An estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year. Yet according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 72% of adults, aged 20 years and older are either overweight or obese. So how is it possible with so many going on a diet each year that the weight of the nation continues to climb?

Did you know dieting to lose weight can actually put you at increased risk for future weight gain? The truth of the matter is many trending diets focus primarily on rapid weight loss, rather than on long-term nutrition and health.

Many continue to be intrigued by the popular diets trending on social media because they are reading stories of dramatic weight loss. Keto, Whole 30, Paleo and Intermittent Fasting are just a few of the popular diets offering a quick fix to losing those unwanted pounds. However, how do you know if these diets are healthy and sustainable?

Join University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator, Diane Reinhold, as we explore the world of dieting. Learn what foods are allowed by some popular diets such as Keto, Whole 30, Paleo and Intermittent Fasting. During this workshop, we will weigh the pros and cons and look at the evidence and safety of these diets. You will also learn how to identify potential red flags of any diet plan so you can walk away empowered to lead a healthy lifestyle. (Do you want to mention the healthy eating patterns that will be discussed as well?)

Exploring Current Diet Trends: The Good, the Bad, and the Hard to Maintain, will be held on Tuesday, March 24, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St., Elizabeth. There is no cost to attend this program, however seating is limited and pre-registration is requested. The deadline for registration is Friday, March 20, 2020. To register or for more information call our office at (815) 858-2273 or visit us online at go.illinois.edu/jsw.

Diane Reinhold is a University of Illinois Extension, Nutrition and Wellness Educator and registered dietitian. For more about upcoming programming on nutrition and wellness, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw or call 815-235-4125.