THE LAST STRAW MOMENT
We’ve all had that “enough is enough” moment. Whether it’s a frumpy Facebook photo or the dreaded trip to the shop to add another hole to the belt – we are faced with the need for change. The kneejerk reaction these days for many people is to embark on an extreme diet conducted with military precision. While I can appreciate the urgency that Facebook backlash provokes, there are a few important pitfalls to avoid when considering a diet.
EVERY BATTLE NEEDS A PLAN
Incentive for change can stem from all sorts of experiences, but I doubt any is more powerful than entering an addiction treatment facility. As such, clients are often motivated to make dramatic changes to their health and fitness regimens. Inevitably, during their initial fitness assessments, the dreaded “D” word comes up. When clients express their interest in going on a diet, I am compelled to reveal some painful news –diets don’t work.
IT’S A JOURNEY, NOT A SPRINT
The type of diet I am critical of is one that has an end date. These types of diets are typically extreme and pursued with the intention of reaching an objective external goal. When diets are designed to pursue a finite goal, what happens when the goal is reached? Once we lose those 20 pounds, or we can squeeze back into those jeans without having to re-enforce the button, then what? I relate this situation to having a chronic injury. Those with chronic lower back pain attend physiotherapy and complete at-home exercises with great vigilance. Despite being advised to continue with this regimen, once the symptoms are alleviated, most people discontinue these exercises. Don’t feel bad, it’s human nature. The goal was to relieve back pain and that was achieved, so it’s back to business as usual – until the next time.
WHEN YOUR DIET NEEDS A DIET
When we diet, the same flawed thinking patterns hamper our long term success. So, how do we overcome this obstacle? Here are a couple adjustments that may help how you approach your health goals and how to make healthy habits stick.
CHANGE FOR GOOD
First and foremost, avoid dieting in favour of making healthy and permanent lifestyle changes. When the emphasis is on improving overall health as opposed to achieving a single objective, we never reach our goal and are, thus, in a continual state of self-improvement. The yo-yoing back and forth that results from intermittent health kicks takes a toll on our bodies and has equally destructive effects on both our psychological and sociological health. Intermittent stints of exercise and extreme dieting interrupt the release of neurotransmitters involved in cognition and emotional health. This disruption is usually accompanied by depleted self-esteem and social withdrawal. Continually fit and physically active people with favourable muscle mass to body fat ratios generally don’t struggle with weight management since their bodies incinerate calories due to a revved up metabolism. The lesson here is to focus on health, not weight.
THE FULL THROTTLE FAIL
Those who embark on extreme diets are destined for failure from the start. When we commit to 7 days a week at the gym and nothing but fruit juice and celery sticks, this is not a recipe for success. What inevitably ends up happening is one of two things: we either burn ourselves out quickly from the rigour of such a strict plan or we fail to meet the stringent standards we set out for ourselves. The latter situation is often accompanied by guilt, defeat, and ultimately, the “F**k it!” mentality. Instead, the focus should be on reasonable changes that you can maintain indefinitely. Over time, as you begin to thrive, you will adopt these changes as part of your new lifestyle and be ready to add new ones to your plate.
ALL JOURNEYS START WITH A SINGLE STEP
With these new insights, you are ready to start a steady and life-long journey to a healthier you. Just remember: this year, when someone brings up the dreaded “D” word, take a pass. When they are choking back their cayenne and honey water concoction and raving about how this diet is different, don’t be surprised if another “D” word comes to mind.
We’ve all had that “enough is enough” moment. Whether it’s a frumpy Facebook photo or the dreaded trip to the shop to add another hole to the belt – we are faced with the need for change. The kneejerk reaction these days for many people is to embark on an extreme diet conducted with military precision. While I can appreciate the urgency that Facebook backlash provokes, there are a few important pitfalls to avoid when considering a diet.
EVERY BATTLE NEEDS A PLAN
Incentive for change can stem from all sorts of experiences, but I doubt any is more powerful than entering an addiction treatment facility. As such, clients are often motivated to make dramatic changes to their health and fitness regimens. Inevitably, during their initial fitness assessments, the dreaded “D” word comes up. When clients express their interest in going on a diet, I am compelled to reveal some painful news –diets don’t work.
IT’S A JOURNEY, NOT A SPRINT
The type of diet I am critical of is one that has an end date. These types of diets are typically extreme and pursued with the intention of reaching an objective external goal. When diets are designed to pursue a finite goal, what happens when the goal is reached? Once we lose those 20 pounds, or we can squeeze back into those jeans without having to re-enforce the button, then what? I relate this situation to having a chronic injury. Those with chronic lower back pain attend physiotherapy and complete at-home exercises with great vigilance. Despite being advised to continue with this regimen, once the symptoms are alleviated, most people discontinue these exercises. Don’t feel bad, it’s human nature. The goal was to relieve back pain and that was achieved, so it’s back to business as usual – until the next time.
WHEN YOUR DIET NEEDS A DIET
When we diet, the same flawed thinking patterns hamper our long term success. So, how do we overcome this obstacle? Here are a couple adjustments that may help how you approach your health goals and how to make healthy habits stick.
CHANGE FOR GOOD
First and foremost, avoid dieting in favour of making healthy and permanent lifestyle changes. When the emphasis is on improving overall health as opposed to achieving a single objective, we never reach our goal and are, thus, in a continual state of self-improvement. The yo-yoing back and forth that results from intermittent health kicks takes a toll on our bodies and has equally destructive effects on both our psychological and sociological health. Intermittent stints of exercise and extreme dieting interrupt the release of neurotransmitters involved in cognition and emotional health. This disruption is usually accompanied by depleted self-esteem and social withdrawal. Continually fit and physically active people with favourable muscle mass to body fat ratios generally don’t struggle with weight management since their bodies incinerate calories due to a revved up metabolism. The lesson here is to focus on health, not weight.
THE FULL THROTTLE FAIL
Those who embark on extreme diets are destined for failure from the start. When we commit to 7 days a week at the gym and nothing but fruit juice and celery sticks, this is not a recipe for success. What inevitably ends up happening is one of two things: we either burn ourselves out quickly from the rigour of such a strict plan or we fail to meet the stringent standards we set out for ourselves. The latter situation is often accompanied by guilt, defeat, and ultimately, the “F**k it!” mentality. Instead, the focus should be on reasonable changes that you can maintain indefinitely. Over time, as you begin to thrive, you will adopt these changes as part of your new lifestyle and be ready to add new ones to your plate.
ALL JOURNEYS START WITH A SINGLE STEP
With these new insights, you are ready to start a steady and life-long journey to a healthier you. Just remember: this year, when someone brings up the dreaded “D” word, take a pass. When they are choking back their cayenne and honey water concoction and raving about how this diet is different, don’t be surprised if another “D” word comes to mind.
