3 Red Flags to Spot a Fad Diet & Sustainable Nutrition Alternatives

I consider myself an anti-diet nutritionist.

I am not into food rules or creating lists of “good” and “bad” foods.

I feel like all foods can fit, and what we really need to heal is our relationship WITH FOODS.

Diets have been around as long as I have been alive (and my mother, and even my grandmother), but there’s a reason why there is always something new coming out that is “truly the best”. It’s because none of them REALLY work. Think about it, there’s;

• Weight Watchers

• Keto

• Carnivore

• Jenny Craig

• South Beach

• Atkins

• Paleo

• Low fat

• Low carb

• Sugar Free

All they do is create fear around food, cycles of restriction and binging, and unsustainable nutritional habits that really aren’t suitable for long periods of time.

But, they’re marketable. They sell. They make money, and at our expense.

It’s my passion to help women find balance and peace with food. Ditch the food rules, and listen to your body and how it feels in response to the foods that your eating (rather than what someone told you is good or bad for your waistline). So what are 3 ways that you can spot a fad diet?! Let’s read on…

3 Red Flags to Spot a Fad Diet

1. Something promises a quick fix

   Any nutritionist that has your best interest at heart will never promise quick fixes. If they do, honestly, find someone that has your best interest at heart, because this type of person is more interested in money than your health.

2. Rigid or restrictive rules that focus on weight loss

   I’m not into unnecessarily eliminating food groups, lists of “good” and “bad” foods. These rigid and restrictive food lists only create a negative relationship with food, as well as fear around food.

3. They’re trying to sell you something (supplements etc.)

   Always, I repeat, always be cautious of people who are trying to sell you something in conjunction with their diet plan or protocol. More often than not they have ulterior (💰💰) motives and it’s a big red flag because they are less likely to have your best interest at heart.

So, what can you do if you would prefer to focus on a more sustainable approach to nutrition, and ditch the fad diets once and for all?

4 Ways to Approach Nutrition Sustainably

1. Keep a balanced plate

   Focus on balance within snacks and meals for better blood sugar stability and satiety. This means approximately half of your plate is veggies, a palm sized portion of protein, a carbohydrate source (complex carbohydrates are a great source of fibre) and a healthy fat.

2. Keep your fridge well stocked with veggies and fruit

   Wash up those veggies, chop and prep so they’re easily accessible for snacks and stir-fries.

3. Don’t force yourself to like something

   Honestly, just don’t do it. Keep an open mind to foods, yes. Try them. But if you really hate them? Don’t force it. Keep trying things until you find something you love!

4. Focus on adding foods rather than removing

   Don’t start saying “I can’t have this”, or “I can’t have that”. Focus on what you can ADD. Add more colourful veggies, more healthy fats, complex carbs and good quality protein sources. What doesn’t serve you will naturally fall to the side.
   
   

If you would like to work together to get to the root of your health issues and a personalized nutrition approach, book a free discovery call to see if you would be a good fit for one of my programs!

Listen to the Balance with Britt Podcast Episode 16: The One About Fad Diets and Tips for a Sustainable Approach to Nutrition with Charity Elliott