not the easy and quick way.

Nada Nouh

a certified Sports Performance Nutritionist with THE TRI FACTORY