In this evolving age of technology and the rise of self-care, weight-loss is at the top of the list. About 39.8 percent of US adults in 2015 and 2016 were reported as being obese to the CDC — that's about 93.3 million Americans. Obesity has always been an issue in America because it's so quick, cheap, and easy to go to Wendy's and get a 4 for 4 or take the kids to McDonald's for the Happy Meal. There are many pioneers for healthy lifestyles, the right way, like former first lady Michelle Obama and her School Lunch Initiative that launched when I was in elementary school.
Over time, people have become numb to the risks of following certain trends and diets in the name of self-care because people are more focused on getting to their goal weight quickly instead of getting to their goal weight the right way. Cutting your body off from certain foods suddenly will send your body into shock and can result in headaches, acne, and lack of focus and attention. These trends have contributed, one way or another, to feeding the epidemic that is weight loss fads and the declining focus on safe and healthy ways to lose weight.
I should know, I've tried them all.
1. Finsta-gram
This is a trend that has become too popular over the last five years, give or take. "Finsta" is the realm of Instagram where fitness buffs and self-proclaimed nutritionists hop on the app and tell you what workouts should be incorporated into your life and what foods to watch out for. Sounds motivating, right? Well, 9 times out of 10, these same fitness liberators have a certain build and shape that overshadows what they're saying. More people focus on how Sharon the self-proclaimed nutritionist looks in her Lulu Lemon or Paul the bench-press king's torso. If you're going to take advice from a "finsta" make sure you are prepared for negative thoughts about yourself to creep in and be ready to fight them off.
2. The Mono Diet
This is a new one that I've heard people mention, so I had to phone a friend for this one. The Mono Diet is basically where you are supposed to eat just one food group or individual food daily. "How is this bad for my mental health?" You're depriving your body of essential nutrients which can harm your brain and because you're so focused on what food group (or singular food) to eat, you won't be thinking about things that really matter, like did you take the trash out this morning.
3. Weight-loss/tracking apps
Weight-loss apps are a dangerous luxury that many people overlook in the name of weight-loss. The most popular app is Noom, which tracks your food intake and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Sounds ideal and not at all harmful, right? Wrong. Like most apps and weight-loss programs, you have to pay a membership fee. Losing weight is already stressful and expensive, so adding a $50 monthly membership fee on top of that just adds to the stress. Try a better and cheaper alternative like a fitness journal — this can be a notepad from your local dollar store, a binder from Walmart, or the notes app on your phone.
4. The Atkins Diet
The infamous Atkins diet that many celebrities swear by. Although this is the most successful diet trend that has managed to last, I still wouldn't recommend this as a main source of weight loss without consulting a nutritionist, doctor, and therapist. This diet has the most results, but it also changes your life in the process.
5. The Lemon Detox
Are you prepared to give up all foods and drink nothing but lemon water mixed with cayenne pepper for 14 days? You should absolutely in no way, shape, or form follow this diet. You are seriously depriving your body of the nutrients you get from meats and vegetables. Lovers of this diet can talk all day about how they aren't bloated as much and the toxins in their bodies are little to none, but one Google search and the right nutritionist will tell you that this is the worst way to lose weight. If you insist on doing a lemon detox, try adding a cup (or two) of lemon water to your everyday life while maintaining your normal eating habits (to clarify, normal does not include fast food or greasy foods).
6. The Ketogenic Diet
The Keto diet is probably more popular than the Atkins diet in today's society. Vinny from "Jersey Shore" has a cookbook that is strictly keto-friendly. There are upsides to this diet, but not without serious discipline and restraint. No alcohol (bye-bye mimosas and mojitos) and kiss those apples and pineapples goodbye because fruits are on the "do not eat" list.
