Obesity is becoming more and more common throughout the world and as a result, companies and individuals are looking to take advantage of this by advertising their own “unique” dietary plans. Anyone can be vulnerable to obesity so the world of dieting (orthodox and unorthodox) is now an ever-expanding market.
However, just how effective are these unorthodox diets and, more importantly, how safe are they? Not all dietary plans are appropriate and thus one should put in a bit of research time before embarking on a new diet or taking a new dietary supplement. Many unorthodox diets do work, of course, but it should be remembered that results and effects will vary depending on the person.
Veganism and vegetarianism are, in general, healthy forms of dieting. However, when it comes to children and infants, extreme care must be exercised. What is good for adults is not necessarily good for children. There have been several cases in the United States where strict veganism has been applied to children with negative effect. Some vegan parents are so set in their ways that they have not fed their children cooked food or meat and fats. The vegan approach can lead to malnutrition and death in the case of children - a baby in Florida died after being fed just wheatgrass juice and coconut milk. This baby died because of a lack of vitamins and fats. Older siblings of this baby showed signs of rickets, a condition caused by a lack of Vitamin D. Growing children need protein, fats and vitamins - depriving them of these things can be harmful.
The 3-hour diet
On a more positive note, a new diet called the “3-hour diet” has been proposed. The theory behind this is that by eating every 3 hours, one can maintain proper fuel and metabolism levels. The creator of the diet believes that prolonged periods without eating can lead to the body storing and hoarding fat - a natural reflex that we are supposedly “programmed” to do. What this means is that the body may hoard food supplies because it feels there has been a lack of supply. By eating every three hours, one can apparently let the body know that regular “fuel” will be supplied, thus eliminating or reducing the need for the body to hoard its supply. Aside from this, eating smaller meals regularly means you may avoid eating one massive meal, which can have negative consequences.