Food trends come and go regularly in the health and wellness arena. The ones that stick around are generally based on medical research and backed by scientific evidence of their effectiveness. Give these eight food trends a wide berth since instead of fostering wellness, they may actually sabotage your health goals. 

1. Avoiding Carbs

Carbohydrates are not the enemy. In fact, plant-based diets that are rich in whole grains are recommended by most medical professionals as the best way to achieve optimal health. Unless you have uncontrolled diabetes, complex carbohydrates should be a major component of your overall diet. The fiber provided from them can actually increase your gut and cardiovascular health and may contribute to better long-term health outcomes. 

So, why do carbs get such a bad rap? It likely has to do with weight gain associated with excess consumption of overly processed and refined grains and sugars. That makes it important to differentiate between carbs that are starches, sugars, and fiber.

2. Loading Up on Animal Proteins

Proteins that come from animal sources are often high in unhealthy saturated fats. Aim to get at least some of your daily protein intake from plant-based sources like whole grains and legumes. Take time to learn how to remove lectins from beans to help ease the digestive issues or discomfort often associated with them. 

3. Steering Clear of Soy

There has been quite a bit of discussion over the risks and benefits associated with consuming soy. The consensus among most medical professionals is that soy can be a healthy addition to most diets. It is loaded with protein and provides fiber plus a host of vitamins and minerals. Consume it in moderation to avoid impacting estrogen levels. 

4. Eliminating Entire Food Groups

Building on the idea of giving up soy, any diet that asks you to eliminate an entire food group should be eyed with suspicion, regardless of what that group is. The best way to get all of the nutrients that your body needs is through a well-balanced diet. Any diet that asks you to avoid a food group can lead you to feel like you are depriving yourself, which may cause binge eating of the forbidden foods.  

5. CBD-Infused Coffee

CBD has been touted as a miracle cure for a whole host of ailments, yet the scientific evidence backing up many of those claims is weak. On top of that, the heat from your coffee will likely reduce or eliminate any effects you would otherwise get from CBD by interfering with its absorption into your system. If you do decide to try CBD for its reported health benefits, look for brands that are batch tested for safety and purity. 

6. Fad Diets

There is a reason that new diets seem to replace old ones pretty quickly: they usually don't work. While most are harmless, there can be serious consequences to following some fad diets. Instead, stick to proven and reliable ways to maintain your health and weight. 

7. Any Miracle Foods

Any food that claims to be a cure-all or wonder food is probably going to disappoint you. Even if it is generally healthy and makes you feel good, it can be hard to live up to those miracle claims. Don't buy into the hype that one food item or group will fix all of your health problems to avoid the eventual disappointment that is bound to come.

8. Plant-Based Meats

While plant-based diets like the Mediterranean Diet and varying levels of vegetarianism can be healthful, they generally rely on whole, unprocessed foods to achieve positive health results. Many of the new plant-based meats appearing on grocery store shelves, on the other hand, are highly processed and loaded with sodium. That combination can quickly derail your otherwise healthy eating and result in unintended consequences like bloating, weight gain, and elevated blood pressure. 

Moderation and balance are necessary for a healthy life, and your diet is no exception. Avoid buying into trends and fads that limit your choices and place unreasonable restrictions on what you should and shouldn't eat.