Wouldn’t it be great if weight loss was as easy as blending some oats in the blender or gulping down copious amounts of green tea daily? These are just two of the many diet trends circulating now on social media.

Sure, green tea and oatmeal are not without nutritional benefits, but there’s little scientific basis for the quick weight loss claims. 

We hate to harsh your fad diet fantasy vibe, but here at Zenwise, we are dedicated to offering credible, scientifically based content. To that point, we’ve written about the health pitfalls of the Swimsuit Diet and the Mayr Diet.

Some 45 million Americans go on diets each year. And what many of these people don’t realize is that their gut microbiome may take a hit in the process.

Your gut is paying the price

Changes in one’s diet can have positive or negative consequences on overall health, says Dr. William DePaola, a microbiome expert at the University of Washington Medicine.

Dr. DePaola says a healthy and varied diet – one high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats – is generally considered good for your gut.

On the flip side, fad diets, which focus on one food group or eliminate variety, generally have a negative effect on the microbiome and, potentially, long-term health, he says.

“The bacteria that reside in your intestines are important for day-to-day function but also for your overall health,” Dr. DePaola adds.

Focus on better health, NOT weight loss

Lifestyle changes and habits can improve health markers like blood pressure and heart health. These daily tweaks can include walking, cooking more at home, prioritizing sleep, and reducing stress.

A calorie deficit will lead to weight loss, but deprivation can backfire. Sure, drastic dieting may help you lose weight in the short term, but it’s not sustainable.

Moreover, certain restrictive diets may increase the risk of developing eating disorder tendencies.

Additionally, a restrictive diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies and unpleasant side effects like constipation and muscle cramps.

Buck the trend!

Experts recommend a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. Aim for meals that include lean protein, high-fiber carbs, and healthy fats. This will help you eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods and promote healthy gut microbiota.

And here’s another pro tip: focus on adding instead of taking away, especially when it comes to fruits and veggies. It’s also a good idea to wean yourself off added sugar, which can appear in sweet treats and foods like bread, crackers, and yogurt.

You may want to consider some savvy supplementation if you’re not getting all the necessary nutrients and minerals from food.

Our Zenwise® customer service team can answer all your questions and steer you in the right direction. Reach them at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST at (800) 940-1972.