4 Fad Diets to Avoid in 2020

Fad diets are ineffective diet plans typically brought to fame by celebrities. They have been around for years, but lately, it seems they are popping up all over the place. You see them in your favorite magazines, all over your social media timelines, and even your best friend swears her juice cleanse helped her lose 10 pounds. In reality, these fad diets are just that— a passing fad.

Most fad diets only lead to temporary weight loss. In the first few weeks, you may notice the pounds shedding off faster than you thought possible. But because of the unsustainable nature of fad diets, all the weight is eventually gained right back. You set unrealistic expectations for your body, and your body responded.

With a new decade on the horizon, we don’t want to see anyone fall victim to dangerous fad diets. Be warned of these 4 diets you may hear about in 2020:

1. HCG Diet

The HCG diet calls for its followers to consume just 500 calories a day while taking the supplement human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG is a pregnancy hormone believed by some to be associated with weight loss despite scientific studies saying otherwise. While the HCG diet may result in rapid weight loss, it is dangerously restrictive and will deplete muscle mass. It is impossible to sustain the body on just 500 calories a day on a long-term basis, making any weight loss on the HCG diet temporary and dangerous.

2. Werewolf Diet

Try not to howl with laughter at this one: the werewolf diet calls for fasting based on the lunar phases of the moon. With absolutely no scientific backing, the werewolf diet claims that the moon has an effect on the water in our bodies and thus affects the amount of water weight we can lose at certain times. The details of the diet call for fasting after certain hours, depending on the lunar phase and fasting with juice for 24 hours on a full moon. With the hilariously restrictive nature of the diet, it is not sustainable.

3. Five-Bite Diet

The Five-Bite diet requires you to fast in the morning and then only eat five bites each of your lunch and dinner. Ignoring the fact that some of us can eat an entire pizza in five bites, this diet is extremely limiting. Sure, the small portions associated with this diet will ultimately result in weight loss, but there is no way you will be able to get all the necessary nutrients in 10 bites of food.

4. Zero-Sugar/Zero-Carb Diets

Any diet that completely cuts out a particular type of food or food group is undoubtedly a fad diet. While cutting back on sugar and carbs may be a good idea, cutting them out entirely is dangerous. Your body needs a certain amount of sugar and carbs for healthy function. Cutting out sugar means you cannot eat most fruits and vegetables, so you will miss out on vital vitamins and nutrients. No-carb diets can lead to constipation with a lack of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as well.

Rather than restrict yourself with dangerous fad diets, turn to the experts at Garcia Weight Loss! We offer personalized weight loss plans, designed for the individual. Our programs do not require any calorie counting, and we do not cut out vital food groups. We make dieting easy and fun, and our support team is always there whenever you need it. Get started with your free consultation today.