Tag Archives: Popular Diets of 2017 Part 3

Popular Diets of 2017 Part 3

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. In part 3 of this 3 part blog series, we’ll look at the 4th and 5th most popular diets of today.

The Alkaline Diet. The premise of this diet is that eating alkaline foods will neutralize and balance the body’s natural pH by eliminating acidity, which “robs” essential minerals from our bones, cells, organs and tissues, leading to a gradual loss of organ function and degeneration of tissues and bone mass. Eating alkaline foods will stave off chronic health issues like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and low bone density.

On this diet, you are restricted to fresh fruits and vegetables (preferably organic and raw), plant proteins (including soy and tofu), limited quantities of meat (preferably organic), alkaline water, green drinks made from green vegetables and grasses, and some dairy (like probiotic yogurt and kefir).

This diet eliminates processed foods, processed cereals, eggs, lentils, fish, oats and whole wheat products, milk, peanuts and walnuts, pasta, rice, bread, alcohol, caffeine.

The problem. There is absolutely no evidence to support this diet; we cannot alter our bodies’ pH level so easily; and the diet is extremely restrictive.

Intermittent Fasting. The concept of this diet is to “feast” and then fast for an extended period of time. It is believed to promote weight loss and build muscle as your body burns fat stores for energy during the extended fasting phases.

On this diet, no specific foods are restricted – though it is recommended to eat a healthy, balanced diet of whole foods, and to avoid process and junk foods. There are several feasting/fasting plans that you can follow. For example, the 16/8 method involves fasting for 16 hours and eating all your calories within an eight-hour window; whereas, the 5:2 plan involves eating normally for five days and consuming no more than 600 calories for two days.

The problem. Although there actually is some scientific evidence to support intermittent fasting for weight loss, it can be very difficult to follow – not to mention the havoc it can cause on blood sugar levels, energy levels and mood. Another problem – when it’s finally time to eat and you’re starving, it can be extremely difficult to stick to healthy foods and not overeat.

The bottom line. These two diets are far too restrictive and unrealistic.

The trendiest diets of 2017 and what nutrition experts say about them