Fad Diets

What is a fad diet? Promotes weight loss by a means other than calorie restriction Pseudo-scientific, meaning no scientific proof that it works Short term solution to a long term problem (unhealthy lifestyle)

How do fad diets work? One of Three Possible Ways: Health effects of a food or food group are exaggerated, ex: the cure to a disease, and should be the main part of an individuals diet Foods are eliminated from a individuals diet because they are thought to be harmful, ex: carbs Emphasis is placed on eating specific foods to express a particular lifestyle, ex: raw diet

Positives & Negatives of Fad Diets Positives + lose weight fast + little work involved: quick fix + no working out required Negatives menu is repetitive menu lacks adequate nutrition short term solution leads to yo-yo dieting weight cycling may lead to obesity

Types of Fad Diets Atkins Diet South Beach Diet Cabbage Soup Diet Grapefruit Diet Macrobiotic Vegan diet Nutrisystem

Atkins Diet What is the Atkins Diet? Low carb diet, which eliminates refined carbs like sugar, flour and corn syrup How does it work? Body burns carbs first, if no carbs available insulin drops and body will burn fat instead (process is called ketosis) Why people like it Feel full and satisfied, eat a lot of protein and fat including steak and butter Negative Effects Aside from reasons listed on other slide, may increase cholesterol, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia of the heart, osteoporosis and kidney stones

Vegan diet What is the vegan diet? All fish, poultry, meat, and animal products and animal by-products are eliminated from the diet Animal products include eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, wool, cosmetics and soaps derived from animal products. How does it work? Vegan diets are free of cholesterol and generally low in saturated fat Vegans have significantly lower caloric intake Acts as a sort of cleanse from processed meats and foods

Vegan diet Why people like it health, environmental, and/or ethical reasons some people avoid eggs or meat because of conditions associated with their production Negative Effects Intense cravings for animal products Risk being hungry all the time, nerve damage, decreased mental clarity, libido, hormone imbalances, muscle tone decline, fitness performance decline, weight gain, weight loss, colds, brittle nails

Diets that work Diets that work are those that are designed for the long term A whole new lifestyle Maintained daily, for the rest of your life (not just a few weeks or a few months) You should not become sick or weak while on the diet

6 essential nutrients Essential nutrient Why we need it source carbohydrates Energy for brain Fruit, bread, grains, sugars, starchy veg protein Building and repairing muscles and cells. Some proteins that we need, our bodies cannot make Meat, dairy, beans, eggs fat Increase absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, omega-3 fats are used in growth and development Fish, walnuts, vegetable-based oils, seeds, avocado

6 essential nutrients Essential nutrient Why we need it source vitamins Vit C is for collagen in blood vessels, bone, ligaments Vit D is for calcium homeostasis (nerve function, bone development) Vit C: citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers Vit D: natural sunlight, dark leafy greens minerals Sodium: Normal cell function Potassium: prevent rise in bp after sodium intake Sodium: table salt Potassium: bananas, potatoes, tomatoes

6 essential nutrients Essential nutrient Why we need it source water Maintains temperature, blood pressure & transports nutrients, removes waste products Beverages & high-moisture foods (e.g. soups and watermelons)