The Futile Cycle of Dieting
The definition of fu·tile: Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
This is the warning that should be displayed every time someone promises you weight loss if you follow their program ‘just right’.
Did you know that research shows approximately 95% of all diets fail? In this context, diet pertains to intentional weight loss, and failure means weight loss was regained. How futile, mind-boggling, and insulting! Why do we continue along this road that leads to nowhere?
Figure 1: Dieter’s Dilemma aka “The Cycle of Dieting”
The reality is that we are so often urged to re-enter this cycle (see Figure 1: Dieter’s Dilemma) because we are faced with strong and frequent messages from diet culture everywhere. We see these messages from healthcare providers, family, friends, and co-workers. How many advertisements per day on social media do you think you see that are geared towards telling you your body needs to change? We get it from every angle: weight loss, anti-aging, skincare, makeup, clothes, cleanses to detoxify, the list is endless! The narrative needs to change.
As a society, we overestimate what we can do in a short period of time(think 21 or 30-day challenges) and underestimate what we can do over a long period of time. What happens after most challenges? People go back to their old behaviors because the whole time they were just following a plan rather than implementing slowly over time positive sustainable changes.
Starting a diet may offer an initial sense of relief, and one may perceive that a better way of living is possible once weight loss is achieved. The truth, however, remains that we are hard-wired to beat starvation and survive as a species. Our biology will overcome our efforts to intentionally lose weight. You have never failed, but every time you endure this cycle your confidence and self-trust are compromised!
Intuitive Eating is the anti-diet, and the road less traveled for most. We are so accustomed(and encouraged!) to riding along within the cycle of dieting, a road that leads to nowhere that it can be hard to know how to break free from dieting. It is possible to challenge the conventional ways of thinking and find comfort and peace with food and your body along the path of Intuitive Eating. Read on for some positive affirmations to live by!
Eat consistently throughout the day and when your body sends physical hunger cues: whatever time of the day it is, whatever food is desired, and however much food is needed to bring on feelings of fullness and satisfaction.
Give your time and attention to the eating process. Set down whatever else it is you are doing(work, TV, your phone, etc.) and be present with how the food tastes.
Focus on health and well-being through self-care practices aimed at self-appreciation rather than an intention to shrink the body.
You are so much more important than your weight and body shape. These things do not define you for who you are!
Body Mass Index (BMI) is not a marker of health. Health encompasses your physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Food and eating have no moral value, and satisfaction and enjoyment are meant to be a part of the eating experience.
All bodies should be celebrated–engage in moving your body in a way that feels good to you.
You are deserving of taking up space wherever you are so you can live your best vibrant life!
For more on the futile of dieting, see my previous blog post: Why You Have Never Failed at Dieting.
Be brave, be you!
Erin
