The lure of the fad diet holds strong, as people search for that magic solution to lose weight! Fad diets are devilishly appealing because they promise big results in a short time. There is no doubt that in the short term, fad diets DO work. Yet, despite the millions spent by consumers on diet products, the long-term results are disappointing. As any fad dieter can confirm, the weight inevitably creeps back up. Even though crash diets claim to be based on sound scientific evidence, most rely on one common tactic: drastic calorie-cutting and we all know there is no trickery to starvation!

Medical research now indicates that most of the weight lost in the typical rapid weight loss diet is muscle and fluid, not fat. By the end of your diet, it is therefore possible to have lost kilograms, but actually increased your percentage of body fat. Essentially, you end up "fatter" By constantly repeating these crash diets, you actually end up increasing your percentage of body fat and slowing down your metabolic rate. This is due to the fact that fat is a metabolically inactive part of the body compared to muscle, which can burn calories from food to create energy. Consequently, it becomes more difficult for you to lose weight and much easier to gain it back. In addition, when you deprive your body of calories, your metabolism slows down to conserve energy.

Quick weight loss diets usually over-emphasize the "fat-burning" benefits of one particular food or type of food. Not only is that not possible, but it violates the first principle of good nutrition: making choices from a variety of foods. Anyone able to stay on the narrow menu of a fad diet may eventually develop nutritional deficiencies as a result of eating an unbalanced diet. Fad diets also take away one of the most important aspects of eating -- enjoying your food! These diets are often so monotonous and boring that it's almost impossible to stay on them for long periods.

In high -protein diets such as Dr. Atkins'diet, large quantities of protein are eaten in unrestricted amounts. Carbohydrates are eliminated. Protein-rich diets tend to be high in saturated fats and cholesterol, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease. They tax the kidneys and can lead to osteoporosis.

Milkshake diets involves replacing two meals with shakes - once you return to eating solid foods full time, the kilograms will probably return as these diets do not instill the healthy eating habits needed to maintain weight loss.

In The Grapefruit Diet, calorie cutback is so severe, initial weight loss can be dramatic. This diet also limits your intake of calcium, which is vital for bone strength; iron, which wards off anemia; and a host of other vital nutrients. Grapefruit does not burn fat,; nor does it alter the fact that all excess food eaten is stored as fat.

People have been fasting since biblical times as an accompaniment to religious reflection. Periodic fasting supposedly shocks the metabolism or rids the body of waste products. Neither claim has been substantiated by research. In fact, no cleansing of the body occurs - only depletion.

Food-Combining Diets, such as Fit for Life, advocate that protein and carbohydrates cannot be eaten together since it is believed that this will cause rotting of the food in the gut . The Cabbage-Soup Diet is a fad that sheds mainly water weight - cabbage has no fat-burning powers. People who follow this rigid plan also often complain of gas and nausea.

In spite of all the evidence to the contrary, many people continue to believe that each new fad diet may be the answer to their weight problems. Every year, more people embark on the search for the secret of successful weight loss, yet the incidence of obesity increases. There is a simple way to lose weight: eat less and get active. Think of it as an equation: eat fewer calories + increase activity = weight loss. Also, successful weight loss means that you keep it off.

Correct nutrition is essential for good health. It helps build a strong immune system and reduces susceptibility to stress. However, the truth is that we live in a stressful world, with little chance to release the tension. Good health can be ensured by the right diet, exercise, and relaxation. The best way to lose weight permanently is through the sensible route,: eating healthily, using low calorie, low fat foods, and loading up on fruits and vegetables. Good nutrition is a powerful ally and certain nutrients are needed to maintain our tolerance to stress, disease, and our ability to cope with them.