The Diet Is Dead

This year, don’t diet. Instead, focus on nutrition and energy.

Fad diets fail over the long run and can actually be unhealthy. Yet, 108 million Americans are currently on a diet and will make four or five attempts this year to lose weight with a fad diet.

Stop the cycle. Learn how to spot a fad diet and avoid them.

How To Spot a Fad Diet

Often, the weight loss industry makes promises that seem too good to be true. In the end, ask yourself, "Are these food choices sustainable over time?" If not, it’s a fad diet.

Here are other tips for spotting a fad diet:

• Promises fast weight loss with minimal effort.
• Limits food choice and discourages balanced nutrition from a variety of healthy foods.
• Restricts specific food groups.
• Requires the purchase of meal plans, packaged meals, supplements or pills.

If you’re not sure if a diet is healthy, ask your primary care provider or a registered dietitian.

How To Focus on Nutrition

Good nutrition is the key to weight loss, better health and more energy. Choosing real food and daily activity is the best way to achieve long-term, long-lasting weight loss. Remember, a fad may seem like a quick fix, but it will not lead to long-lasting weight loss.

Use these tips to help you improve your nutrition:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Don’t skip meals
• Avoid sugary drinks
• Cut out unnecessary condiments or toppings

In order to achieve the weight loss you want, it’s important to set realistic short- and long-term goals. Talk with your doctor about setting goals.

Weight Loss Is More than a Number on a Scale

At times, it may feel like your goal weight is unachievable. But remember, you also want a lasting change in your health. This will take time.

Fortunately, better nutrition has many benefits even if you don’t see the numbers on the scale changing as quickly as you would like:

• Clothes become baggy or loose
• More energy
• Better sleep
• Lower cholesterol

You have an overall feeling of better health when you eat real food. So, during those times when you aren’t feeling motivated or you are frustrated over a few slip-ups, keep in mind all the positive changes you are making.

If you’re ready to cut the diet and focus on nutrition, talk to your primary care doctor or call 800-777-7775.