Taste Life Blog

From Self Magazine

Six Signs Your Diet is Dangerous

It Touts Superfast Results

A normal-weight woman should lose no more than 2 pounds of fat a week or risk shedding water and muscle, says SELF contributing expert Stephanie Clarke, R.D.

It ODs on Vitamins

“Fortified diet plans can go overboard,” adds contributing expert Willow Jarosh, R.D. Too much retinyl palmitate (synthetic vitamin A) can damage the liver and might prevent vitamin D from helping our body absorb calcium.

It Has Fewer Than 1,200 Calories

“This could slow down your metabolism and raise your risk for nutrient deficiency,” Jarosh warns. Eating 1,500 or more calories daily is ideal.

It Claims to Speed your Metabolism

“If a low-cal plan says this, it probably contains a stimulant like caffeine or bitter orange,” Jarosh says. When the diet with caffeine ends, you’ll face withdrawal—and want to detox again to stop it.

It Promises to Clear out Toxins

“Some plans contain or recommend laxatives,” Clarke says. “They expel healthful gut bacteria and upset your stomach.” Dehydration could occur, making you sluggish and impeding natural filters: your kidneys, liver and skin.

It Serves the Same Thing Daily

Even if you eat healthy food (e.g., whole fruit), having only that food can create nutritional gaps. Plus, it’s boring!