Diet Vs. Lifestyle

When we think of the word “diet”, we often think of short-term restrictions meant to get us to a goal. We also look at diets as a temporary set of rules, and that as soon as we lose some weight, we can return to the ice cream, pizza and other “treats” that we think we can’t live without. But that’s not the path to lasting health! I’m Wendy Corr, and in today’s Wellness Tip, we’ll look at why diets simply don’t work.
According to a report from ABC News, more than 100 million Americans go on a diet each year. The weight-loss industry makes over $20 BILLION dollars annually – but despite the claims of fad diets that they will help you lose weight and keep it off, almost two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. And among obese men and women, less than one percent get to their goal weight…and almost all of them gain their weight back within a few years!
Dr. Susan Pierce Thompson, who founded a movement called Bright Line Eating, points out that if, for example, colleges were to graduate less than one percent of their students, we wouldn’t fault the student, we would fault the college and say there has to be something wrong with the system.
The same can be said about the diet industry. If more than 99 percent of people fail at losing weight, it’s not the fault of the individual – the entire system is flawed.
Where can we start to get off the diet roller coaster, and truly take back our health?
What many people don’t grasp is that they’re not going to be able to maintain that 15, 20 or more pound loss if they return to old habits once they reach their goal. Making lasting changes means recognizing that often their old “treats” are actually toxic foods that are addictive and that by re-introducing them into their daily lives will ensure that the weight will come back on eventually.
So the key to weight loss and good health is to once and for all turn our backs on the toxic substances that masquerade as food, and eat nothing but the good, whole foods that come from nature. Nuts and seeds, grass-fed meats, fruits and veggies, and other foods that are just one step away from their original form.
By changing your lifestyle to include only healthy, whole foods, and turning our backs on fad diets, processed foods and toxic additives, our bodies will respond by working at their best, returning to optimal health and a sustainable, healthy weight.
Thanks for tuning in to Wellness With Wendy! As a certified holistic nutritionist, I enjoy sharing tips and tricks to staying healthy and at your best. Follow my blog on mybighornbasin.com!