A lot of us have made the attempt. Whether it lasts only three days or is supposed to be a "lifetime commitment," fad dieting can seem like the perfect solution to dropping those unwanted pounds.
I've had my fair share of experiences with fad dieting, both successful and not so successful. It was last summer, after freshmen year (when you realize you do not look the same in photos from senior year of high school) when I realized enough was enough. So I decided to attempt the Atkins Diet, a diet eliminating bad sugars and all carbs.
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The first two weeks – torture. My friends would eat whatever they pleased and I would just watch them, in despair. But then came a point when I saw results and felt healthier, happier, and more confident about myself. By the end of the summer, I felt pleased with my body, and more importantly, proud of my body. But it was time to come back for Sophomore year.
Maintaining a diet in college, on a college budget, along with alcohol consumption, is nearly impossible. I know some college students are successful, but I was not. I fell back into my old habits, eating out and late night trips to Whataburger, Taco Bell – the list could go on and on. Then I went back into my old mindset, of just feeling horrible about my image.
As a dancer, I was still being active and felt in-shape, but my everyday diet did not compliment the physical stress of dance. It was towards the end of sophomore year when I realized I've got to get back on track, especially with summer coming in full swing. However, I'd be spending the summer in my college town, surrounded by endless temptations of my bad habits.
So I decided to try a quick fad called The Military Diet. You basically starve yourself for three days and are suppose to loose at least a few pounds. Well, I did not loose any weight, and by midnight of the third day my roommate and I rushed over to Whataburger and stuffed our faces.
At that point, I decided to say my goodbyes to fad diets, and say hello to a healthy lifestyle. I do not eat perfectly, but I try my best to eat out less, maintain a healthy stocked refrigerator, and workout at least five days a week. While I'm not loosing weight as quickly as I did when I was on the Atkins Diet, I already feel healthier and motivated.
So are fad diets really doable? Yes, but not for forever. I believe the key is to stay active and watch what you eat and what you drink, alcohol included. I'm confident going into my junior year that I am going to continue to evolve my lifestyle into one that allows me to feel good in my own skin.
