Authors of nutrition books are celebrated on TV talk shows, while products and systems are offered at inflated prices. Some recent food fads and foibles include mega doses of vitamins, the theory that sugar causes hyperactivity, food allergy theories and special magic substances that promote energy and weight loss. Exaggerating a Valid Claim Sometimes a valid nutritional idea becomes a fad and is overdone. When oat bran was found to play a role in limiting cholesterol, manufacturers rushed in with their extravagant claims for their oat bran products, many of which contained levels of fat and sugar inconsistent with total nutritional value. There s no easy way to boost your energy and well-being or to lose weight.
Food fads that seem too good to be true probably are.
A basic rule of good nutrition is to eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups, avoiding high-fat and sugary foods. Before swallowing the claims or the products of talk show guests, ask yourself the questions above. Nutrition fads may have some elements of truth, but can rarely support a safe, effective and complete weight-loss or nutrition program. Difficult people can sabotage any conflict resolution session. But often the trouble arises when we overreact to these people.