Just browse any health magazine and you will likely find several new fad diets promising instant results. Many of the claims and testimonials contain some information that make sense, but on the whole the messages are geared toward creating a marketing ploy.

You may find many variations of claim in fad diet but the main message is always about fast or instant results. For instance, there is the 3-day diet that touts eating little more than fruits for three days, followed by vegetables, grains or meat for other days.

It is true that eating fruits on a regular basis is one of the key ingredients for good health as fruits will give you the needed carbohydrates, vitamins and fiber. However, eating fruits solely can lean to imbalance of carbohydrates, fiber and other healthy components.

Similarly, the 'low carb, high protein' diets, such as Atkins that focus on cutting down carbohydrates drastically and eating substantial amounts of high protein foods can have negative effects on our vital organs such as the heart and the kidneys due to high levels consumption of protein and fat. Both protein and carbohydrates are essential to proper nutrition, putting too much emphasis on one over the other may lead to rapid, but temporary weight loss.

Additionally, carbohydrates are the essential molecules that not only give you energy, but are an integral part of many biological processes. They are the building blocks of life and enable biological processes to take place. Alhough our body can use other sources such as fat and protein for energy, however, too much protein reduces the ability of the body to store and regulate the appropriate amount of water.

Further on, there are 'chocolate diets'. It sounds very yummy and attractive as most people love to eat chocolate. Well, there are studies that claim chocolate is healthy if consumed in moderation; chocolate (especially dark chocolate) contains anti-oxidants and other compounds that can be beneficial to our body. However, too much of a good thing can become harmful to our body as well. Unfortunately, chocolate usually have lots of fat and sugar that may add extra calories in you.

Any diet that claims or promises fast results should be taken with a grain of salt. Apply some common sense and skepticism when you come across any fad diet that has outrageous claims. Radical approach to weight loss may prove to be harmful than helpful. A true healthy weight loss consists of eating a balanced diet and regular exercise; it is a process that requires some time and efforts on your part.

A balanced diet consists of moderate portions of fruits and vegetables (for carbohydrates, vitamins and fiber), grains (for carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber), protein (for amino acids) and dairy products (for calcium, unless you're lactose intolerant). An average 2,000-2,500 calories per day is perhaps a good measurement for an average person. This is just a rough guide, to calculate more accurately how many calories you will need each day, use the calorie calculator.