What is a fad diet? Why are there so many different kinds of fad diets today?
 

As the name implies, a fad diet is one that comes and goes. Fad diets are often unsafe and have poor long-term success rates. These diets may omit food groups, allow only certain foods, and often lack necessary vitamins and minerals, all of which can cause health problems. People often follow fad diets because they want a quick and easy fix for weight loss. Once the fad diet is not being followed, many people will regain the weight lost because they did not learn about healthier food choices or correct portion sizes.
 

Any of the following should be a red flag for a fad diet:

• Recommendations that promise a quick fix.
• Claims that sound too good to be true.
• Simplistic conclusions drawn from a complex study.
• Recommendations based on a single study or testimonials.
• Dramatic statements that are refuted by reputable scientific organizations.
• Lists of "good" and "bad" foods.
• Recommendations made to help sell a product.
• Recommendations based on studies published without review by other researchers.
• Recommendations from studies that ignore differences among individuals or groups.
• Eliminating 1 or more of the 5 food groups.

In order to achieve desired weight loss goals, you must change your entire lifestyle. It will not be a quick-fix, but you will incorporate healthy habits that are sustainable forever. Slow and steady wins the race to achieve optimal health results.
 

Key Points to achieve optimal health:

• Learn about correct portion sizes here.
• Aim for half of your grains to be whole grains.
• Get at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day-fresh, frozen or canned.
• Don't drink your calories.
• Choose low-fat products.
• Aim for 150 minutes exercise per week (30 minutes 5 days/week).

 Adapted from WebMD