The Lure of Trending Diets

The Lure of Trending Diets

Don’t blindly follow the trending diet regime that resonates the most. Instead, choose balanced diets reflecting the Canadian and USA dietary guidelines.

How many diets have you tried in your lifetime? You may have even experienced some short-term results, and been convinced that it was the right path. Avoid the tempting allure of quick-fix fad diets. These trendy diets don’t factor in sustainability, enjoyment, expense and cost to your health in the long run. It's time we put an end to yo-yo dieting – the never-ending cycle of gaining/losing/gaining weight, and adopt a healthy eating pattern for life.

Why Are Fad Diets Trending?

Often, we jump on the diet regime that resonates the most with us, that follows what we believe in, and validates our way of thinking. For example, if you believe carbohydrates are the root of your problem, you look for a diet that is carbohydrate restricting. If you don’t particularly like eating breakfast, intermittent fasting may resonate with you.

Fad diets are one of the most confusing nutrition issues for consumers. They are often the major cause of Yo-Yo dieting, and they may even be detrimental to your health. While fad diets may offer quick fixes, they may come at a hidden cost. Some fad diets can wreak havoc on your health, raising the risk of heart disease, kidney damage, and even eating disorders.

What Do Experts Say?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the USDA, and Health Canada, recommends limiting food and beverages high in sugar, saturated fat and sodium. Consider a healthy eating pattern for life, versus a fad diet. It is important to focus on more whole food, plant-based nutrition, and less packaged and processed food.

Validated Facts About Diet Planning:

  • Focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods.
  • Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
  • Choose lean protein sources, such as fish, poultry, or beans.
  • Limit unhealthy fats, processed foods, and added sugar.
  • Make gradual changes to your diet and lifestyle.
  • Be patient and focus on long-term health, not just weight loss.

Your food choices may not necessarily be the best for you medically, or nutritionally. Remember that everyone’s needs may vary and it’s important to consult a health professional for personal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Popular Trends and Their Hidden Dangers

Fad diets are notorious for being shrouded in misinformation. To avoid falling victim to the hype, we’ve debunked some trending myths around these popular diet patterns.

#1 Keto

While protein can be used as energy, it is not the body’s preferred source. When you restrict carbs too much, the amount of consumed carbohydrates and fats will be insufficient. Your body will convert energy at the expense of tissue maintenance, growth, repair and immune function.

Advice: A healthy eating pattern includes between 20% – 35% of your total daily calories from fat.
Beware of saturated fat and trans fats.

#2 Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of fasting and eating.

The most common intermittent fasting is the 16:8 method (16 hours of fasting, 8 hours of eating) and the 5:2 method (eating normally for five days of the week, plus two non-consecutive days of severe calorie restriction, usually only 500-600 calories).

It is impossible to meet your body’s nutritional needs with 500 calories, or even a 1000 calories per day. Truthfully, intermittent fasting will zap your energy. Diets that promote semi-starvation can affect you physically and mentally (decreased concentration), causing irritability, cravings, and lack of energy. Also, going long periods between meals will make it harder to control your appetite and food choices.

Warning: Intermittent fasting is not suitable for everyone, such as individuals with certain medical conditions (i.e., Diabetes), pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with a history of disordered eating.

Advice: You should eat every 4-5 hours to sustain your energy levels and prevent food cravings.

#3 Detox Diets

Is a restrictive diet, where you replace almost all fruits, veggies, whole grains, and processed foods with liquid replacements like juices, smoothies, shakes, or even colon cleansers.

Some take it a step further with short periods of complete fasting, all in the name of "resetting" the body.

Warning: Detox Diets are considered pseudoscientific because there is no scientific evidence of any benefit. Juicing, shakes, smoothies and meal replacements should not replace real food at breakfast, lunch or supper. One may also experience serious side effects, ranging from fatigue, headaches, irritability, digestive problems, or even muscle loss.

Advice: It is important to nourish your body with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats for essential nutrients. Practice mindful eating & stay hydrated with regular exercise.

What Should You Do To Lose Weight?

Instead of fad trends, explore the proven approaches of the Mediterranean or Mind Diet ↗. These promote balanced, plant-based eating patterns, reflecting the recommendations of health experts in Canada and the USA. Nourish our body and mind with real, wholesome food. Break free from fad diets, and embrace a sustainable, balanced way of eating that fuels our lives for the long term.

Are you struggling with holiday weight gain? You are not alone. Seek support ↗ to develop a personalized nutrition plan and strategies to kick start your New Year’s resolution.

Did You Know?
Diets aren’t just for weight-loss, they may help you focus on improving your habits.
When you develop a healthy eating pattern, you will likely experience life-long physical and emotional health benefits.
“ Achieving My Goal is Possible “
Michelle Deschenes really made me feel like achieving my goals is possible. Michelle gave me lots of encouragement, information and tips. Her approach is not about deprivation, but more about finding a healthy balance, which I loved.
~ Maria B.
“ I am Excited to Work with ACE Nutrition “
Michelle Deschenes is a wealth of information about nutrition and health. Michelle provided me with helpful resources and information to help support my journey towards achieving my goal. I am excited to be working with her!
~ Diane N.
“ It is Fabulous “
I just signed up and completed the 6 lessons of the online course (Nutrition for Life) at my own pace on the weekend. It is fabulous! So much information on many levels.
~ Catherine B., College Instructor
“ Surprisingly Easy Weight Loss Process “
Michelle brings a wealth of information along with energy and enthusiasm in helping her clients achieve their goals. The best part for me has been how surprisingly easy the weight loss process has been after years of struggling on my own.
~ William K.
“ I Got the Energy I Needed “
As I approach retirement age many younger people ask me how I get my energy. Michelle has taught me good nutrition from real food to get the energy I need. Now I am so sick of hearing others say "I cannot eat these carbs", when I know better.
~ Linda U.
“ I Shed a Great Deal of Weight “
Michelle Deschenes helped me shed a great deal of weight. Encouraged me to cook more healthy foods and kept me motivated.
~ Sherri P.
“ I’ve had Great Success “
I’ve been working with Michelle for a few months now, with great success. You’ll achieve results, and learn food strategies that you will carry with you long after your program is complete.
~ Karen O.
“ Smart Choices Without Deprivation “
Michelle Deschenes gave me so much material to help me make smart choices without deprivation. I appreciate that she enjoys real food and being healthy.
~ Tina C.
“ ACE Nutrition is Always Encouraging “
Michelle Deschenes is always encouraging and teaching that with small steps I can reach my goals. I have learned that if I eat for nutrition and wellbeing, weight loss will follow. It is somewhat of a trust exercise: stop depriving yourself and eat well instead. Thanks for helping me.
~ Tanie S.