Let’s Cut the Nonsense of Fad Dieting

home insemination Kit

I get it. We all want to shed a few pounds. Whether you’re dealing with health issues linked to excess weight, struggling to lose that stubborn baby weight (and trust me, you’re not alone), or just aiming to fit into that gorgeous dress hanging in your closet for the wedding next month, the desire is real.

I could tell you that you’re stunning just as you are, and that changing your appearance won’t necessarily boost your happiness, but I’m not here to solve your personal dilemmas. What I can assure you is that fad diets won’t solve them either—about 90% of them, if not all.

Think about it. The Cabbage Soup Diet, the Grapefruit Diet, the Raw Food Diet, and yes, even the infamous Cotton Ball Diet (seriously, people consume cotton balls with this one!) are all examples of extreme approaches. Even the so-called “mainstream” diets like South Beach, Paleo, or the latest superfood shake trend share one glaring flaw: they are nearly impossible to stick to for the long haul.

Sure, many of these diets may help you lose weight initially, but remember, that’s how they lure you in! They’re businesses, after all, designed to lighten your wallet rather than your waistline. Most diets are rooted in the idea of deprivation, and let’s face it—no one should be subsisting on 1,000 calories a day. Yes, that will lead to rapid weight loss, but it’s a one-way ticket back to the starting line, plus some.

I’m not just speaking from personal experience, where I’d lose a solid 10 to 15 pounds only to find it creeping back after a few months. This is a common story among friends and family, and guess what? It’s supported by science. Neuroscientist Emma Carter wrote a compelling piece for a popular publication titled “Why Diets Fail,” and she explains the brain’s role in weight regulation. The crux of the problem isn’t willpower; it’s our biology. When you drop below your body’s natural weight range, your brain kicks in to defend that set point, making you feel hungrier and more drawn to food.

So, it’s no wonder that many who jump on the latest diet bandwagon find themselves back where they started, or worse, gaining more weight over time. It’s a tough pill to swallow, and I genuinely don’t mean to rain on anyone’s parade. If you’re making positive changes for your health, that’s fantastic! But as someone who has danced dangerously close to disordered eating due to strict dieting, I urge you to tread carefully. Research indicates a strong link between fad dieting and eating disorders, which is another red flag for these quick-fix approaches.

Scrolling through social media, it’s disheartening to see women glorifying the latest “miracle” weight-loss shake made from exotic ingredients sourced from who-knows-where. Even if you manage to drop some pounds and feel great for a little while, your finances, your body, and your mental well-being can’t sustain such extremes for long.

These diets teach us that our bodies are flawed, that we must deprive ourselves or rely on substitutes instead of enjoying real, wholesome food. I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but I do know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves balanced nutrition and regular exercise. If you find yourself overeating due to stress, boredom, or emotional reasons—or excessively restricting calories—please consult a healthcare professional. You deserve to prioritize your well-being.

Let’s just move past the nonsense of fad dieting. Seriously, don’t buy into the hype.