Why Diets Don't Work

It seems like these days there are an endless amount of diets and fads out there, all with a different twist or "secret" to losing weight. Low fat, low carb, no carb, high protein, high fiber, no fruit, all vegetables, etc. etc. etc. It's enough to make your head spin it's so confusing. No wonder so many people begin various diets and are not successful. The truth is that everybody is different and every body is different. All we really know is that we need food to live, but what things are healthy vs. unhealthy are always going to be debatable depending on who you talk to what has worked for them.

I was introduced to this great video on TED talks a few years ago given by a neuroscientist Sandra Aamondt who incorporates science with personal experience to give her take on why diets don't usually work.

http://www.ted.com/talks/sandra_aamodt_why_dieting_doesn_t_usually_work?language=en


This is why I'm a strong believer in lifestyle changes as opposed to dieting, because restricting yourself of certain foods does not work and it's unrealistic. Even if you have an extraordinary amount of self control, you will still eventually crave foods that you cut out of your diet that you will end up binge eating them or eating them anyway and feeling bad about yourself for it. This is how eating disorders are born. However, if you look at things from a different perspective, this guilt and shame can be avoided. You should never restrict yourself of any certain food. If you want something, eat it. Don't feel bad about. Your craving will be fulfilled and eating that one slice of pizza or one bowl of ice cream isn't going to make you gain any weight. As long as you eat these things in moderation, they can be a part of a healthy lifestyle. Changing your lifestyle to incorporate more healthy foods, such as lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains is going to help you see the changes you want. And you can still have that cookie or soda and not feel bad about it. Here is a great government website that has tons of information on nutritional guidelines and healthy eating made by dietitians. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

Another thing I want to mention is that weight loss doesn't happen overnight. The healthy recommendation from doctors is to lose 1-2 pounds per week. I also think it's important not to weigh yourself more than once per week. And try to weigh yourself at the same time and same day each week, that will it will be easier to track changes in your weight and body. Also remember, the scale is not the only change your body will go through. You can do measurements of your hips, waist, arms, etc. and see the inches lost as well. Body fat percentage is also an indicator of body changes, especially for those who incorporate a lot of weight training into their exercise regimen.

Don't be so hard on yourself, lifestyle changes aren't easy, just take baby steps to get there. It takes about 21 days for something to become a habit, keep that in mind. Slow and steady wins the race of weight loss.