Workplace Wellness Insights: Beware of New Fad Diets
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Each month, we send out our RK Healthy Workforce wellness newsletter. In it, we provide health and wellness tips for your work and life. We know that many people recite the “new year, new me” mantra every January 1. Gyms are packed with everyone wanting to get in shape as a popular New Year’s resolution. Making positive lifestyle changes approved by a doctor are great, but turning to a fad diet may not be.
Fad diets typically promise quick weight loss, oftentimes through unhealthy and unbalanced dieting. A diet can be considered a fad diet if it:
- Claims to help you lose more than 1-2 pounds per week;
- Promises that you’ll lose weight and keep it off without giving up fatty foods or starting an exercise program;
- Bases its claims only on “before and after” photos; or
- Limits your food choices and encourages you to only eat a specific set or type of food.
Fad diets can be dangerous as they can lead to things like gout, poor athleticism, heart disease and—ironically—poor, long-term weight loss control. If you’re looking to get in shape or lose weight this year, make lifestyle changes that encourage portion control, exercise more, avoid empty calories and eat a well-balanced diet. Keep in mind that forming healthy dieting practices now will keep you on track with your long-term weight-loss goal.
Our monthly wellness newsletter also provides healthy recipes, seasonal tips and other valuable resources. For example, in January we also talk about:
- Your Guide to Avoiding Winter Illnesses
- Fast Facts About the Common Cold
- 3 Tips to Beat the Post-Holiday Blues
- Slow Cooker Pork Stew Over Brown Rice
If you would like to receive this newsletter in your email each month, contact your R&K client manager. Also, check back with us next month for more workplace wellness insights.
Rose & Kiernan, Inc. offers workplace wellness support through our signature platform RKHealthy Workforce. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us here or by calling (800) 242-4433.
