Top 5 Worst Diet Choices You Can Make
Today, we live in a world where we are faced with a new diet trend almost every day! From the latest detox cleanse, to those trendy juice diets…there is always something on the market promoting the easiest way to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I’m here to tell that there is no magic pill or remedy when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. It takes dedication, commitment, and realistic goals to make long-term changes that are healthy and attainable. To help you get started in the right direction, I’m going to share the Top 5 Worst Diet Choice You Can Make!
- Saying No to Carbs
The popularity of low-carb and ketogenic diets is rising every day. These diets promise quick weight loss results by restricting or limiting carbohydrates. While these diets may be medically necessary for some, a lot of people have labeled carbs as the “bad guys” and completely eliminated them from their daily diet regimen, which is not recommended for the average healthy adult. There are several nutrient-dense foods that contain carbs, such as whole grains. Whole grains are a great source of fiber and minerals, which supports both gut and cardiovascular health. They also stabilize blood sugar. So rather than eliminating carbs altogether, choose complex grains, like brown rice, oats, and quinoa.
- Relying on Detox Teas
Detox diets are all the rage these days, and lately there are several detox teas on the market that promises to reset the body, boost energy, and result in weight loss. Even though the initial results may seem encouraging, they're not sustainable, nor do they teach individuals how to make nutritious food choices on a daily basis. And in some cases, this can result in a disordered eating pattern. Instead, try to choose a sustainable, long-term plan. Consume a diet that is rich in lean protein, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. This will allow the body’s built-in detoxification processes to work smoothly and naturally, and will help you lose weight in a safe way. And if you’re looking for a great-tasting tea…that doesn’t promise any detox claims, I would suggest Southern Breeze Sweet Tea! It’s made with black tea leaves and a zero-calorie sweetener already added in the tea bag!
- Eliminating Fruit Because It Contains Too Much Sugar
Throughout my practice, I have heard several clients compare the sugar content in fruit to candy, and because of that, they refuse to eat fruit. The truth is that fruits do contain sugar, some will spike your blood sugar more than others, but most of us would likely benefit from more fruit in our diet, not less. While an “all-fruit-diet” is not recommended, fruit should be a part of your daily diet regimen. Unlike candy, fruit offers vitamins, minerals, hydration, flavor, and fiber to help keep you full and satisfied. So, it’s completely okay to consume a reasonable amount of fruit each day!
- Using Supplements as a Quick Fix
I’m pretty sure that you’ve seen those supplements that promise quick weight loss results, decreased appetite, and increased energy, but unfortunately these items are not the best choice for a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Supplements are by no means bad, especially if you're using them in a targeted way to help make sure your body is meeting its nutrient requirements, but it’s not the best solution to achieve healthy weight loss. If you are interested in adding a supplement to your diet regimen, I suggest that you consult your healthcare provider to decide which one is right for you.
- Eating Fat Will Make You fat.
Believe it or not, there are some good fats in this world! Not all fats are bad. Good fats, such as nuts, avocados, and salmon, protect your heart and support your overall health. And when paired with a healthy diet, those good fats can help you achieve your health goals. Fats in chips, cookies, and greasy foods can increase cholesterol and your risk for certain diseases, so be sure that you are choosing the right kind of fats!
If you really want to change your body for the better, do it from a place of love by eating healthier and making positive adjustments to your body. Be patient with yourself, and choose a variety of vibrant, nourishing foods you love.
References:
10 Diet Mistakes and How to Avoid Them. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-diet-mistakes
Healthy Recipes & A Touch of DIY Flair. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.beautifuleatsandthings.com/
Medical information and health advice you can trust. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/
Andrea Mathis, MA, RDN, LD is an Alabama-based Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of the healthy food blog, Beautiful Eats & Things. After completing her graduate studies at the University of Alabama, Andrea worked in several different healthcare settings including clinical, public health, and long-term care. Andrea believes in achieving optimal health by incorporating healthier eating habits into your lifestyle and making healthy eating fun! When she’s not running after her two toddlers, she’s going on exciting foodie adventures with her husband!