Weight Loss For Idiots - Why You Should Avoid "Fad" Diets

If you've watched any TV or done any web surfing lately, you've no doubt ran into countless ads for a new fad diet claiming it is the new magical cure to help you lose weight. Sure, you doubt their legitimacy, but you've tried everything else so you go for it, only to be let down once again. Here are some reasons to ditch these unreliable diets and stick with more tried and true methods.

It's easy to spot fad diets as they usually promise easy, immediate results. These diets usually sound too good to be true. They stress the importance of certain 'good foods' while eliminating certain 'bad foods' sometimes even an entire food group. Perhaps the easiest way to spot a fad diet is by the fact that they always seem to be trying to sell you something.

These fad diets also fail by not encouraging exercise. They promise quick results, with little contribution on your part besides sticking to the diet. Not only does this deter true weight loss, but in the long run it can be very unhealthy as lack of exercise leads to heart problems.

Often a fad diet relies on testimonials rather than scientific evidence. Some of the newer fad diets often base themselves on celebrity endorsement such as Oprah Winfrey and Anna Nicole Smith. Other times they will have numerous testimonials of people who have supposedly lost weight using the diet accompanied by dramatic before and after photos. Another gimmick is to include phrases such as "lose 10 pounds in 10 days."

These fad diets also will often show some form of scientific study and an oversimplified explanation. These studies ignore the differences in metabolisms and bio-chemistry. Often the studies were not conducted using the scientific method and contain no legitimate claims. Fad diets usually ignore or refute any true scientific evidence that disagrees with the program.

Then why is it that these diets seem to work? It depends on which one you are currently trying but this can often be linked to things such as water loss. Even when these diets do show quick results, the important thing to keep in mind is that these results are not permanent as it is not healthy to stay on them too long, nor would you want to given their blandness and strict rules, not to mention that the weight is usually gained back.

The AHA, American Heart Association, urges dieters not to go on fad diets for many reasons. One of which is that these fad diets usually force you to eat a single type of food, which keeps you from having a balanced diet. When a person eats only one thing, they can't get the vitamins and nutrients that the food doesn't contain. These foods are also so bland that people just can't stick with them. A good diet is something you can eat and enjoy now and for the rest of your life.

Kelly Lester is commited to one thing, and that's helping YOU lose weight. Visit his website right now at Guide To Weight Loss for some great information on losing weight. Or, want to see the #1 weight loss course online? Visit the Burn The Fat Review section of Kelly's website.