Rating the Diets
THE 200 POINT SYSTEM
With so many different diets available, how are we to know what
works and what is safe? The only way to be sure is to discover
the author's background and the research behind the diet's
methodology. Every good diet should give a background about the
author and his/her credentials and experience in the fields of
nutrition and biochemistry. However, even a vast resume does not
mean a credible and safe diet. But it does suggest, at least,
that the author has some knowledge of nutrition. Providing
research behind the diet proves that the diet is not something
the author invented, so long as the research is not self-serving
and altered to fit a hypothesis.
Some diets may not need a great deal of tests and studies behind
them, simply because they are based on fundamentals. For
example, many women's magazines have articles on dieting and
weight loss, but they are common sense suggestions that most
people concerned about weight should know already: "Eat smaller
meals", "cut down on sugar and fat", etc., are typical
philosophies. More structured diets should give some scientific
reasons for its suggested success, preferably case studies and
research performed on everyday test subjects, as well as
athletes.
Since we have established the importance of eating a balanced
diet in accordance to selecting healthy foods and obtaining RDA
minimums, it is possible now to rate the diets in accordance to
those specific criteria. Begin with a score of 200 and subtract
10 points from the total for each statement below in which the
diet concedes. An ideal diet should maintain a score of 200, but
a score of 160 or greater is acceptable.
1. The diet does not include the food groups in adequate
amounts. Some fad diets eliminate one or more of the food
groups. Do not deduct 10 points if a food group