Why Diets Suck

Let’s talk about the “D” word. No, not that “D” word. I’m talking about diets. More specifically, I want to talk about why diets suck.

As swimsuit season approaches, the diet and fitness industries ramp up their advertising. You’ll see a flood of advertisements for diet plans and programs, coaching, and supplements. On social media, you’ll probably encounter a number of people who swear that this diet or that diet helped them get in the best shape of their life.

A quick disclaimer- I’m obviously not a medical professional, nutritionist, dietician, or expert on health in any way. Any information provided here is strictly based on my own experiences and research. You should always consult a doctor regarding diet and lifestyle decisions. Also, does not pertain to those who follow dietary lifestyles for medically necessary reasons.

Confessions of a Former Dieter

I was overweight as a kid. It wasn’t until my junior year of college that I experienced significant weight loss. At 14, a doctor diagnosed me with a thyroid condition that contributed to my weight. I also believe that my emotional health also played a role.

I tried a number of diets over the years, even back in early high school. While I wish I could tell you that it was finally finding the “right” diet that finally allowed me to lose weight, it wasn’t. In all honesty, my weight loss was pretty unhealthy.

Now, I did work out on a regular basis and even worked with a personal trainer at one point. But that was only a small part of it. As a college student, I was taking a full course load, working a full-time job, and working on my university’s student newspaper. Financially, physically, and mentally, I was stretched thin. Often I ended up skipping meals and, when I did eat, they were quick and cheap.

I didn’t lose weight because I made healthy lifestyle changes. I lost weight because I unintentionally starved myself.

Life After Weight Loss

So, did my relationship with dieting and health get better after that?

No.

It got worse. Because, while I did lose a significant amount of weight, I was desperate to lose those last 10 pounds. I tried cutting carbs, detoxing, fasting, and even limited myself to such a big calorie deficit I made myself sick.

Leading up to my wedding, I restricted my eating so much that it made me miserable on my honeymoon. I went from a rigid diet to just eating what I wanted and ended up bloated and uncomfortable for most of the trip.

My breaking point came just a few years ago. After hearing a co-worker rave about their results on keto, I decided to give it a try. I stuck to it for almost three months and managed to only lose a grand total of 4 pounds. At that point, we were relocating to Asheville from Charleston and I decided to take a break. Tracking macronutrients and constant grocery shopping from low-carb meals was too much on top of packing, unpacking, and starting new jobs.

During the break, I still tried to eat relatively healthy and exercised regularly. Yet, within just a couple of weeks, I gained back those 4 pounds plus about an extra five.

 I was miserable. And I was done with dieting.

Breaking Up With Diets

Since breaking up with diets, I’ve come to learn few things.

Rigid diets are not sustainable. Now, I’m sure you’ve heard plenty of stories from people who would say otherwise. In fact, you may even follow someone on social media that has followed a particular diet for years that they swear by. If you listen to health professionals in the industry (meaning medical dieticians) however, you’ll often here that denying yourself foods you want can actually be counterintuitive to healthy eating.

Don’t believe me? Just do a quick Google search on the effects of food guilt (you can also read this article). Some studies have shown that the way we interpret our food choices (i.e. good food or bad food choices) can lead to more negative side effects like binge eating or body dysmorphia.

Truthfully, the entire idea of “good” foods and “bad” foods is a myth perpetuated by the diet industry.  While some foods may have more nutritional value than others, it doesn’t make those foods “bad”. Carbohydrates, for instance, are often vilified in the diet industry for causing excessive weight. However, that ignores the fact that our bodies need carbs in order to fuel energy.

It’s also widely proven that, while restrictive diets may lead to quick weight loss, it’s almost impossible to maintain that weight loss without committing to the diet long-term. My experience with keto being a prime example. And, let’s be honest, there’s no way I’m giving up. Carbs for the rest of my life.

So, if I don’t follow diets, how do I stay healthy?

It’s All About Balance

Well, truth is, my choices aren’t always healthy. But I do try to maintain balance.

For starters, I still workout religiously. I enjoy following different fitness programs (check out my favorites here) and like to go for a run occasionally. Yes, I hope to lose a few pounds by exercising but it’s not just about the physical benefits. Mentally and emotionally, I feel better when I workout on a regular basis. But if I’m not feeling up to a workout, or I’m tired, or I’m busy, or just want to do something else, then I skip my workout that day. And I don’t let myself feel guilty about it.

I also make an effort to eat healthy by watching my portion sizes, getting in plenty of fruits and veggies, and sometimes substituting items for healthier alternatives. But, if I want to eat pizza, I eat pizza. I don’t limit my food choices because something might be too “fattening” or have too many “carbs”. Denying yourself foods that you enjoy really only causes more negative feelings about your body image.

Sure, I’ll probably never be confused for a Victoria Secret’s supermodel this way, and I’m okay with that. It doesn’t mean it’s not hard and it doesn’t mean I’m not tempted to try new diets that promise amazing results.

But nothing I might lose by going back to dieting is worth the happiness I’ve gained since I quit.