1. FAD DIETS
Lisa Green
1st Period

2. What is it?
Fad dieting is a popular trend, but it is not a healthy way to lose weight.
What is a fad diet?
“A fad diet is a weight loss plan or aid that promises dramatic results. These diets typically don't result in long-term weight loss and they are usually not very healthy. In fact, some of these diets can actually be dangerous to your health” (“Nutrition for Weight Loss”).

3. Types of Fad Diets Diet Type Some Examples Controlled Carbohydrates
Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution
The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet
Protein Power
Sugar Busters
The Zone
High Carbohydrate/Low Fat
Dr. Dean Ornish: Eat More, Weigh Less
The Good Carbohydrate Revolution
The Pritikin Principle
Controlled Portion Sizes
Dr. Shapiro's Picture Perfect Weight Loss
Volumetrics Weight-Control Plan
Food Combining
Fit for Life
Suzanne Somers' Somersizing
Liquid Diets
Cambridge Diet
Slim-Fast
Diet Pills/Herbal Remedies
Dexatrim Natural
Hydroxycut
Metabolife 356 (“Nutrition for Weight Loss”).

4. How to Recognize Fad Diets
As a general rule, steer clear of diets or diet products that do any of the following:
Claim to help you lose weight very quickly (more than 1 or 2 pounds per week). Remember, it took time for you to gain unwanted weight and it will take time to lose it.
Promise that you can lose weight and keep it off without giving up "fatty" foods or exercising on a regular basis. If a diet plan or product sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Base claims on "before and after" photos.
Offer testimonials from clients or "experts" in weight loss, science or nutrition. Remember that these people are probably being paid to advertise the diet plan or product.
Draw simple conclusions from complex medical research.
Limit your food choices and don't encourage you to get balanced nutrition by eating a variety of foods.
Require you to spend a lot of money on things like seminars, pills or prepackaged meals in order for the plan to work (“Nutrition for Weight Loss”).

5. Alternatives to Fad Dieting
The best way to lose weight is not a diet. A combination of eating food you like, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle are the key (Dansinger).

6. More Alternatives
“Losing weight is as simple as it is difficult. To lose weight you need to eat less calories than you burn. Increase your activity level and decrease the amount of calories you consume and you will lose weight” (“Information about Fad Diets”).

7. Works Cited
Dansinger, Michael. “Losing Weight Without Fad Diets.” WebMD. WebMD, LLC, Web. 18 Nov
“Information about Fad Diets.” 30 Ways to Lose the Same 5 Pounds. Faddiet.com, Web. 18 Nov
“Nutrition for Weight Loss: What You Need to Know About Fad Diets.” Familydoctor.org. American Academy of Family Physicians, Dec Web. 18 Nov