Myth Busters Guide to Fad Diets Ryan Summerford SPH Nutrition Student
Fad Diets Composition of Food Carbohydrates: Fruits, pasta, bread, rice, vegetables Glycemic Index Diets: Dr. Phil, Atkins The Zone, South Beach Weight Watchers, Raw Foods
Dr. Phil Concept: Permanent weight maintenance through behavior change. Strategy: Seven Keys to weight loss centered around CONTROL! Objective: Realistic and Measurable Goals Weakness: Outdated nutritional information Complex emotional issues through simple solutions.
The “New” Atkins Diet Concept: Alter the body’s metabolism to burn fat while building muscle mass. Strategy: Restricts carbs with focus on protein. Vitamin/ mineral supplementation. Weakness: Initial phase: only 20g CHO per day.
THE ZONE Concept: Balanced nutritional approach. DIET: 40% Carbohydrates 30% Fat 30% Protein Objective: Allows body to reach physical peak Weakness: Complicated calories computations and portion measurements.
South Beach Phase One: Ban most carbohydrates (fruit, bread, rice, pasta) Normal portion (meat, poultry, shellfish, eggs, nuts) 8-13lb weight loss in 2 weeks. Phase Two: “good” carbohydrates based on Glycemic Index. Maintain until goal weight is achieved (1-2 lbs/ wk). Phase Three: Moderation in food choices WEAKNESS: Potentially Dangerous Accelerated Weight loss in first phase.
Weight Watchers Concept: Point system calculates the amount of calories you can eat without gaining weight. Maintenance: Weekly support groups, on- line resources. Positive: Give extra points for physical activity! Weakness: Limits food intake which could lead to vitamin/ mineral deficiencies.
RAW FOODS Concept: Cooked foods lose natural vitamins and enzymes needed for a strong immune system. Positive: Raw foods are high in fiber, while low in total fat and saturated fat. Weakness: Restriction of nutrients. Eliminates animal products. Could lead to deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D
THE FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID Food Group 1600 kcal 2200 kcal 2800 kcal Grains6611 Vegetables345 Fruit234 Dairy333 Protein223
Resources American Dietetic Association USDA 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans National Cattleman’s Beef Association