What Are 3 Dangers We Should Look for in a Diet?
When it comes to following a new diet, it’s important to make sure that it’s not causing your body more harm than good. From the keto diet to intermittent fasting, there are dangers to being too restrictive with what you eat. Here are 3 dangers to look for in a fad diet:
1. Poor nutrition
Some diets are very restrictive, eliminating entire food groups that your body needs for proper fuel. For example, a diet that eliminates dairy and soy products may cause you to be deficient in calcium and protein. Other diets that restrict intake of beans and whole grains may be depriving you of essential vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. As a result, you can lose your muscle mass and bone mass.
2. Digestive issues
While following a low-carb or keto diet may help you lose weight, cutting down your carb intake may mean that you are also restricting the amount of fiber you are eating each day. Fiber is essential for the healthy functioning of your gut, and not eating enough foods that contain fiber could make you feel constipated, bloated, and generally unwell.
3. Low energy
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. So while it’s good to ditch the refined flours and high-sugar foods, it’s important not to cut out healthy cars found in whole grains and fruits, since these give you the fuel you need to perform at your best. Restricting your carb intake too much could lead to fatigue, sleepiness, and even slow down your metabolism in the long run.
How to choose the best diet plan for yourself
With so many different types of diets and so much information readily available about the best ways to lose weight or boost health, keep in mind that not all diets will suit all people. In order to find a diet plan that works for you, ask yourself the following questions:
- What goal do you want to achieve with the diet?
- Will you be able to stick to the diet for a long time?
- Will the diet make you happy or stressed?
- Will the diet suit your lifestyle?
- Do you have medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease?
Which diet plan works for most people?
According to multiple studies, the Mediterranean diet and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet appear to be the safest and most sustainable diet for most people:
- The Mediterranean diet improves health, can be followed for a long time, and is not restrictive. It has been consistent in grabbing the top position in the US News & World Report rankings.
- The DASH diet is best for most people with hypertension (high blood pressure). It involves eating foods low in sodium and having plenty of fruits and vegetables. Similar to the Mediterranean diet, this diet has been consistent in ranking high in the best diet category of the US News & World Report.
Everyone’s body is different, and not all types of diet will work on everyone. Before you pick a diet plan, do the research and speak to a licensed dietitian to make sure you understand how the diet will affect your body.