I’ve never been good at diets. Every once in awhile, I’ll go on a diet, arming myself with motivation and can-do attitude aplenty, only to find myself a few days later with my momentum fizzled and my resolve already fallen off the wagon.
My intentions are always good, so why can’t I make a diet stick?
Lindsey House, a weight management dietician with St. Elizabeth Healthcare and personal trainer, says I’m not alone. In fact, the very word “diet” has most of us falling off before we even begin.
“Dieting” connotes an on-and-off again mentality, House said. It suggests something short term and, as such, doesn’t force you to make long-term changes to your habits and behaviors.
“I think we are starting to see a shift away from diets,” she said. “They still exist, but I think we’re all starting to understand that the diet mentality is not working.”
Instead of dieting, House said, you should consider lifestyle changes that are more long term, such as practicing healthier habits and behaviors.
Here’s why House said you should consider giving up your diet, for good:
- Deprivation usually isn’t sustainable.
When you deprive yourself of certain foods, it makes you want them more and feel ” well, deprived. It reminds you that you’re dieting and, if you do fall off the wagon even once by indulging in that forbidden food, you’re less likely to get back on.
- Grumpiness often leads to unhappiness with a diet.
When you diet and cut back on certain foods, you’re more likely to feel grumpy, light-headed or unfocused. If you make lifestyle and behavior changes instead, you should feel the opposite: happier and more energized.
- Having an all-or-nothing approach to dieting usually doesn’t work.
It’s impossible to be perfect every day with food. It’s a given that we’re going to mess up or not always choose the absolute best choice. Be forgiving of yourself as you’re making healthier lifestyle changes because we’re all human and we’re not perfect.
But do keep in mind”
- You should indulge your cravings sometimes.
In fact, House said she sees the most success with her clients when cravings are indulged occasionally.
- You probably won’t see results as quickly with lifestyle changes as you would with a diet.
If you’re coming off of a diet mentality, you’re probably used to seeing a quick drop in pounds. If you lose the pounds in a healthy way, with good food choices and exercise, it might take three to six months before you see it on the scale.
House’s advice? Focus on how you’re feeling, sleeping and how much energy you have. You should see a definite difference there.
- You need a plan that works for you.
People have different personalities. That’s why some people thrive when they’re told what to do with regard to their food and exercise plans and other people like more general outlines for how to live their lives more healthily.
“There’s no blanket plan that works for everyone,” House said. “I believe you really need a customized plan for your life and your personality.”
Was dieting on your list of resolutions this year? If you’ve already been struggling to keep up with one, try implementing some of these tips until you find what works for you. Then let us know how it goes on Facebook or Twitter.
