What if I were to write a column about losing fifty pounds in two weeks? Does it sound too good to be true? You’re right. Unreasonable or exaggerated claims that eating
(or not eating) specific foods, taking certain supplements, or eating odd combinations of foods will lead to rapid weight loss or cure diseases are usually signs of a fad diet. The American Dietetic Association has chosen “100% Fad Free” as the theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month celebration in March.
     Fad diets have been around for a long time. The first Low Carbohydrate Diet was actually promoted in 1825, and then resurrected in 1863, 1970, 1987, 1994 and 2001.
In 1830, Graham’s diet recommended frequent consumption of a special cracker…and Graham crackers were born. In 1903, Horace Fletcher preached “Fletcherizing” or chewing each bite of food 32 times as a weight control strategy.  The Cigarette Diet urged people to reach for a smoke instead of a sweet. Dr. Stoll invented the first liquid diet drink in 1930. Liquid protein drinks became popular again in 1970 but they lacked the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain health.
     There were several controversial fad diets through the years. The Drinking Man’s Diet promised you could eat what you love and wash it all down with booze. The Harvard School of Public Health declared this one “unhealthy.” The Sleeping Beauty Diet required the participant to be heavily sedated for several days in a row. In 1961, the FDA filed charges against the false claims of the Calories Don’t Count Diet. Other favorites that have come and gone and come back again are the Cabbage Soup Diet, the Grapefruit Diet, the Beverly Hills Diet, the Bananas and Skim Milk diet, and the juice diets.
     You get the general idea. Diets are something people resort to for a short period of time and then lose interest because they are boring or too restrictive usually regaining any weight they lost. “Diet” is truly a four-letter word for those who struggle with weight. This year, the 65,000 plus Registered Dietitians of the American Dietetic Association will be encouraging us to adopt a lifelong plan for better health with a balance of food and physical activity. One meal or dessert will not make or break your healthy eating plan. All foods can fit into the plan if eaten in moderation and in appropriate portions. The entire family should be able to eat the same healthy menus.
     Regular physical activity is important to overall health and fitness. Walking daily can help control weight and stress and improve heart and lung function among many other benefits. You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete. Any activity on a regular basis is better than sitting on the couch.
     New diets will come and go and cost more money and fail again. Be wary of anyone who promises miracle results with no effort or with secret formula supplements. Keep it simple. Eat and/or drink everything in moderation and get your body moving.