We’ve all been there. You’ve decided 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 regain all the weight—over and over again. So why does the dieting process seem to be so hard? And more importantly, is it even worth it?
Dieting vs. Nutrition Culture
Why do people diet? To lose weight, to look a certain way, to be healthier. But people don’t realize 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 most individuals. But you must realize that it’s not about willpower or self-control.
“Oh, I have so much willpower that I didn’t eat any McDonald’s for three weeks. I’ll reward myself on Sunday.”
This is NOT SUSTAINABLE.
Being in shape is about making the right food choices, and it takes time to cultivate this habit. Just like any other culture, a nutritional culture has to be created. It takes education, awareness, and, most importantly, baby steps. You won’t 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 I 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 I further promised that these habits were easy to implement and enjoyable? You might be skeptical, but bear with me.
#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, many people don’t realize that processed junk food is quite harmful to our health if it is the primary food source 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 is 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 repair cells, create enzymes and hormones, and provides raw material for various other tissues. If you want to eat healthily, it is important to make it a habit to eat at least 2-3 high-protein meals daily 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 daily!
#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, 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 a strategy that some people use to deal with their cravings. By eating their favorite foods daily, they find they don’t crave them as much. This may sound counterintuitive, but it can be quite effective. After all, if you’re getting your “fix” daily, you’re less likely to go overboard when you have a cheat day.
You CAN DO THIS if you acknowledge 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.
One of the drawbacks of the cheat day everyday mindset is that you might be unable to stop. Remember to keep everything in moderation, and you will be fine.
Investing the Nutrients
Finally, most people have to diet because they 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 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 get an improved mood. What is there to lose? Get to the gym.
Final Thoughts
So, think again the next time you feel like starting a diet. 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 THEN apply that discipline to a more structured “diet.”
Want more tips and tricks to help you ditch dieting for good?