Dangerous diets are those that promise miraculous results in a matter of days. In addition, they suggest cutting nutritional groups or taking too few calories.
There is a set of characteristics that allow recognizing a dangerous diet that can put health at risk. Although its consequences have long been warned, some still follow them because they have not been able to identify the health risks they carry.
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 “harmless” and “effective”, they cause nutritional deficiencies that increase the risk of disease. In addition, they 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 why many fail to recognize a dangerous diet. Linking the term ‘diet’ with regimes of days or weeks is what prevents understanding the importance of nutrition.
Thus, it should be clarified at this point that a good diet does not apply for a certain period of time. For its effects to be permanent on health and weight, eating healthy is an irreplaceable habit within the lifestyle.
Therefore, if the objective is to improve the diet and take care of the figure, it is necessary to have the knowledge to identify those ‘miraculous’ diet plans that do little or nothing to help us.
Below we want to share some key signals for everyone to take into account from now on.
1. They restrict nutritional groups
All essential nutrients play an important role in the body’s functions. So when you adopt a diet that suggests you stop taking food from one of the nutritional groups, you are increasing the risk of unwanted side reactions.
At first, they seem to give good results since a considerable amount of weight is lost in a matter of weeks. However, by causing a deficit of any of the macro or micronutrients, the metabolism is altered and diseases develop.
2. They promise rapid weight loss
When people adopt a healthy diet, they can lose between 0.5 and 1 kilo per week. Instead, the ‘miracle’ regimes offer to lose 5 or more kilos in this same period of time. The problem is that in order to meet the goal, they are forced to eat less than 1,200 calories a day.
These high caloric restrictions alter metabolic functions and cause a deterioration of muscle mass. Since the organism does not receive the nutritional contribution it needs. Therefore, it begins to use muscle mass as a resource for energy.
3. They have attractive names
Sometimes, to recognize a dangerous diet it is enough to analyze its name; Is it related to fruit? Does it have the name of a Hollywood celebrity? Well, although not all are harmful, most suggest low-calorie and restrictive plans that affect health.
A good diet is one that meets the concept of healthy eating. In fact, to be effective and safe, the ideal is to adapt to the needs of each one, according to the stage, health condition and habits.
4. They are based on nutritional supplements
Is the plan suggesting replacing main meals with supplements like smoothies or pills? Watch out! This is a clear signal to recognize a dangerous diet. While supplements can support weight loss, they should never be the foundation of the diet.
Following this type of program prevents getting a good eating routine that includes all the nutritional groups. Therefore, after returning to normal eating habits, the lost weight recovers in a short time.
5. They do not recommend other healthy habits
Titles like ‘lose 5 kilos without exercising’ or ‘the best diet to burn fat without gym’ alert an unreliable eating plan. In general, it is important to understand that losing weight is the result of a set of healthy habits.
So, although a healthy diet helps to reduce overweight, 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 unwanted effects, although not all of them immediately. The consequences are even worse when the person ignores that they have diseases such as hypertension or diabetes.
Recognizing a dangerous diet is important because:
- The nutritional deficiencies they produce 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 episodes of depression, frustration, and anxiety.
- They can be triggers of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
- Deteriorate muscle mass and increase flaccidity.
- They increase the production of hunger hormones.
In conclusion, the best way to take care of the body through diet is with a plan that adapts to our needs. That is why, in addition to respecting the criteria of a balanced diet, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist who will help us adapt it correctly.