Americans are the fattest people on earth. Do you
know why? One reason is because we diet. Did you
know that diets actually cause weight gain? Each
diet promises a slender, healthy body, yet, as we
diet more, the numbers on the scale continue to
rise. As we realize we are getting fatter, we are
likely to become more discouraged and anxious. We
may search frantically for the latest, fastest ways to
lose weight and diet more desperately. We may find
that the harder we try the fatter we become!
Following are some reasons to never diet
again:
- Diets forbid us to eat the healthy fats we need to
feel satiated.
- Dieting lowers metabolism.
- Diets encourage us to consume diet products
that are often filled with chemicals and devoid of
nutrients.
- Diets limit our choices and restrict us. We may
resent this and act out our anger by overeating.
If we severely restrict our caloric intake and we deny
ourselves the pleasure of savoring foods we love, we
will build resentment. If our friends are enjoying
pasta and we are chomping angrily on a dry chicken
breast and a few leaves of lettuce, we are
guaranteeing ourselves that we will make this
injustice up later by overindulging on junk foods.
The intention then is not to diet but instead to strive
for balance. We do this by first educating ourselves
about what foods promote high energy and health.
Then choosing these foods most of the time. We can
indulge now and then, noticing how we feel when we
make less than self-loving choices and how we feel
when we select nourishing, health-promoting foods
instead. Over time, as we strive to be more mindful
about our choices and their consequences, we can
make more and more self-loving choices. Remember,
there are no mistakes, only lessons!
This is the most effective overall strategy to achieve
a life of zest and radiant health. Deprivation diets are never helpful. They do cause
weight gain. So, be gentle with yourself!
Be mindful and enjoy the rest of summer!
Denise
