Dieting is the WORST way to lose weight!
Dieting is the WORST way to lose weight! I probably sound crazy declaring that statement, but by the time you finish reading this article, I think you'll agree with me. I’ve spoken about proper nutrition and making the necessary changes to one’s diet to begin living a healthier lifestyle. So what on Earth am I talking about?
There's a big difference between "diet" and "nutrition"
Today, the term “diet” subtly holds an enormous amount of connotations, whether they are positive or negative. If you think about a diet, what do you normally think of? Here’s what most people think of:
- Restrictions
- Forbidden foods
- Banned food groups
- What you can "never eat"
- Hunger
- Dietary Fads/Trends
- Unhealthy “Quick Fixes”
In our sedentary society today, and with the obesity crisis we're facing, the word "diet" has become toxic. Companies have noticed this, and exploit our insecurities with their “miracle” diets that’ll solve our problems in 30 days. When somebody announces that they are going on a diet, they are also saying that at some point they will eventually go off of it, instead of making a lifestyle change. In contrast, when somebody normally thinks about the connotations of the word nutrition, they don’t normally think of anything negative. Most people think of:
- Health
- Protein
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Balance
- Longevity
- Lifestyle Change
This is precisely why "diet" and "nutrition" are not saying the same thing. This distinction between the words are crucial, but this is why it’s important to stay away from “dieting” and look towards formulating a nutrition program. With a nutrition program you are following a structured plan that you can follow as a lifestyle, which provides you with nutritious foods that helps you get leaner, stronger, fitter and healthier. Dieting might improve your health, depending on your approach to a "diet," it might destroy your health. Dieting is not always healthy, whereas exercise and nutrition will consistently lead you down a healthier lifestyle. Weight loss diets are known to fail majority of the time, but not because someone may not lose the weight, but because they rarely keep it off. Unfortunately most dieters end up relapsing from their "diet".
Honestly, living an active lifestyle and proper nutrition are imperative for long-term weight loss maintenance. Yes it's going to take time and an enormous amount of commitment, but in the end it’ll be worth it! All it takes are small adjustments within your diet and exercise, and before you know it, you'll be on track towards a healthier lifestyle!