Fad Diets and Nutrition

Is Your Diet as Nutritious as You Think?

Finding a fad diet that works is a tall order, especially when many fall short on nutrition
By Hollis Templeton fitbie
 

The Diet: Cleanse/Detox

You know it as: Master Cleanse, Lemonade Diet, Maple Syrup Diet

What’s missing: Master Cleanse, a concoction of water, lemon juice, maple syrup and a dash of cayenne pepper, lacks all essential nutrients, including calories, vitamins, minerals, protein, carbs, fat and fiber. Maybe the better question is what isn’t missing? The answer would be enough liquid to keep you hydrated—and in the restroom for a good part of the day.

What this means for your health: If you’re dropping pounds on the lemonade diet, chances are you’re shedding water weight and muscle, not fat. When you skimp on dietary protein, your body has no other choice but to turn to the next best thing: muscle tissue. 

Make up for it: Choose a less extreme detox plan that actually lets you eat. If you need to drop pounds quickly, consider cutting out alcohol, caffeine and animal products instead of enacting an all-out ban on solid food. Eat fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and beans while upping your cardio workouts and drinking plenty of water.

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