{"id":491,"date":"2011-05-19T11:06:08","date_gmt":"2011-05-19T18:06:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/uhds\/?p=491"},"modified":"2011-05-19T11:06:08","modified_gmt":"2011-05-19T18:06:08","slug":"fad-diets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.blogs.oregonstate.edu\/uhds\/2011\/05\/19\/fad-diets\/","title":{"rendered":"Fad Diets"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cabbage Soup Diet.\u00a0 All you can eat Banana Diet.\u00a0 The Three Day Diet. Since the seventies, it seems that our society has been obsessed with these types of \u201cfad diets\u201d.\u00a0 According to Webster’s dictionary, a fad diet is defined as a<\/a> <\/span>reducing<\/a> <\/span>diet<\/a> <\/span>that<\/a> <\/span>enjoys<\/a> <\/span>temporary<\/a> <\/span>popularity<\/a>. <\/span>Typically fad diets promise quick and easy weight loss and offer claims that sound too good to be true (which is usually why they skyrocket in popularity….we want a quick fix!)<\/p>\n

While these diets may offer temporary weight loss, the pounds are soon regained…and sometimes more.\u00a0 Researchers at UCLA<\/a> found that diets do not lead to sustained weight loss or health benefits for the majority of people.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 Overly restrictive diets (low calorie, limited food options) can starve us both physically AND from an emotional\/psychological perspective.\u00a0 A severely restrictive diet can take the pleasure out of eating and can result in a diet-overeating cycle that is often referred to as yo-yo dieting or weight cycling.\u00a0 Additionally, research<\/a> indicates that dieting early in life can put individuals (commonly female) at long term risk for eating disorders, disordered eating behaviors, and obesity.<\/p>\n

So what works?\u00a0 To maintain our weight the amount of calories we eat needs to be equal to the amount of calories we burn.\u00a0 To lose weight, calories consumed need to be less than calories burned.\u00a0 While this seems like a simple formula, putting this into practice in our daily lives can be very challenging. Success with long term weight loss and maintenance is associated with lifestyle changes.\u00a0 The Mayo Clinic offers proven strategies and resources for weight loss success:<\/p>\n

Make a commitment & change your perspective<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s not enough to eat healthy foods and exercise for only a few weeks or even months if you want long-term, successful weight loss. Permanent weight loss takes time and effort \u2014 and a lifelong commitment.<\/p>\n

Find your inner motivation & set realistic goals<\/strong><\/p>\n

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While you have to take responsibility for your own behavior for successful weight loss, it helps to have support networks in place (friends, journals, support groups, etc).\u00a0 Make sure that your goals are SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-limited.<\/p>\n

Enjoy healthier foods & physical activity<\/strong><\/p>\n

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One way you can lower your calorie intake is by eating more plant-based foods \u2014 fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.\u00a0 Strive for variety to help you achieve your goals without giving up taste or nutrition.\u00a0 Exercise also offers numerous health benefits, including boosting your mood, strengthening your cardiovascular system and reducing your blood pressure.<\/p>\n

Campus Resources<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

There are many resources available on campus to help you manage a healthy weight and lifestyle.<\/p>\n