If you are ready to try a weight loss program, you may be tempted to turn to a popular fad diet. 

These diets often sound too good to be true and, in fact, contradict common sense. Be especially cautious if you see any of the following claims that fad diets may use to entice you to participate.

• Banish fat
• Breakthrough miracle
• Enzymatic process
• Fast, easy weight loss
• Secret formula
• New discovery

It is also important to look at the diet objectively and think about how the diet may have gaps in providing the nutrition you need. Problems with many fad diets include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Not individualized to meet your needs.
• May not include enough calories.
• Label foods as “good” or “bad” or cut out a food group.
• Do not teach healthy lifestyle behaviors.
• Do not involve exercise.
• May become boring if meals are repetitive.

If you are like most Americans, research tells us that fad diets are not sustainable. When considering a diet, first ask yourself, “Can I follow this rest of my life?”