Toxic Health Trends For Women: What NOT To Do

In the constantly evolving world of health and wellness, trends come and go. While some pave the way for genuine improvements in well-being, others might be nothing more than brief fads, or worse, potentially harmful. As women, it's crucial to approach health trends with scepticism. What one person online is promoting may appear to work for them, but may be harmful to them/others. Let's shed light on some of the trends that might do more harm than good.

EXCESSIVE CARDIO

Cardiovascular exercise is crucial for heart health, but an excessive focus on cardio can be problematic. Endless hours of high-intensity cardio may lead to burnout, increased stress levels, and even hormonal imbalances. Balance is key - incorporate strength training to balance cardio, to help build a resilient body that thrives in all aspects of your active life.

EXTREME CALORIE RESTRICTED DIETS

Some trends & diet plans advocate extreme calorie restriction, and for long periods of time. While losing weight fast might seem like a quick win, these diets often deprive women of essential nutrients, leading to fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and even adverse effects on mental health and long term effects on hormones. True wellness embraces balance, not deprivation. Reconsider any diet plan that advocates for 1200-1500 calories per day. 

WAIST TRAINERS

These tight corsets can compress your organs, leading to shortness of breath and digestive issues. Moreover, they provide a temporary illusion rather than sustainable, healthy weight loss. Embrace your body's natural shape and focus on overall health rather than succumbing to the pressures of a trend that prioritises appearance over well-being.

JUICE CLEANSES

While on a juice cleanse, your body is likely to be depleted from necessary nutrients, as well as neglecting carbohydrates, protein and fibre. Some evidence suggests that juice cleanses link to eating disorders and an increased risk of serious health issues. Juice cleanses may also increase your risk of blood sugar spikes, dehydration, and kidney problems. There is little evidence that juice and "detox" cleanses are beneficial. If you wish to try a cleanse or detox, it is necessary to consult with a qualified health professional. 

FASTED HIIT WORKOUTS

Fuel is necessary for high intensity training. Avoiding food prior to HIIT workouts can lead to nausea, fatigue and dizziness. Training in a ‘fed state’ could also be better for your hormones and athletic performance, particularly as women. Consider a small source of carbohydrates before doing a HIIT workout.

Before changing up your diet or wellness routine, it is important to consider both the benefits and the risks. Next time you consider getting on the wellness trend board, check in with your healthcare practitioner to see if it is right for you. 

Let's make healthy in different forms a trend, rather than following multiple different wellness trends.