Why Diets Don't Work

Welcome to Mindful Weighs Wednesday!  How many diets have you tried in your lifetime?  I’m not even sure if I could name them all - The Cabbage Diet, Paleo, Apple Cider, Low-Fat, South Beach, Weight Watchers, Zone, Mediterranean.. and on and on.  How is it we have so many variations of diets to choose from, yet we are facing an obesity epidemic effecting children and adults.

I went to the “Googles” for answers.  When I searched the “What is the cause of the obesity epidemic” the answer was fascinating.  On the most basic level it reports an energy imbalance.  Calories in, calories out - isn’t that what all the diets tell us to do?  How has that been going so far?  The second part of the answer I found discussed eating too much, because of lack of willpower.  I also question how successful willpower is - I mean - how awesome does will power feel right?  Who wouldn’t want to watch calories like your bank account, and fight against anything looking delicious placed in front of you?

I offer the idea that obesity is such an epidemic because foods are highly processed and refined these days, and the brain loves the reward of sugar and flour dopamine hits.  We have over desire for these foods, we continue to reward with habits of over eating, and as practiced makes our neural pathways stronger with desire.  We are really good at wanting the cookie, having the cookie and soon it all becomes unconscious.  For me it was egg and cheese on a toasted hard roll for our local deli - I mean this sandwich was the bomb!  I was totally addicted - anyway my morning schedule allowed I would ensure I had the 3.17 cash and get one.  It seems silly, but it was true - I “had” to have that sandwich.  Until one day I caught on to myself.

The way you get on to yourself is by becoming more aware.  Start to pay attention to what you are really feeling - is it a true hunger sensation?  If it is truly a hunger sensation would a chicken breast do?  Why not?  Take the time to pay attention.  Being over weight is not just about calories in calories out, or any lack of willpower.  It has to do with our culture, psychological factors, neurobiological and hormonal effects.  Diet mentality has not done it for us.  You are in complete control, and once you begin doing the work to solve for the over desire and over hunger you will see the results you dream of.

If you would like more information on how to lose weight sign up for a free mini session - https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14259868   Have an amazing day!