THE DANGER OF FAD DIETS****

The "Energy Balance Equation" is the only universally accepted and proven theory whose simple message is that weight loss can only be achieved if less calories are consumed than burned. On the contrary, alternative diet solutions tend to pick a macronutrient that they classify as bad and then consequently discourage consumption of all foods rich in this nutrient. Low-fat diets, for example, limit consumption of meats, whereas low-carb diets limit consumption of potatoes and rice, among others. In exchange, low-carb diets allow boundless consumption of all other fat-rich products, claiming that the absence of carbs still results in weight loss regardless of the consumed quantities. This claim is partially true, but only in the first stage of dieting and only because of the side effects associated with this approach. When the body doesn't get enough carbohydrates, it starts to reduce the glycogen reserves in the liver. The body then starts to extract glycogen from muscle tissue, thus breaking it down and depleting water from the muscles at the same time. In the initial stages of the diet, the first seven to nine pounds a person loses are water, presenting a real danger of dehydration and mineral deficiencies. Regardless of the question of such diets' meaningfulness, you should never place weight loss above your health. Instead, make sure that your diet features varied menus and that it encourages eating fruit, vegetables and lean protein (reduced-fat dairy products, fish, chicken, and lean cuts of beef and pork) and whole and natural foods.