Enhancing Wellness in
School Mental Health

Friend or Fad?

You would probably agree that there has been an increasing overemphasis on weight loss in our country.
“Lose weight and keep it off”, “lose 10 pounds in 5 weeks”, “guaranteed weight loss!” – sound familiar? These phrases incessantly bombard us, propelling messages that promise successful and rapid weight loss. From Weight Watchers to South Beach, peanut butter diet to chocolate diet (Yes, it exists!), diet seekers may find themselves overwhelmed and confused about nutrition and how to maintain a healthy weight.
While numerous diets stress healthy eating habits and lifestyles, others can actually be dangerous to your health. By carefully attending to claims offered by diets, you can distinguish between healthy lifestyle nutrition and “fad” diets.
A fad diet is one that promises dramatic outcomes but fails to offer long-term results. Fad diets are typically not effective and can be hazardous to your health. Rather than signing on for a restrictive, commercialized diet, consider healthy eating habits in terms of nutritional value and overall health.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides a comprehensive website for nutrition, including dietary guidelines, food safety, and recent research findings on nutrition and physical activity (www.nutrition.gov).
So if you are inclined to change your eating habits and are considering a “diet” to facilitate healthy nutrition, do your research!
Avoid diets that promise fast and easy weight loss or contradict what most health professionals would recommend for healthy eating. (continued on reverse)

A recent study in the Journal of Employment Counseling (2003) found that wellness was the strongest predictor of job satisfaction.
http://www.allbusiness.com/periodicals/article/727603-1.html.
Analyses revealed that holistic wellness also increased the quality of job task performance.

Promises a large or fast weight loss (more than 1-2 lb per week).
Does not include suggestions to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Encourages you to eliminate food groups (such as grains) or eat from a limited selection of foods.
Offers rigid menus that don't consider your likes, dislikes and lifestyle.
Neglects active living or lifestyle changes.
Provides far fewer calories than what is need for an energized healthy lifestyle.
Contradicts what most trusted health professionals say.
Depends on special products, supplements or treatments.
Has miraculous claims.
Relies on testimonials and anecdotes rather than scientific evidence.
http://www.healthcastle.com/faddiets.shtml

Dieting: Friend or Fad?

If weight loss is your goal, the most effective and healthy way to accomplish this is through a reduced calorie, nutritionally-balanced eating plan and regular physical activity.
Not only will this help you lose and maintain a healthy weight, but you will also avoid increased risks that typically accompany being overweight or obese: diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, stroke, some cancers and others (see www.nutrition.gov).
There are a few basic steps that everyone can take toward a healthier diet:
Eat a variety of foods with a lot of veggies, fruit, whole-grains and low-fat milk product.
Minimize fat intake (especially trans fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.
Minimize calories from added sugars
Eat foods with less sodium or salt (less than 2,300 mg/day)
Drink no more than one alcoholic beverage/day (2 for men)
And remember, little eyes are watching! The children in our lives may be impacted by our eating habits so model healthy eating and regular physical activity to encourage a healthier habits for generations to come.