Popular Diets of 2017 Part 1
New fad diets are always popping up as people continue to look for promises of quick weight loss.
Global news recently examined the most popular diets of today, and the following is a summary of the top 3.
The Whole30. This is currently the #1 diet. It claims to “re-set” your body by eliminating foods that cause inflammation and cravings. The program must be followed exactly for 30 days with absolutely no interruptions – or you’ll have to start over again.
On this diet, you are restricted to moderate portions of meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, some fruit, natural fats, herbs, spices and seasoning. Coffee and tea are also allowed. You must completely eliminate real and added sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, dairy and soy.
The problem. It is very restrictive, cutting out many healthy foods including all dairy, grains and legumes, and many fruits – and the tiniest slip-up (even one small bite of a restricted food) means you have to start all over again. This is very unrealistic, can create an unhealthy relationship with food, and can make you feel like a failure when you can’t stick to it.
The Dukan Diet. This diet consists of four phases that are meant to change your eating habits forever. It provides a list of 100 foods that are allowed on the diet.
On this diet, you eat only pure protein foods in phase 1. Other foods are added through phases 2 – 4.
The problem. Phase I is extremely restrictive, allowing only pure protein foods – no vegetables, starches or fruit. This can be difficult to stick with and makes it impossible to have balanced meals – you’ll be missing out on many nutrients including antioxidants, certain vitamins and minerals and fibre. Once you reach phase 2, you can add non-starchy vegetables, but this is still quite restrictive.
The Paleo Diet. This diet is meant to mimic the way our ancestors ate. It is a high protein, low carb diet that emphasizes non-starchy fruits and vegetables, and moderate to high amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
On this diet, you can eat meat, poultry, fish, non-starchy fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, nuts and seeds, healthy oils, and moderate amounts of green tea. The diet eliminates grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, potatoes, processed food, salt and refined vegetable oils, coffee.
The problem. While it is sustainable for some (especially meat lovers), it is very restrictive and difficult to stick to for others. You may also miss out on many nutrients including antioxidants, certain vitamins and minerals, and fibre – especially if you eat primarily meat and few fruits and vegetables.
The Bottom Line. Fad diets are generally too restrictive and difficult to stick with. They may initially promote some weight loss, but in the end, diets don’t work if you can’t stick with them long-term.
The trendiest diets of 2017 and what nutrition experts say about them
