The Dangers Of Faddy Diets

The Dangers Of Faddy Diets

The idea of a ‘diet’ to help you lose weight permanently is ridiculous. The only way to keep body and mind in good shape is a balanced, varied and enjoyable diet. All others offer short term loss, rapid regain, often more than you started with and some serious health consequences. Here are my three worst offenders.

The Cabbage Soup Diet

Not advisable. For starters, antisocial flatulence is not pleasant, but there are more serious problems. This very low calorie plan makes it impossible to get all the essential nutrients because you won/’t eat enough food. Even worse is the high sodium content as the recipes include stock or soup cubes that are salty and contain MSG, a huge source of hidden sodium. Boring, blood pressure raising and lacking both calcium and protein; one to ignore.

The Dukan Diet

This scheme has netted millions for the French doc who invented it, much like the late Dr Atkins, but both took the wrong path in search of a quick buck. High protein, no carbs and virtually no fruit or veg in the first weeks, is a recipe for disaster. A French journal, Obesity, denounced it as not a long term answer that would increase the levels of cardiovascular, liver and kidney disease. Dukan also claims it is suitable during pregnancy as, “babies don’t need cereals”; exactly the opposite of official advice. If this weren’t enough to put you off, the foul breath during the early weeks will.

The Blood Type Diet

Unscientific, unproven, unacceptable – that’s the truth. Dr. D’Adamo, the originator, claims that following his complex plan of foods that suit your blood group will make you thin, reduce allergy, boost resistance, and ensure good health. Poppycock! It will drive you crazy without long-term weight loss.

If you value your health, don/’t try any of these at home, but find a healthy option in the Diets section of this website for healthy eating plans and lots of sensible diets.