"Eat healthy!" "Adopt a healthy diet plan." Easier said than done. There are many schools of thought when it comes to healthy eating. So, how do you know who is telling the truth? Weight loss is a highly competitive market. I read recently that Americans spend $53 billion per year on weight loss products and services. Such a massive market attracts numerous competitors who are far more concerned with profits than health benefits.
Products are crafted to play to your wants rather than your needs. Which of the following diet slogans are most appealing to you?
- Slow, methodical, healthy weight loss
- Quick and easy weight loss in just 14 days
That's a no-brainer. We prefer "quick and easy." But is "quick and easy" the healthier option? Research has shown that healthy diets are less attractive than "quick and easy" diets. Consumers perceive "health" and "nutrition" to be synonymous with "long, difficult, boring, and impossible." However, "health" and "nutrition" are acceptable in the sales pitch as a benefit. "Oh, and by the way, this diet is also healthy and nutritious."
Obviously there is a market for people who care about health and nutrition. But they are not generally in the market for a weight loss program. Since they have already engaged in the principles of good health they are less likely to have a weight problem to solve.
Here's the sad reality. We don't really want to abandon bad eating. "Give me a quick and easy fix so I can go back to my junk food and fast food!"
So marketers give you precisely what you want and not what you need. If you go to a doctor for a medical concern will she give you what you need or what you want? The point here is that more often than not we choose want over need even though we know it's not really in our best interest.
Back to my original question: How do you know who is telling the truth? When you get the afterthought pitch, "nutritious and healthy," after the declaration that the product provides "quick and easy" gratification, how can you determine if these words are just sales hype or the genuine article?
I have a good doctor friend who has developed and is marketing a very healthy diet. His marketing campaign opens with "quick and easy weight loss in just 27 days." Then he shares more important facts on health and nutrition. The only reason he emphasizes "quick and easy" is because he has seen the research. Therefore you cannot conclude that the term "quick and easy" is a sure sign that the product is not really healthy. But it should raise a flag.
Am I being hyped...or am I getting the truth? The key to getting to the truth is by examining the claims about health and nutrition. Here are some tips that will help you discern what is healthy and what is not:
- A product that is strong on sound health and nutrition principles will be very open about what they offer. If, following the "healthy and nutritious" afterthought, there is no mention or little information on health information then the product is not what you are looking for.
- Examine what is being said about health and nutrition. If the emphasis is on pre-packaged foods then there will be definite nutrition limitations.
- All good health diets are big on lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Is there a strong emphasis on eating just one thing...like cabbage, bananas, grapefruit, etc.? These are not healthy long term diets.
- Look for balance. A balanced diet is a healthy diet. For example, the Atkins Diet is not a balanced diet. Distortion of certain food groups is not a healthy way to eat.
- Are there warning labels that extended use of the diet can be hazardous to your health?
- Are there warnings for women who are pregnant? If it's good enough for a pregnant woman it's good enough for you.
One day you come to the very important conclusion that the only thing that is going to work and last is a healthy diet plan. Then you begin the search...or possibly you have found something that looks good. Most important is to get a closer look to make certain that you are making the healthiest possible choice. If you have come to that place in your weight loss pilgrimage then "congratulations" is in order. You are definitely on the right track.
Richard Weirich co-hosts the internationally popular Health at Last Radio and has written numerous publications on weight loss, health, and wellness. To find out more about selecting a weightlossresourcecenter.com/healthy-diet-plan healthy diet plan click here and you can visit the weightlossresourcecenter.com author's website here.
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