There is a set of characteristics that allow you to recognize a dangerous diet that can put your health at risk. Although their consequences have long been felt, some still follow them because they have not been able to identify the risks they pose.
It is true that they are very attractive because they promise to help you lose weight in a miraculous way; However, in most cases they lead to failure and cause unwanted reactions in the body.
Why is it important to avoid these diets?
Although many appear to be “harmless” and “effective,” produce nutritional deficiencies that increase the risk of disease. Moreover, almost always cause the “yo-yo” effect, which means that the person recovers the lost weight in a short time.
Signs to recognize a dangerous diet
Misconceptions about food are the reasons many fail to recognize a dangerous diet. Associating the term ‘diet’ with regimes of days or weeks is what prevents us from understanding the importance of nutrition.
So that, It should be clarified at this point that a good diet is not valid for a certain period of time. In order for its effects to be permanent on your health and weight, eating healthy is an irreplaceable habit within your lifestyle.
Therefore, if the goal is to improve nutrition and take care of the figure, you need knowledge to spot those ‘miraculous’ food plans that help little or nothing.
Below we want to share some key signals that everyone should keep in mind from now on.
1. They limit nutritional groups
All essential nutrients play an important role in body functions. Therefore, when adopting a diet that suggests stopping the intake of foods belonging to one of the nutritional groups, you’re increasing your risk of unwanted side reactions.
They seem to give good results at first, as you lose a significant amount of weight within a few weeks. However, causing deficiency of any of the macro or micronutrients, metabolism is disturbed and diseases develop. An example is vitamin D deficiency which they demonstrated increase the incidence of complex pathologies.
2. They promise rapid weight loss
When people adopt a healthy diet they can lose between 0.5 and 1 kilo per week. Instead, “miracle” diets offer to lose 5 or more pounds in this same period of time. The problem is, to reach the goal, they force you to eat fewer than 1,200 calories a day.
These high caloric restrictions alter metabolic functions and produce a deterioration of muscle mass, since the body does not receive the nutritional intake it needs. As, begins to use muscle mass as an energy resource.
3. They have attractive names
Sometimes, to recognize a dangerous diet, it is enough to analyze its name; Is it related to a fruit? Do you have the name of a Hollywood celebrity? Well, while not all of them are harmful, most suggest low-calorie, restrictive plans that impact health.
A good diet is one that satisfies the concept of healthy eating. Indeed, for it to be effective and safe, the ideal is that it adapts to everyone’s needs, according to their stage, state of health and habits.
4. Rely on dietary supplements
Does the plan suggest replacing main meals with supplements such as shakes or pills? Careful! This is a sure sign to recognize a dangerous diet. Yes, OK supplements can support weight loss, they should never be the basis of the diet.
Furthermore, there are few substances whose effect on weight loss has been evidenced. An example of them is caffeine, as demonstrated by a study published in the journal European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Following this type of plan prevents you from achieving a good food routine that includes all nutritional groups. Here because, After returning to normal eating habits, the lost weight is regained in a short time.
5. They don’t recommend other healthy habits
Headlines like “Lose 10 Pounds Without Exercise” or “The Best Fat Burning Diet Without The Gym” warn against an unreliable meal plan. Generally, It’s important to understand that losing weight is the result of a set of healthy habits.
Therefore, although a healthy diet allows you to reduce excess weight, it is essential to adopt other good habits such as:
- Physical exercise.
- Meditation.
- Adequate rest.
Why is it important to recognize a dangerous diet?
Most “miracle” diets produce undesirable effectsalthough not all immediately. The consequences are even worse when the person is unaware that they have diseases such as hypertension or diabetes.
Recognizing a dangerous diet is important because:
- nutrient deficiencies they cause increase the risk of osteoporosis, anemia and other chronic diseases.
- By altering the metabolism, it slows down its functions and increases the tendency to accumulate fat later.
- They lead to bouts of depression, frustration and anxiety.
- They can be triggers for eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. These eating disorders are becoming more and more frequent, as stated by a research published in European child and adolescent psychiatry.
- They deteriorate muscle mass and increase flaccidity.
- They increase the production of hunger hormones.
Beware of miracle diets
Bottom line, the best way to take care of your body through diet is with a plan customized to your individual needs. For this reason, in addition to respecting the criteria of a balanced diet, It is convenient to consult a nutritionist to help us adjust it correctly.
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