Things To Consider Before Jumping Into The Next Diet Fad

Diet fads come and go, and it can be as confusing as it is hard to keep track of. There is also conflicting information about a certain diet that makes it even more challenging. 

As diets rarely work, it is best to aim for long-term health gains rather than falling for a quick fix diet.

Listed below are some tips on what to look for before trying out a new diet.

(Photo: pixabay)

See More: How to Keep Dental Hygiene in Tip-Top Shape While Staying at Home Amid COVID-19

1. What does your body needs?

Different people have different calorie requirements, it is best to consult with a health care provider prior to engaging in a weight loss plan.

Although the average daily requirement for a moderately active adult is 2,500 kcals for men and 2,000 kcals for women, by creating a deficit of 500 calories a day from your normal eating plan, you will be able to reduce the energy intake in order to burn off more than you consume. 

According to nutritionist Kerry Torrens, the general guide is to aim for a fat loss of 1lb per week. It is highly recommended to keep a food diary in order to keep track of how much, what, and when you're eating and drinking.

2. Is it a balanced and nutritious meal?

Before considering any diet, check if it promotes eating mainly one type of food and forces you to eliminate a whole category of foods. As this kind of diet is unbalanced and difficult to maintain, it may also put you at risk for nutritional deficiencies. 

3. Can you sustain it long-term?

Making abrupt changes in your diet is usually not advisable as it is more tempting to go back to your usual diet. Making small changes one at a time is more likely to be successful.

It is important to evaluate how long you can stick to a diet you have chosen. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet should be a permanent part of your life and not a trend. You should know how to work the diet you've chosen into your lifestyle. It is best to plan a flexible schedule because if a plan is too rigid or prescriptive, it will be harder to sustain it in the long run. 

4. Is the diet scientifically sound?

Do your research prior to jumping into a new diet. It is best to go on a diet that is backed by scientific evidence and developed by credible organizations. By gaining an understanding of the background and qualifications of the person behind the diet, it will give you some indication of its legitimacy.

Not all diets are created equal, and even those developed by trained medical practitioners are not without their critics. If you are looking for guidance and reassurance that you have chosen the correct diet, you must consult a registered dietitian.

5. Is the final goal realistic?

Don't pressure yourself into not having a treat ever again, this would be unrealistic and setting yourself up for failure. Instead, think of minimizing the portion size or decrease how often you consume them. 

Diets that promise dramatic weight loss are less likely to deliver rapid weight-loss results. Aim to achieve a sensible weight, and avoid losing too much at once to prevent becoming underweight. 

More On: Keep Your Vata Dosha in Check To Achieve Equilibrium

Check out more news and information on Diet Trends on MD News Daily.