Most of the fad diets incorporate a strategy that has some potential merit in fat loss, or perpetuate a belief that has existed for many years. These diets pick and select amongst the techniques and package them as the new wonder diet. Almost all fad diets require strict adherence to a plan, which means that people are not learning how to cope with their own environment. Very few use the main principle espoused in this book which is that for a fat loss plan to be successful, it has to be something that can be done comfortably for life.
Some of the characteristic strategies employed by fad diets, which may be useful in a more ‘balanced’ food intake program, but which are ineffective when used alone are:
Monotony: (e.g. Meal replacements, single food groups/items, fasting (with or without juice), ‘macrobiotic’ diets. These limit the selection of foods in an effort to reduce temptation and often use foods that people believe are ‘healthy5 or to have special properties that bum fat. Examples are the ‘grapefruit diet and high-protein diets.
Aversive conditioning: (e.g. Water-drinking diets, grapefruit diets, fibre supplements, meal replacements). These work through two general methods: (a) by either linking an unpleasant task such as being sick prior to eating (particularly if about to ‘binge’), or (b) by eating a least-liked/filling food first. Examples are ‘bran diets’ and the ‘water diet’.
Ritual: (e.g. Single food items, fibre supplements, soup diets, meal replacements, fasting). Rituals may take many forms and have a basis in behavioural therapy. Eating may be delayed by completing a set ritual such as setting the table or by preparing an appetiser of raw vegetables. Food may only be consumed in one place with no other distractions (including conversation!) And food records must be updated prior to eating. Enjoyment does not figure greatly here. Examples are the ‘egg diet’ and the ‘macrobiotic diet’.
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