Is it a Good Diet or Not? What to Look Out for...

Well, how do you know if something is a good diet or not? Sadly, most people don’t know, which brings us to our problem…

Two-thirds of the country’s adult population is obese—that’s not good. (The news reports on TV with our over-weight citizens with no heads say it all…).

This startling statistic has made people so eager to lose weight that they will do just about anything to drop the pounds—FAST! But is fast the right way to go, AND what is the criteria for a good diet? Luckily, we have a dietitian who can put things into perspective and provide you tips on what you should look out for when it comes to choosing a good diet.

3. Scam: Double Digit Weight Loss in No Time at All

Desperation often leads to danger, and the same can be said about diets that promise you double-digit weight loss in a matter of days or a few weeks.

“You can lose ten pounds in one week, but you won’t be healthy,” says Christy Shatlock, MS/RD, and one of the lead dietitians for bistroMD.

Why the red flag? Rapid weight loss in a rapid amount of time basically depletes your body of so much nutrition that you may as well live your life as a shriveled up grape.

“You literally starve your body when you’re on a rapid weight loss plan,” says Joy. “Your body goes into starvation mode, and burns lean protein and muscle mass for energy—leaving you without any.”

Lesson learned: You’ll lose energy, still have fat, and your metabolism won’t work properly. A double-digit weight loss plan is not a good diet.

2. Scam: I Can Eat Whatever, I Just Need to Count my Calories

Don’t buy into the hype: losing weight is about more than just counting calories.

“If you want to lose weight, you need the right nutrition—without question,” says Christy.

Our bodies can be healthy with fewer calories, but only if we are eating foods with the right balance of nutrients.

“Just remember, if you don’t have an adequate balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, you’ll see the numbers go down on the scales, but you won’t lose fat, and you won’t be able to sustain a good diet plan,” says Christy.

Why? Simply because your body will continue to store fat because all you will be losing is water and muscle mass.

1. Scam: Fasting is Fine—I Don’t Have to Eat Anything to Lose Weight

Have you ever heard that the key to healthy survival is eating? Well, biology doesn’t lie!

Unfortunately, too many people become blinded by their desire to lose weight, and the thought of looking better in a bikini sounds more appealing than eating food.

“When we don’t feed our bodies, they will start feeding off themselves,” says Christy.

Why does this happen, you ask?

“Protein is essential, and it’s not a nutrient that our body naturally stores—we have to get it from food,” says Joy. “Without protein, our bodies will get nutrients from our muscles, causing us to lose muscle mass instead of body fat.”

Which is why so many people who choose to fast are always so tired—they aren’t getting needed energy from food.

1. Prev:Weight Loss Food: Does it Even Exist?
2. Next:How to Diet: Two Simple Approaches