What do many fad diets have in common?

Fad diets have been around probably as long as people have been trying to lose weight. The eat this, not that approach is nothing new. But, what do many of these plans have in common? A closer look into the characteristics of fad diets might explain why they often fail. It might also give us a better understanding of which diets to avoid. Before you jump on board the latest diet craze, take some time to better acquaint yourself with the fad diet.

Restriction

Turn on the TV early in the morning and you're bound to come across a fad diet promising huge results. One thing you will notice with many of these plans is restriction. It might not always be presented in the form of restriction, but it's there. For example, a plan may allow you to eat all the vegetables you want and lose weight. What the hosts aren't telling you is that you have to give up everything else. Other plans put the information right out there and tell that you can lose weight by giving up a certain food group. Either way, restriction is the basis of many fad diets.

Hype

Have you ever noticed that plans that work over a long period of time aren't marketed in the same way as fad diets? Take Weight Watchers, for example. Granted they do have commercials, but the commercials explain the benefits without shouting at you. Now, look at one of the infomercials for a new fad diet. What do you notice? In many of these commercials, you'll notice a lot of shouting and unbelievable results. It may be someone shouting about losing 100 pounds in three months or how the plan allowed them to still eat high fat foods and lose weight. Regardless of the message, the information always comes with a big dose of hype.

Special Products

Fad diets also come with a price. In some cases, it's the purchase of a book that better explains the diet. In other cases, it's a large package of books, videos, pamphlets and other information to jump start your diet with the small price of $149. In other words, many of these fad diets require you to shell out money to get the information you need to lose weight. Many do offer a money back guarantee, but you must be prepared to jump through several hoops to get it and in some cases the companies have went bankrupt, meaning you'll never see your money again. However, not all weight loss plans that require a payment are fad diets. If in doubt, it helps to pay attention to the other characteristics of the plan.

Consequences

Fad diets should be considered carefully and you should speak to your doctor before beginning any weight loss program, even calorie counting. However, many fad diets prevent your body from getting the nutrients it needs to be healthy. There is no one super food that will provide all the nutrition you need. A healthy diet is based on incorporating foods from all the food groups. In other words, many fad diets can lead to vitamin deficiencies, which can lead to more serious health problems. If you find yourself wondering where you're going to get certain vitamins and minerals from, chances are the diet is not healthy.