With the new year in full swing, you’ve got your eye on a few of those fad diets that have been circulating. They’ve worked for a few you know. Could they be helpful for you if you have autism? There are certain vitamins and nutrients that are especially beneficial for people with autism, meaning that it can help address some of the discomforting symptoms. Here are 7 fad diets and the truth about how fad diets impact autism symptoms:
1. Paleo Diet
The Paleo diet aims to reflect the diet of early humans, back in our hunting/gathering days. Back then, food was scarce, and we were only able to eat certain food groups like meat, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. If you’re wanting to cut out processed foods, this might be the diet for you.
But how does the Paleo diet impact autism?
Processed foods are often the culprit of the most discomforting symptoms of autism, like hyperactivity, fidgeting, restlessness, anxiety, sleep issues, and more. Cutting these out can be a big help for those with autism!
2. Keto Diet
The Keto diet is so named because it is designed to put your body in a state of ketosis, in which your body feeds off of its own fat stores. The Keto diet manages to put your body in this state by cutting out carbs and increasing fats. (For example, you could eat butter — copious amounts of butter — but not very much bread, as your carb intake will be about 50 total grams per day.)
But how does the Keto diet impact autism? Because the diet is hyper-focused on reducing carb and sugar intake, it even restricts the fruits you can eat. Apples and bananas, for example, contain too much sugar. These can be great for regulating digestion (where irregularity is a common issue for those with autism) as they’re great sources of fiber and potassium, respectively.
3. Vegan Diet
While a vegetarian diet simply cuts out meat, a vegan diet cuts out all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. The diet’s focus is eliminating cruelty to animals, but it can also be a great way to eat more fruits and vegetables, if you normally have a hard time getting your fill for the day.
But how does a vegan diet impact autism? Many of those with autism have lactose intolerance, so this diet is simply eliminating a few more food groups. However, it is much harder to obtain protein, vitamin B12, and Omega 3s with this diet, all of which are good for those with autism, unless the dieter makes a conscious effort to eat plant-based foods with these nutrients in them.
4. Atkins Diet
The Atkins diet has been around for a while, and it’s characterized by cutting carbs while staying full. During the first few weeks, dieters are instructed to cut carbs down to 20 grams per day, while allowing unlimited fat and protein, making Atkins very similar to the Keto diet.
But how does the Atkins diet impact autism? Unlike the Keto diet, the Atkins diet allows dieters to add carbs gradually back into their diet at 5-gram intervals. This means that dieters are only severely restricted on their intake for the first few weeks, and they can go back to eating more sugary fruits (like apples and bananas) soon enough.
5. South Beach Diet
The South Beach diet is similar to the Atkins diet in that it restricts carbs, but the creator of the South Beach diet was concerned about allowing dieters to ingest fats without restriction. (He was concerned about developing heart conditions.) Instead, the South Beach diet is low carb, low fat, and high protein.
But how does the South Beach diet impact autism? Because the focus here is on increasing protein, the PROs of this diet on autism symptoms outweigh the CONs. Protein has been known to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in people with ADHD and autism.
6. Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers isn’t just a diet but a full-service meal plan. Rather than counting calories or carbs, however, they count points. This can help you change your mindset about food, which is one of the first steps you need to take to lose weight.
But how does Weight Watchers impact autism? Well, thankfully, Weight Watchers has a wide variety of foods to choose from and doesn’t focus on the exclusion of any particular food group. Rather, they focus on consuming in moderation, so you can continue getting all the nutrients you need here.
7. Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem is similar to Weight Watchers in that it’s a full-service meal plan, rather than a simple diet. When you purchase foods from Nutrisystem, you’ll know exactly how many calories, carbs, and nutrients you’re consuming. And best of all: No meal prep is required!
But how does Nutrisystem impact autism? Like Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem isn’t focused on cutting out any food groups. It simply aims to offer low-calorie options that taste great. You can still get all the vitamins and nutrients you need.
Want to Take Fitness a Step Further?
If you’re ready to take your fitness to the next level, sign up for private training sessions or group classes with Special Strong. Our organization exclusively hires trainers with experience working with special needs and who have special needs certifications. Your fitness instructor will have full knowledge of your differing abilities and will be able to suggest workouts that will target both your discomforting autism symptoms as well as help you lose weight. Unleash the Special Strong Within when you sign up with Special Strong today!