Why Diets Don't Work: Embrace Lifestyle Change and Healthy Eating

You’ve seen the alluring headlines before, e.g., "Lose 10 pounds in 10 days," "Fit into your high school jeans by the weekend," and other such tempting promises of rapid weight loss. These "miracle diets" are often presented as the ultimate solution to shedding unwanted pounds. But if diets were the magic bullet they claim to be, wouldn't we all be strutting around in our ideal bodies by now? 

The reality is that most diets often fail in the long term. So, let's talk about the importance of lifestyle changes and improved eating habits as the cornerstones of sustainable weight loss, increased energy, and overall health. Mind you, I am on a Yoli Transformation Challenge as of this writing, happily doing carb cycling and seeing remarkable results!

The Dieting Paradox

Diets often offer quick fixes, targeting rapid weight loss through severe calorie restriction or elimination of certain food groups. Yet, studies have shown that nearly 65% of dieters regain the weight lost within three years. This cycle, often referred to as "yo-yo dieting," can lead to various health complications like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health disorders.

Scientific research has shown that our bodies perceive dieting as a threat, triggering survival mechanisms that cause us to conserve energy and slow metabolism. This makes long-term weight loss incredibly difficult to maintain. In essence, dieting could be setting us up for failure from the start. And that's why I am NOT DIETING and instead re-thinking my meal plan and tracking my health journey to make sure I'm not missing anything.

The Power of Lifestyle Changes

Rather than focusing on the restrictive, often punishing nature of diets, we should instead shift our attention towards sustainable lifestyle changes. Elements such as regular physical activity, stress management, and sufficient sleep play significant roles in our weight and overall health.

Regular exercise doesn't just burn calories, it can also improve mood and energy levels, making you more likely to make healthier food choices. Similarly, stress management is crucial, as chronic stress can lead to overeating or unhealthy food choices. Lastly, getting adequate sleep is key, as sleep deprivation can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and appetite.

Eating Right, Not Less

While the word "diet" often implies restriction, what if we focused on what to include rather than what to exclude? Eating a variety of foods from all food groups can provide a wide range of nutrients our bodies need. Mindful eating, which involves paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, can also prevent overeating.

Portion control is another aspect of healthy eating. My family eats up to 80% full. When we heard this is how the people of Okinawa get to live longer, we thought it just made sense and that we shouldn't be gluttonous or whatever. By serving smaller portions, we can still enjoy our favorite foods without overindulgence. On the other hand, overly restrictive diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies and disordered eating patterns, doing more harm than good. I'm very happy I get to eat the food I want, but I just need to plan when to eat them! 

Practical Tips for Success

So, how can you turn these insights into action? Here are some practical tips:

• Start with small changes: A complete lifestyle overhaul can be overwhelming. Starting with small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or adding an extra serving of vegetables to your meals can be more manageable.

• Stay physically active: Find an activity you enjoy, so it doesn't feel like a chore. Whether it's dancing, biking, or hiking, the goal is to move more. I personally just prefer to walk. Either I go around the city with le husband or hop on our super reliable R2 walking pad/treadmill for an hour or two.

• Mindful eating: Take time to eat without distractions, savoring each bite. This can help you eat less and enjoy your food more. Learn about carb cycling, which I blogged previously. READ HERE if you didn't see that yet!

• Rest well: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to regulate your appetite and energy levels. Some sleeping info for you here (and for vampires, errr night owls, read here).

• Seek support: Don't hesitate to ask for help. Whether it's from a registered dietitian, a mental health professional, or a support group, you don't have to do this alone. Or let's do a quick chat! Book a call with me via https://calendly.com/mtvfranco/yolified-by-mymaria and let's embark on this journey together for a healthier you!

In conclusion, the quest for a healthier, happier you is not a quick sprint but a marathon. Diets promising quick results may be tempting, but they are rarely effective in the long run. Instead, a holistic approach incorporating balanced eating, regular physical activity, stress management, and good sleep hygiene can pave the way for sustainable weight loss, increased energy, and improved health. It's time to shift our focus from fleeting diets to enduring lifestyle changes... because your health is worth more than a quick fix.

So, are you feeling inspired yet? I hope you're ready to step into a healthier lifestyle! 

Do you need some guidance? That's absolutely okay! I'm here to help. Remember, it's not about being perfect, but about making sustainable, healthy choices more often. So, let's get started on a new health-focused lifestyle. Just shoot me a message on Facebook.

Don't worry, this isn't about pushing products. It's about exploring what tools and resources can best support your journey to well-being. So, if you want me to explain how I lost weight without dieting, why not book a quick, no-pressure chat with me? Let's discuss your goals, and I'll share how Yoli's range of products can complement your lifestyle changes. No strings attached, just a friendly conversation. Click here to schedule a FREE call!

For local orders (within Ormoc City, Leyte or via pickup at my house),
you can pay via GCASH / MAYA / BANK TRANSFER,
 just click HERE to order!