Decades of research has shown that diets are ineffective at
producing long-term health and weight control. Only 5% of people who diet are
successful and failure comes with a tendency for self blame. But with such a
low success rate, clearly the problem isn’t personal weakness or lacking will
power. Quite simply, “we are not failing diets; diets are failing us”.
The Science
The reason 95% of diets fail is simple – low calorie diets
makes your body think you are starving; slowing down your metabolism and making
it more efficient at storing fat. When the diet stops, metabolism remains slow
and inefficient, resulting in weight re-gain (sometimes at an even faster
rate). Additionally, low calorie diets cause a loss in muscle and fat in equal
amounts. However, the weight re-gained is all fat. Again, this causes a slowed
metabolism and results in extra weight gain, a less healthy body composition,
and a less attractive physique.
The Problem
Alarmingly, many diet programmes force calorie intake to
dangerously low levels, based on the common theory that consuming fewer
calories than you burn will equal weight loss. In reality, by consuming fewer
calories than needed to maintain life-sustaining activities, you’re actually
losing muscle in addition to fat. Your body begins to break down its own muscle
to provide the energy necessary for survival.
The Solution
Most weight-loss programs measure success solely in terms of
pounds lost. They don’t account for the quality of the process or the
likelihood of sustained weight loss. For long term good health you need to
focus on enjoyable physical activity and nutrition. Exercising regularly and
eating lean-supporting calories, protein and complex carbohydrates, and
reducing fat supporting acidic calories will not only help you look and feel
better, it will significantly reduce your risk of disease.
A Time for Change
Contrary to popular belief, leading a healthy lifestyle
doesn’t have to be difficult, painful or time consuming. Making gradual, simple
changes to diet and physical activity will make great improvements in health
and wellbeing. To be successful, every food and exercise must be a pleasurable
experience; less enjoyment = decreased likelihood of success. It’s that simple.
So take the frustration, guilt and deprivation out of weight management, and
allow yourself to adopt gradual, realistic changes that will make healthy
eating and physical activity a permanent pleasure. You will soon discover what
your body is capable of and begin to look, act and feel you’re very best.
