Want to lose weight and you think fad diet helps? Think again

There are many of us who want to lose weight quickly to fit in that dream dress, or to be in perfect shape for that big day.

We often look for that 'magic bullet' that will help us shed the extra kilograms quickly and effortlessly.

Every week we come across a new diet craze; from high fat to low carb to high protein diets or a combination.

Some of these diets prove a lasting popularity and some fade away with time to prove that they were just a trend.

Instead of taking expert opinion we opt for these 'fad diets'.

Reem Abdallah who is an assistant dietician from Health Factory says, "It's because most individuals want a cutting edge solution for weight loss, and fad diets offer that short term option as a 'new' one which is different from the long term healthy diet plan that guarantees long term weight loss."

The common factor between all diets is cutting calories; fad diets do it with a unique twist every time.

Reem Abdallah explains to us what a fad diet is.

A fad diet is a diet that:

• Doesn't include all the healthy food elements and all necessary macro and micro nutrients.

• Claims to increase your metabolism noticeably in a short period of time.

• Claims that you will lose unrealistic weight fast.

• Makes some food off limits.

• Makes you think that you can lose weight without exercising.

• Recommends cutting calories drastically.

• Let you go on a full liquid diet, take some pills or some herb mixtures

• Makes you completely cut carbs, fat or sugar

• Requires you to skip meals, or replace them with special meals or bars.

Although those diets promise you a significant weight loss in a short period of time, they will not be effective on the long term if you don't incorporate a balanced healthy diet in addition to exercise in your daily lifestyle.

"The healthiest way to lose weight is to make small changes in your daily life," says Reem.

She suggests one should include:

• All food groups from grains, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy oils.

• 50% of the daily calories from carbohydrates mostly complex carbs.

• 25% of the daily calories from proteins mostly lean.

• 25% of the daily calories from fat, mostly healthy omega 3 and omega 6 fats.

• Adequate portion sizes

• Three main meals and two snacks in-between.

• Some of your favorite foods in moderation

Over and above diet exercise is a very important key that will help you lose the extra weight.

Make exercise part of your daily life. Do it for 30-45 minutes per day for a healthy body and a healthy heart.

There are healthier ways to manage weight rather than following a fad diet. Eating fewer calories, cutting down on portions and choosing healthy foods are the key to reach a healthy weight.

It is not only a matter of following a fad diet for a couple of weeks to lose weight without the extra effort; the key is a healthy lifestyle.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.