The Newest Fad Diets to Steer Clear Of: From Ice Cubes to Noodles - Part 2 - Women Campus
What We Say: Injecting your body with hormones—especially pregnancy hormones—is not a safe or natural way to lose weight, not to mention that a 500-calorie per day diet plan is close to starvation. In fact, the American Society of Bariatric Physicians issued a statement saying that the diet is ineffective for weight loss, and the American Medical Association put out a safety warning about the product. Trash the hormones and instead eat a variety of healthy foods including whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean meats.
The Velocity Diet: Creators of the velocity diet claim that the program actually melts fat off the body, and while that may be physically impossible, that doesn't stop avid dieters from trying. The program substitutes your typical meals for pre-made protein shakes, and allows only one solid meal per week. Within a month, the velocity diet supposedly subtracts 25 pounds of fat from your body by making sure you're not eating any of the wrong foods.
What We Say: A diet similar to when you got your wisdom teeth taken out seems horrible— and far from healthy. A month-long liquid diet is not the way to lose fat, and is definitely not a permanent solution for weight loss. Restrictive diets like this are not healthy, and while it will probably result in quick weight loss, "essentially, you're starving yourself, which over long term can have serious health consequences, such as malnutrition," Gans says. Instead, hit the gym and workout your problem areas—while you can't spot-reduce fat, building muscle on your butt and thighs will make those areas look more toned and shapely.
Ice Cube Diet: Desert Labs' newest fad diet, the Ice Cube Diet, promises to help reduce your appetite and food intake by chewing on the pre-frozen ice cubes. Each ice cube contains 3000 mg of Hoodia, a plant-based substance that is supposed to curb food cravings and stop you from overeating. While chewing ice won't make you drop pounds, the ice supposedly helps with portion control so you can slowly lose weight.
What We Say: While a plant-based substance seems healthy, there's no quick-fire way to drop weight without healthy eating and exercise. (And, I'm sorry, but eating an ice cube isn't part of my complete breakfast.) Since Hoodia is so new to the market, there haven't been many studies done on it to prove that it's safe, Diane Longstreet, a registered dietician at University Community Hospital, told ABC News in an article that was published February 18, 2011. "The bottom line is we don't know the exact reason why Hoodia seems to work. We don't know side effects. We don't know what will happen to your brain, kidneys, liver," she added. Her Campus suggests you steer clear of the ice cubes and instead focus on eating smaller and more balanced meals.
Don't be tempted by miracle fad diets to get into great shape for spring break and warm weather. Instead, focus on healthy eating and exercise, and check out how to get in shape for spring break here!
http://caloriecount.about.com/hcg-diet-b428291
Keri Gans, a nutrition consultant and speaker and author of The Small Change Diet
Maik Wiedenbach, author of 105 Training Myths and Tips
Jennifer Wolk, spokesperson for Desert Labs
