We've all been there. You've decided that you're going to start dieting, so you can finally lose those last few pounds.
But inevitably, things don't go as planned. You find yourself struggling to stick to your diet, and eventually, you give up altogether and gain all the weight back.
In twice a less time. Over and Over again.
So why does the dieting process seem to be so hard? And more importantly, is it even worth it?
In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons why you should never diet again. Keep reading to find out more!
Dieting VS Nutrition Culture
Why do people diet? To lose weight, to look a certain way, to be healthier. But what people don't realize is that diets are restrictive, and for most people, diets don't change the core of the issue, which is the HABITS.
And that's exactly why diets are vicious cycles for the majority of individuals.
But what you have to realize is that it's not about willpower or self-control.
"Oh I have so much willpower that I didn't eat ANY McDonalds for 3 weeks, I'll reward myself on Sunday."
This is NOT SUSTAINABLE.
Being in shape is about making the right food choices. And that's something that has to be cultivated over time.
Just like any other culture, a nutritional culture has to be created. It takes education, awareness, and, most importantly, baby steps.
You're not going to create a nutritional culture overnight, but if you start small, you can make lasting changes that will lead you to a healthier, happier life.
And you'll pass that culture down to the following generations.
Habits To Adopt
What if we told you that creating a nutritional culture and developing a healthy relationship with food is as simple as adopting three new habits?
And what if we further promised that these habits were not only easy to implement but also enjoyable?
You might be skeptical but bear with us.
#1 Choosing Whole Foods
Most people know on some level that processed junk food is not exactly good for them.
We all have that one friend who can eat an entire pizza and never gain a pound while the rest of us have to watch our weight and food intake a little more carefully.
However, what many people don't realize is that processed junk food is actually quite harmful to our health if it is the primary source of food for our bodies.
Not only does it lack the nutrients our bodies need to function properly, but it can also lead to overeating and in turn, weight gain, diabetes, and other chronic health problems.
For these reasons, it's important to develop a healthy relationship with food by choosing whole foods instead of processed junk.
Whole foods are not only more nutritious, but they're also more satisfying, so you're less likely to overeat or crave unhealthy snacks later on.
This is step 1 and the most important habit to cultivate.
#2 High-Protein Meals
Why is protein important? It helps your body to repair cells, create enzymes and hormones, and provides the raw material for a variety of other tissues.
If you want to eat healthily, it is important to make it a habit that you eat at least 2-3 high-protein meals per day that contain high-quality protein.
This means foods like eggs, fish, lean meats, yogurt, and legumes.
Not only will this help you to feel fuller longer, reducing unwanted snacking, but it will also give the body what it needs and can't produce on its own.
So, step two - make it a habit to consume 2-3 high-protein meals per day!
#3 Cheat Day Everyday
Why do we love cheat days so much? Could it be because they're a rare treat? Or is it because we get to eat our favorite foods? Perhaps it's a combination of both.
Whatever the reason, there's no denying that cheat days are special. But what if we didn't have to wait for a special occasion to indulge in our favorite foods? What if we could eat them every day without feeling guilty?
Interestingly, this is actually a strategy that some people use to deal with their cravings.
By eating their favorite foods on a daily basis, they find that they don't crave them as much.
This may sound like a counterintuitive approach, but it can actually be quite effective.
After all, if you're getting your "fix" on a daily basis, you're less likely to go overboard when you do have a cheat day.
And you CAN DO THIS if you acknowledge the fact that it's mostly about calories in vs. calories out, rather than the type of food you eat.
Keep the balance in favor of whole, nutrient-dense foods, and eat some of your favorite junk regularly, and you'll be fine.
When you eat your favorite processed foods more often, they become less special, and you can eventually drop them altogether.
Investing The Nutrients
Finally, the reason most people have to diet is that they simply aren’t active enough.
But if you cultivate the above-mentioned habits AND start training, you get the most bang for your buck.
Think about it - combining those new habits with training is like investing.
Good food is the money that you invest, and the gym is the mutual fund that multiplies your investment.
And it has an infinite compound interest.
You become stronger, more durable, better-looking, more productive, healthier, AND you get an improved mood.
What is there to lose? Get to the gym.
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you feel like starting a diet, think again. Diets are not only prone to failure, but they can also be downright harmful to your health if done incorrectly.
Instead of depriving yourself of food and risking weight gain in the future, try making small changes to your eating habits and THAN apply that discipline to a more structured "diet."
What's your take on this? Comment below!