From “wonder” grains that promise to help you lose calories to “micro-nutrient shakes” that fulfills every nutritional requirement of your body, there seems to be a new diet fad every few weeks, each promising a healthier, fitter, slimmer you. Among the latest crazes is the “breast milk” diet — and it is not for babies! While being health conscious is definitely a good thing, there’s such a thing as being over-reliant on fads which don’t necessarily translate into fab health for you. So how do you decide what’s worth following, and what isn’t?
Nutritionist Khushboo Sahijwani Matta says that you can recognise a fad diet if it promises the following things: Quick weight loss, through a method that seems too good to be true, without any diet/exercise/lifestyle changes. Another characteristic, according to Khushboo, is when the diet is advertised using personal testimonials rather than being verified with scientific evidence. “The most common examples of fad diets that we all know are Atkins, Mediterranean Diet, Pritkins, Grapefruit Diet, Zone Diet, Cabbage Soup Diet, Detox Diet, Blood Type Diet, Liquid Diet, the GM Diet and many more,” says Khushboo. “When we say “fad diet” what is being referred to is a restricted eating plan that is low not only in calories but also in nutrition. And it can lead to several health hazards like osteoporosis, kidney failure, insomnia, dehydration, loss of muscle mass, reduced endurance and lowered immunity to name just a few.”
While some fad diets offer dramatic results in a short span of time, the result is usually not sustainable over the long term. Nutritionist Karishma Chawla of Eat Rite 24x7 says that fad diets are generic and do not consider individual factors. “Any nutrition plan is a lifestyle disciplinary action that helps you feel better and enhance the quality of your life, not like a fad diet that is short lived which can be detrimental to health,” she points out, before offering a few quick dos and don’ts: “Know your goal, meet an expert, clarify doubts and do not follow a diet simply because it is in the news or a friend is following it”.
Instead of imposing mindless restrictions on your diet, you may want to pay close attention to what you’re eating, and why you’re eating it, says Tripti Gupta, lifestyle nutrition consultant, Ipink. “Always analyse for a second, the food you’re about to put in your mouth,” Tripti advises. “Ask why this is healthy for you, what are the ingredients present and what nutrient may be missing. Listen to your body if your body reacts with flatulence, bloating, indigestion, then stop consuming that particular food immediately. Most importantly, stay aware research, discuss and share your plan with professionals.”
Experts say that classic term “a balanced diet” is irreplaceable. “You need to fine-tune your diet, not restrict your food consumption completely,” concludes Richa Anand, the chief dietician at the Dr L.H. Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai. “Your body knows best. Listen to it when it tells you to stop indulging.”
