Crash dieting: why to avoid it like the plague

Yesterday in my communications class, my professor was talking to us about people who lack expertise in their respective fields, using a weight-loss program she was introduced to in demonstrating the concept. She told the class how a "nutritionist" had tried to sell her on a program that consisted of a 500-calorie a day diet, in addition to not exercising (considering one on a 500-calorie diet doesn't have the means to engage in rigorous physical activity). I found this to be quite laughable (I did in fact laugh out loud), and a clear example of someone not knowing anything about healthy weight-loss. There are many dangers that come with crash diets, and they are certainly not worth the resulting fast drop in pounds when considering the negative-effects that come with it.

Not only is crash dieting detrimental to one's health, but it will result in only short-term weight loss, with the pounds quickly coming back on after getting off of the diet and returning to normal eating patterns. This may prompt one to go back on the crash diet and in effect create a pattern of their weight going up and down with each switch of the cycle. By going on a crash diet, you will quickly come to feel the harmful effects that come with a calorie-deficiency, such as muscle breakdown, disruption in potassium, sodium and blood-sugar levels, and even heart failure. In restricting yourself calorically on such an extreme level, you are essentially taking out or greatly reducing the intake of major food groups from your diet, resulting in a lack of nutrients the body needs to function properly.

To achieve the body you want for the long run (and maintain it), slow and steady is truly the way to go. Rather than dieting (which essentially restricts yourself from eating the foods you love, leading to binging), eat your favorite meals and treats in moderation while maintaining a healthy diet overall; It's then not a diet, but a lifestyle choice. In my own experience, the more I practiced healthy behaviors, the more habitual they became. Once I began implementing healthier habits into my daily life, I continued to feel more motivated to take those habits to the next level, and now I simply enjoy the feelings associated with healthy eating and exercise over the feelings that come with indulging regularly in fattening and sugary foods and vegging around for hours at a time. No one said it would be easy, but believe me, the hard work put towards building a healthier lifestyle is well worth it!

For more information on the harms of crash dieting, check out this article here.