Why diets fail

by | Jul 9, 2020 | Nutrition

January is the time of year when people are often tempted to follow those crazy, unrealistic diets which are all over the media at every turn and are often endorsed by high profile celebrities making them all the more tempting to follow.

The diet industry makes millions of pounds and they are banking on your diet failing to keep the industry going. Madness? Yes.  Ethical? NO!

In the short term, if you just look at the number on the scales that might work – but, here is the thing ……….this initial dramatic weight loss is down to fluid loss.  It is not a clever way to try to lose body fat as your metabolism slows down and you produce more of the hunger hormone (ghrelin) and less of leptin (the hormone that regulates fat storage) as your body attempts to cope with less calories.

These mad diets are often boring as your food choices are heavily restricted. After some rapid weight loss initially, these diets are not sustainable as you will end up putting the weight back on, and often more. They set you up for failure and disappointment. FACT.

So, how do these diets affect you both physically and mentally?

They leave you feeling….miserable, undernourished, grumpy, tired, weak, unhappy, frustrated even depressed and can result in insomnia, poor concentration…..

These diets are drastic leaving you with less energy and poor brain health. These diets are often very low in calories and essential fats and, as your brain can only use glucose as an energy source, your concentration and brain health will suffer, as well as putting yourself at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies.

What these diets don’t look at.

These diets don’t address any emotional and mindset issues that you may have. Confidence issues. Body image issues.  Teach you how to eat well for the long term. Feed your soul. Make you feel happy.

So, I want you to think about your health this January differently.

  • Instead of denial think about what good foods you can put into your body

  • Make it positive and focus on what you can have, not what you can’t

  • A healthy diet is about looking at the bigger picture and your long term health

Yes, January is a chance to reflect on what we might want to be different. But, it’s also a really powerful month of the year for new beginnings and an opportunity for you to look at your health positively.

On a personal note

I have struggled in the past with my weight, body image and lack of self esteem. Now, I am in a healthy happy place and I am very passionate about helping people to feel good about themselves from the inside out.

Do you want to Reset your health?

So, why don’t you join me on my ‘RESET your health programme’ starting in March?

If you need to be inspired, motivated and supported, this may be exactly what you are looking for.

My ‘RESET’ members are loving the meal plans, shopping lists and delicious recipes and all getting so much support and motivation from each other. As well as getting lots of advice, tips and videos from me in a closed group.

RESET is about helping busy people get healthy.  Click HERE to find out more.

Remember –  It’s about balance. Consistency. Fuelling your body with the good stuff.

About the Author

Tash McGill

Tash McGill works as a strategy consultant in tourism, hospitality and digital transformation. She is co-founder of The Feed, President of Food Writers NZ, Chair of the New Zealand Whisky Association.

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