Something I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately is: if the majority of diets fail, why do we as a society keep falling for them? Why do we time after time go back to something that not only doesn’t work, but leaves us mentally, emotionally and even physically damaged?
I looked back on my history with dieting, and I realized exactly what it was. It’s that excitement and expectancy that comes with starting a new diet. Strangely enough it’s even before noticing results that the highest point of a diet seems to be. It starts out being everything you could have ever hoped for. It’s exhilarating. It gives you that rush of feeling hell yeah, this is the answer I’ve been looking for!
It’s full of false promises we repeat over and over again to ourselves, like:
The last time was different. This time it will work!
There’s never been a diet like this ever before.
This one is backed by tons of science and research.
It’s not actually a diet, it’s a lifestyle.
I’m hoping that this post will be your friendly reminder that more often than not, those don’t hold up. The false promises you grasped onto so tightly might seem like they’re working for weeks, months or even years at a time when you begin to see the physical results of your diet appear. But the truth is that slowly but surely, dieting could be shifting your mentality to disordered thinking like foods being “good” versus “bad.” On top of that, the diet culture all around us is confirming that that is the correct/normal way of thinking! Without even realizing it, the excitement and joy you felt at the beginning has been replaced with fear, guilt, and inadequacy.
When Freedom Is Better Than Hope
You know what feels even better than that period of putting your hope into a diet? Freedom. Freedom isn’t smoke & mirrors. It doesn’t tell you to follow rules or that you’re a failure or unworthy if you don’t. The idea of freedom might not be as sexy as that diet excitement/hope, but in the end it is not only more fulfilling, but also realistically maintainable for the rest of your life. Isn’t that what you want to invest in?
If you’re thinking of giving dieting “just one more shot,” please let this post be a sign to let the cycle end once and for all. I know the diet is enticing. I know it seems so promising. I know it’s been repackaged with great branding, backed by science, and labeled a lifestyle. But I’m telling you – freedom is what’s worth fighting for. It’s not a marketing ploy, and even though it is a journey – it’s one that will continuously build you up rather than break you down.
Once you realize that, you’ll find that the best part of dieting is when you decide to never go on one again.
Please note that I am NOT a health/medical/mental expert, and this is just my own experience/opinions. Please seek a professional before making any changes to your health routine.
You might also like:
Dear Body
10 Healthy Habits That Have Changed My Life
My Story Of Discovering Healthy Living
I Stand For Food Freedom
Thoughts on “Getting Back on Track”
What Food Freedom Looks Like In My Life
You have very clearly and sufficiently put into words the way I feel about this. I was asked by a friend to do a diet with her this January and I said “no thanks”! Being told what I can and cannot have, having things off limits to me makes me resentful and unhappy. I like referring to it as having freedom, that’s perfect. Well said!
Thanks for this comment, Kasey! Yes, it’s that time of year where the “January diet” is all over the place. Your comment actually just gave me the idea to write a blog post on that topic 🙂 Freedom is where it’s at! xx
Hungryblond 💜 Graice your so well written can’t wait to read everything this was 2017 hope,2018. Should be fantastic I love your blog and love your Moxie a Instagram admire Gary