Forever Fad Free - National Nutrition Month® 2007

By: Stephanie Woodruff
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It's March, and for those of us in the nutrition and health field that can only mean one thing, National Nutrition Month® (NNM). Sponsored by the American Dietetic Association, NNM® has been a weeklong event since 1973 with the purpose of promoting and educating people across the country about the importance of nutrition. This year's theme "Fad Free!" is geared toward making the general population more aware of fad diets, what they are, how they work (or don't), and how to recognize a fad diet. Here is a quiz- to take the full-length quiz, visit www.eatright.org

1. What is a fad?
A. Bellbottoms and polyester
B. Pet rocks
C. Low carb/high protein diets
D. All of the above

2. Following a diet fad is bad for your health…
A. Always
B. Sometimes
C. Never

3. Which fad diet was originally published in 1825 but is still popular today?
A. Cabbage Soup Diet
B. Grapefruit Diet
C. Low-Carbohydrate Diet
D. Banana and Skim Milk Diet

4. A diet that recommends the following should raise a red flag:
A. Special food or drink to detoxify the body
B. Eating a specific food with all meals
C. Eating protein and carbohydrates at separate meals
D. All of the above

1. Answer: D. We all make mistakes. And if you've followed any of the fads -A, B or C - you've had lots of company. Fads are trends that seem like a good idea at the time, but often in hindsight is just the opposite. The most important lesson about fads is to avoid repeating them!

2. Answer: A. While you may lose weight with fad diets, they are potentially harmful to your health. A diet fad that excludes many foods or an entire food group eliminates key nutrients that are essential for health. Learn how to spot a fad diet. Don't get caught in a diet plan that doesn't allow foods you enjoy, promises fast weight loss or sounds too good to be true.

3. Answer: C. The low-carbohydrate diet has been around since 1825 when Jean Brillat-Savarin introduced it as the key to weight loss in his book The Physiology of Taste. Many decades and several variations later, low-carb diets are still among the most popular fad diets. Giving this diet another chance has never been shown to improve long-term health.

4. Answer: D. Requiring a specific food or beverage to be included with each
meal or eating certain types of foods separately are clues to spotting a fad diet. There are no miracle foods or beverages that can lead to quick weight loss or stop you from aging.

The 2007, National Nutrition Month, is encouraging people to break the cycle of fad dieting. Though some may work, the results are mostly short-lived and can be dangerous to your health. Instead, focus on eating what you like, in the proper portion sizes, and in moderation. Everything you like to eat and enjoy can be worked into a balanced diet. The goal for a life long healthy weight should be the number one priority when it comes to your health and fitness.

As spring break is right around the corner, you may be tempted to participate with the latest diet. Don't fool yourself by saying "just this once" every chronic fad dieter uses those words. Choose foods that fuel you body and keep you satisfied. Step back and look at the big picture, one meal or one type of food doesn't make a break a healthful diet (ADA, www.eatright.org). Proper nutrition along with physical activity is a life long process. It is more than about weight and size. Exercise and nutrition has been shown to ward off diseases such as cancer and Type 2 diabetes, don't let a fad diet take away your best ammunition to prevent disease later on in life.

To be aware of fad diets, learn to recognize key terms. Any diet that endorses one type of food to consume or avoid, or eating different foods at different times is a fad diet. Check the qualifications of the author, even doctors are not the most reliable source when it comes to nutrition unless they have had human nutrition education. Your most reliable source is a registered dietician. We have an RD at the Student Health and Wellness Center; you can also find a reputable dietician online. Use online sources, such as www.mypyramid.gov , to track your daily intake and goals and meet your own personal recommendations supported by the American Dietetic Association and the USDA. Be on the look out for the SNAC-Student Nutrition Awareness Club booth in this month for more information and types to eating a healthy diet for life, recognizing fad diets, and ask any questions you may have. When it comes to you and your health, just be Fad Free!