Fad Diet Dangers

Salma Hayek loved the juice cleanse. Joe Rogan sunk his teeth into a carnivore diet. Gwyneth Paltrow swore by copious amounts of Goats Milk.

Then there’s the eggs diet, the 5:2 diet, the cabbage soup diet, a range of ‘weight-loss’ shakes and more.  

Fad diets have been popular for years, and with more and more celebrities and influencers promoting their food choices through social media, a new wave of restrictive and dangerous programs have been marketed to the masses.

And whilst many believe that diets offer quick and effective results,  clinical nutritionist and founder of The Health Plate Tania Roberts has warned of the dangers and long-lasting effects a fad diet presents.

‘If you are on a restrictive diet without any guidance from a health care practitioner you could possibly end up with constipation, fatigue, anxiety, menstrual issues and long term problems such as poor immunity or nutritional deficiencies,’ Tania said. ‘When we lose weight quickly the body’s self-protection mode may increase your hunger cues and you may even store fat, as the brain thinks we are in a state of famine, and we might need those stores for survival.  The body is pretty amazing really, it is always trying to keep you alive even if you don’t like the method.’

People tend to give up on diets because they are restrictive, have very low-calories leaving them feeling deprived of food, or because they don’t suit the family environment. Tania said that yoyo dieting, also called weight cycling, people often gain more weight in the long run. 

‘Along with the weight loss you may be losing muscle as well due to protein intake not being sufficient,’ she said. ‘I like to encourage people to eat predominately whole foods where possible.  Is eating whole foods a diet? No, it’s just eating.’

Whilst dieting isn’t normally encouraged by health professionals, there are times people may be advised by their practitioner to eat better or lose weight for health and safety reasons.

Tania said the word diet often causes stress, as well as the term ‘clean eating’ which she believes is a strong marketing tool which often makes people feel bad if they eat anything that isn’t supposedly ‘clean.’ Marketing these diets on social media is particularly common, and something we all should be wary of.

‘Around spring, summer and Easter, social marketing really steps up and can target young teenagers, and people who aren’t feeling good about themselves,’ Tania said. ‘Whether we like it or not there are people out there who just want to make money off you.  Always look into credentials and be mindful of some sketchy reviews.  There are good programs run by experts in their field, but there is many to be cautious with.’

Tania said it was important to listen to and respect our bodies.

 ‘Our body is pretty amazing and capable of healing, giving life, loving, and can be pushed to physical extremes when needed.  We can learn to listen to our body.  Don’t ignore signs and symptoms such as bloating, constipation, indigestion, insomnia, constant hunger etc. this is our body communicating that something maybe a miss,’ she said.

She said anyone wanting support for weight loss or advice for nutrition, should seek the right professional. ‘I highly recommend looking to get assistance from somebody who takes into consideration your whole lifestyle not just the number on the scales.  For long term weight loss looking at sustainable methods usually involves more than just being in a calorie deficit.  When I see clients for weight loss I look at their medical history, diet and lifestyle choices, recent pathology, gut health and any current stressors.’

Tania offers free fifteen minute discovery appointment calls. You can contact her through her website www.thehealthplate.com.au and also Instagram @thehealthplate

Tania will be conducting a workshop at The Creative Wellness Studio in Trafalgar, Monday 26 August on ‘All Things Gut.  For more information, visit https://the-health-plate.simplecliniconline.com/workshop/all-things-gut