Originally published February 15 2006
Trendy dieting often leaves consumers without a long-term health plan
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Marianne Carter, director of the University of Delaware's Wellness Center, warns about the emptiness of fad diets, which often focus on short-term lifestyle changes.
The books sell, the authors profit, and when the diets don't work, many people blame themselves rather than the dieting programs.
Most fad diets are doomed to fail.
Programs that don't focus on teaching you how to change your eating habits will only work for the short term.
Then you return to your old habits and regain the lost weight.
Diets that restrict certain foods or food groups oftentimes result in feelings of deprivation.
How long can someone go without enjoying their favorite food?
Obviously, these types of programs aren't designed for long-term use or success.
Healthy eating consists of real foods you enjoy in appropriate proportions.
In the book "Walking Off Weight," author Robert Sweetgall suggests taking a "Diet-Detoxification Walk."
During a short walk, recall diets that have failed and work toward freeing yourself of future tendencies to "diet."
Another inherent flaw in most fad diets is the lack of accurate information about proper nutrition and healthy eating.
It's not surprising that Americans are confused.
Since nutrition isn't a required subject in school, most of our knowledge about weight loss comes from fad diet books and television infomercials.
Registered dietitian Jane Kirby has recently come out with a new edition of "Dieting for Dummies."
The book offers weight-loss and exercise strategies that are practical and easily adaptable.
"The Way to Eat," by Dr. David Katz, supports three goals -- overall good health, weight control and the enjoyment of food.
And the American Heart Association's "No-Fad Diet: A Personal Plan for Healthy Weight Loss" provides practical, healthy weight-loss tips.
Reliable nutrition information provides nourishment for the mind and is a great place to start when you're trying to lose weight.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml