We have so many different choices when we are about to begin a weight loss plan. It can be extremely difficult to decide which ones have the highest success rate and which ones are really safe. If we take a look at the various fad diets that have been publicised over the last 30 or 40 years, we can see that many are far from realistic in their predicted weight loss, and some can only be described ridiculous. A prime example is the cabbage diet. How can any of us really believe that this can be healthy or even bearable?

Many of us become desperate to lose those unwanted pounds to achieve our ultimate goal of having a slim, sleek physique. In our quest to reach our goal, we often to not grasp the fact that many of these diet plans can be extremely dangerous to our health and wellbeing.

We can show that a diet plan may be harmful in various ways and below are three tell-tale signs:

1) Any Suggestion Of Drastic Measures.

If a diet plan suggests an eating regime that is extreme and way beyond any normal eating guidelines, it may be wise not to contemplate following it. Some diets suggest eating one staple ingredient such as cabbage, vinegar or bananas. It is irrelevant what the staple food in this diet may be, if we consume nothing but that for any length of time, it cannot be favourable to our general health. Our body requires many nutrients from a wide range of food sources to function efficiently and healthily. We cannot afford to eliminate these vital, important nutrients from our diet.

2) Any Promises Of Extreme Weight Loss.

We all dream of drastically reducing our weight quickly when we begin a weight loss programme, but in reality it cannot be healthy to attempt it. If a diet plan is guaranteeing extreme weight loss in a short period of time, we need to assess the health implications. Rapid weight loss can lead to many health problems, including nutrient deficiency, muscle wasting and heart related problems.

3) Indications Of Only Short Term Duration.

If a diet plan stipulates that it should only be followed for a set length of days or weeks, it is an indication that the plan is not healthy for longterm use. The most successful diet plans are the ones that we can follow for any duration, switching to weight maintenance when we have achieved our goal. There are not many of us that could exist on a diet of cabbage or bananas and being deprived of carbohydrates, so perhaps it would not be the best plan to try.

Always consider that the main issue with fad diets is that any success we achieve will only be temporary. Initially we may lose a few pounds, but as we cannot follow a fad diet indefinitely, as we resume eating a normal diet we will probably regain the lost weight and possibly gain more.

We should try focusing instead on a healthy balanced diet that we are safe to follow indefinitely. Taking this slow, safe weight loss regime, we will lose those unwanted pounds and are more likely to keep the weight off.

By Dave Townley