For most people “diet” has a negative association that makes you think of deprivation, limitation, guilt, struggle, and confusion. In reality “diet” is defined as “what a person or animal eats.” So you could eat nothing but chocolate (yea!) and that would still be your diet. Essentially YOUR DIET is what YOU EAT. The “mania” occurs due to manic cycles of restricting and binging depending upon the current diet trend. One day we love something, the next it’s killing us, then we discover the new best thing since sliced bread (AKA public enemy #1 these days). This roller coaster can wreck havoc on your body. The ups and downs of fad diets create turmoil for so many systems that are working overtime to maintain balance. And, how many people lose 15 pounds on the new trending fad diet only to gain back 20? Way more than the number that keep it off! I’ve outlined the problem, what’s the solution? 

Recognize fad diets—here are some clues:

• One food (or food group) is considered superior to others
• One food (or food group) is considered inferior to others
• Lots of eating rules & restrictions
• Promises rapid weight loss
• Costs something (specific food, book, program, equipment, supplements, etc.)

Avoid fad diets and just eat your “DIET’ (what YOU eat)—here are a few suggestions:

• Eat foods that help your body to feel nourished and satisfied
• Practice mindfulness, flexibility, and balance as often as possible
• If you have a chronic condition or just want some personal nutrition advice find an anti-diet dietitian (me!) to help you develop the resources and habits to support your actual diet!

Ultimately the message I am trying to send is take care of yourself by recognizing when a trend has the potential to cause turmoil, or even harm, and put self care first.