Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Are Fad Diets Failing You Miserably?

By Samantha Putz

We look up to celebrities in this country " for their fame, their fashion sense and in many cases, their bodies. It's well known that some of the names which are household words to us are people who have a lot of pressure to keep looking their best at all times. They use fad diets and really every means to keep them presentable for the constant scrutiny they undergo. Low fat, low carbs, low calories and a lot of exercise " is this really a normal lifestyle? Always conscious of the next meal, their next workout and of course, the next weigh-in. It's exhausting and I should know " I've tried to live this way myself and I can tell you that it really didn't work. Why do all of these diets fail? Here is a little insight on why many of these fad diets fail miserably.

Carbohydrates are sugars and starches that provide your body and brain with fuel. In order for the body to survive and be in optimum health, you have to feed it carbs. According to the World Health Organization, a whopping 55-75% of your total caloric intake should be in the form of carbohydrates. Diets such as Atkins and the Zone starve your body of these important elements, causing rapid weight loss and nasty side effects such as fatigue, light headedness and hunger pangs. Although fat loss is successful during the first few weeks, how long can you stay on this road before you body crashes and burns? Eventually, you come to a fork in the road that forces you to choose between feeling good or feeling sick. If your too sick to enjoy life, what is the point of being thin?

Sugar and Starch are what fuels the body and the brain with much needed energy. Without these important carbohydrates, your body suffers from cumbersome symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and hunger pangs. Diets that herald eating low carb foods like Atkins and the Zone set you up for failure because as humans, we are not designed to live without carbs. Although initially, the weight loss is rapid, you're soon faced with unsurmountable cravings that lead you to the "junk" cupboard or the drive-thru at some fast food restaurant for a quick carb fix. The World Health Organization suggests our food intake comprise of at least 55-75% carbs. Anything lower and your body starts to react, leaving you feeling ill. Is this how you want to live the rest of your life?

Fat Free Diets are no better. After all, fat free means less fat on you. Not true, most of these foods are still loaded with sugar and sugar makes you fat, period. Don't be fooled by the "honey is better than sugar" theory either, they're both the same, just from a difference source. Opt for foods low in sugar rather than fat free. So, are diets a complete waste of time? They are if you have no clue how your body utilizes it's food and expends it's energy. If you want to lose weight, read up on different diets and chose one that suits your particular needs. Whatever you do, never give up and keep trying.

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