Fuel, Don't Fad. Eat for Health, not Hype.

Fork U with Dr. Terry Simpson

Fuel, Don’t Fad: How to Eat for Health, Not Hype

If you’ve ever fallen for a fad diet, you’re not alone. They promise quick results, make bold claims, and usually leave you hungry, cranky, and disappointed. But here’s the truth: fad diets don’t work in the long run. What does work? Fueling your body with the right foods. In this blog, we’ll break down why fad diets fail, how to rebuild your relationship with food, and the best way to fuel your body for health, happiness, and energy.

Why Fad Diets Fail (Every Single Time)

Fad diets sound tempting. They promise you’ll drop 10 pounds in a week, detox your body, or gain endless energy. But they always have a catch—and that catch is why they fail so miserably.

1. Fad Diets Demonize Food

Carbs are evil. Fats are the enemy. Fruits have too much sugar. If you’ve heard any of these, you’ve encountered a fad diet. These diets love to turn food into the villain, leaving you afraid to eat the things your body actually needs.

2. They Set You Up for Yo-Yo Dieting

You lose weight quickly at first, but as soon as you eat normally, the weight comes rushing back. This cycle is not just frustrating—it’s harmful to your health and metabolism.

3. They Ignore Science

Many fad diets rely on gimmicks instead of facts. For example, “Don’t eat after 7 PM because your metabolism goes to sleep.” Spoiler alert: your metabolism doesn’t have a bedtime.

Unhealthy Relationships with Food

Fad diets don’t just fail—they mess with your mind. They teach you to fear food, label meals as “good” or “bad,” and disconnect you from your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues.

Stop Labeling Food as the Enemy

Food isn’t good or bad. It’s just food. Sure, a salad has more nutrients than a slice of cake, but both can fit into a balanced diet. When you stop assigning moral value to food, you’ll stop feeling guilty about what you eat.

Trust Your Body’s Hunger Signals

Your body knows when it’s hungry and when it’s full. Fad diets train you to ignore these signals, but you can retrain yourself. Start listening to your body—it’s smarter than any diet app.

How to Fuel Your Body the Right Way

Now that we’ve covered what doesn’t work, let’s talk about what does. Fueling your body means giving it the energy and nutrients it needs to thrive. Forget restriction—focus on addition.

Fruits: Nature’s Candy

Aim for 9 ounces of fruit per day or about two servings. Fruits provide vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness. Plus, they’re portable and easy to snack on.

• Snack idea: Slice an apple and pair it with peanut butter.
• Breakfast tip: Add berries to your oatmeal or yogurt.

Vegetables: The Foundation of Your Plate

Like fruits, aim for 9 ounces of vegetables per day. Vegetables are low in calories but high in nutrients, fiber, and flavor.

• Quick tip: Roast a tray of veggies with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
• Sneaky trick: Add spinach to your smoothies—you won’t taste it, but your body will love it.

Whole Grains: Your Sturdy Sidekick

Whole grains give you the energy that lasts. They’re rich in fiber, which keeps you full and your digestion happy. Aim for 9 ounces of whole grains per day.

• Breakfast idea: Enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with fruit and nuts.
• Dinner option: Serve quinoa, brown rice, or whole-grain pasta as a base for your meals.

Fish: Brain Food

Fish provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. Try to eat fish twice a week, focusing on fatty fish like salmon or mackerel.

• Easy dinner: Grill salmon with a squeeze of lemon and fresh dill.
• Lunch idea: Make a tuna salad with olive oil, not mayo, and pile it onto whole-grain toast.

Olive Oil: Liquid Gold

Forget butter. Olive oil is your new go-to fat. It’s rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and enhances the flavor of almost anything. Use 2-4 tablespoons per day for cooking, drizzling, or dipping.

• Salad idea: Drizzle olive oil with lemon juice and a pinch of salt for a quick dressing.
• Snack tip: Dip whole-grain bread into olive oil mixed with herbs.

Legumes: The Underrated Powerhouse

Legumes like chickpeas, lentils, and beans are full of fiber, protein, and nutrients. They’re also budget-friendly and incredibly versatile. Best of all, you can enjoy them in unlimited amounts.

• Snack idea: Roast chickpeas with paprika for a crunchy treat.
• Meal tip: Make a hearty chickpea stew with tomatoes and spices.

Why Fad Diets Like the Carnivore Diet Are a Hard No

We can’t talk about fueling your body without addressing the Carnivore Diet. This trendy diet eliminates plant-based foods entirely, focusing only on meat. Here’s why it’s a bad idea:

• They are Nutrient-Deficient: You’re missing out on fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, and grains.
• It’s Risky: Diets high in red and processed meats increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.
• Carnivore, like keto, is Unsustainable: Unless you love the idea of a lifetime without bread, this diet won’t last.

In short, the Carnivore Diet is a fad at best and dangerous at worst. Stick to balanced, science-backed eating instead.

Practical Tips to Get Started

Fueling your body doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with these simple steps:

1. Focus on what to add, not what to cut out.
2. Plan meals around fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
3. Include fish in your weekly routine.
4. Stock your pantry with staples like legumes and olive oil.
5. Allow yourself treats—balance is key.