Fad Diets, as their name implies, are short-term quick fixes that actually set many dieters up for weight-loss failure. They promise rapid weight loss often with little or no responsibility on the dieters part. Fad diets often lack variety, omit essential nutrients needed for health and label certain foods as bad or foods to avoid. Some fad diets attribute almost magical qualities to certain supplement, or products..

The American Dietetic Association defines food fads as unreasonable or exaggerated beliefs that eating (or not eating) specific foods, nutrient supplements or combinations of certain foods may cure disease, convey special health benefits or offer quick weight loss.

Acai Berry Diet Atkins Diet 3 Day Diet Zone Diet Grapefruit Diet Hollywood Diet Cabbage Soup Diet Apple Cider Vinegar Diet

Rarely achieve long term goals. Missing or low in nutrients needed for good health. Can even be considered harmful to people with certain health problems.

Rapid Weight Loss Don't provide adequate nutrients. Quantities and Limitations Rigid Menus No Need to Exercise Lack variety

No super food or diet can reverse weight gain in the long run. The best path is a lifelong combination of eating smarter and moving more. People usually dont stick with them.

Guaranteed cure/limited-time offers Quick Fix Insufficient research Lists of "good" and "bad" foods Unreliable Recommendations. Eliminates one or more of the five food groups.

Increased risk of chronic disease Reduced athletic performance Kidney stones and gout Ketosis Diets Slow Your Metabolism

The American Dietetic Association says the most effective long-term way to achieve a healthful lifestyle is to be 100% Fad Free. You can lose weight on virtually any diet, said registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Roberta Anding. If you eat less, you will lose weight. The question is, can you maintain a healthy lifestyle over the long term – your life? The real key to reaching long-term goals is to focus on your overall health.

Develop an eating plan for lifelong health. Choose foods sensibly by looking at the big picture. Learn how to spot a food fad. Find your balance between food and physical activity. Food and nutrition misinformation can have harmful effects on your health and well-being.

Guided by the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, we can establish healthy lifestyles with great taste and variety. Visit mypyramid.gov