Yep, that is right I am suggesting giving up dieting as a New Year’s Resolution.
Here is why:
1. Dieting doesn’t work. Research shows that often dieting can lead to weight loss for a short period of time, but doesn’t help maintain a lower body weight for long periods of time. In other words, lost weight often is regained.
2. Diets increase the risk of developing eating disorders.
3. Diets can increase feelings of shame and failure, because they leave us feeling like WE have failed. But, really the diet is failing, not the person following the diet. (See #1).
4. Studies show that exercise and quality of food consumed rather than weight can improve health.
5. Food restriction (AKA dieting) often leads to overeating.
6. Food restriction can lead to increased food preoccupation, feelings of depression and/or anxiety and poor concentration.
7. Dieting can be socially isolating. In other words, often dieters will opt out of social engagements because the foods being served aren’t on their diet.
Curious about getting off the diet roller coaster and improving your relationship with food permanently?
Books that discuss the potential harm of dieting and offer a more realistic and helpful approach to eating, health and body image include:
Intuitive Eating: Creating a Healthy Relationship with Food, Mind & Body. By Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch.
Overcoming Overeating: How to Break the Diet/Binge Cycle. By Jane Hirschmann and Carol Munter.
Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight. By Linda Bacon.
Contact me for a free phone consultation to learn how I can help you change your relationship with food, improve your body image and help free yourself from dieting for good.