The 100-Calorie Secret - Never Diet Again!

Why Are Fad Diets Useless for Weight Loss and What  Do You Need to Look For?
What Are The Warning Flags?  Why Is It Important Not to Get Distracted?

In part 3 of the 5 part series on What is the Best Diet for 2009? The false hope and distractions of all of the fad diets are reviewed.

The fad diets continue to be popular this year:

They appeal to the struggling dieter because they guarantee fast weight-loss and “improved health.”  Why do some people- usually those with 15 lbs. to lose- appear to have some success?

• Fad diets use gimmicks which in the end add up to restricting calories.
• None of the fad diets  are nutritionally-balanced
• Fad diets are all  difficult to follow, and impossible to do for a lifetime.
• When the fad diet ends, old habits return.
• Fad diets often make crazy, unreasonable weight loss claims.
• Fad diets appear credible when they add a few facts,  numbers and a gallery of pictures

For Some Fun:Fat Diets Revealed

Brunilda Nazario, MD describes the "red flags" that that warn you about the wrong diet in MedicineNet.

The American Dietetic Association defines a food fad as “an unreasonable or exaggerated belief that eating (or not eating) specific foods, nutrient supplements or groups  of certain foods may cure disease, convey special health benefits or offer quick weight loss.”

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.
• Be especially wary if a quick fix is offered.
• Be wary of products that offer a guaranteed cure, money back deals, limited-time offers, 2 for 1 specials
• Watch out for products that describe certain foods as “good” or “bad.” All foods can fit into a healthful diet.
• The key is in how often some foods are eaten and portion size.
• Check to see if the source of the information, such as a book author, is also trying to sell a product.
• Does it recommend that you should avoid certain foods or food groups?
• Is it based  on science if it is backed up by a body of scientific research and not just one study.
• Does a scientific  or  professional organizations support the claims of the diet or product.
• Does it have a wide variety of  healthful foods from all food groups.
• Are there are dire warnings on the packages of food or supplement

Fad Diets Through The Years from the ADA in 2007

For Some Fun:Fat Diets Revealed