Diet.
That one small word can cause so many negative feelings: guilt, deprivation, starvation, and even desperation, just to name a few. People that have historically enjoyed a pretty healthy self-esteem have reported feeling immediately depressed and anxious the day they started a diet. We crave certain foods more when they are put on a forbidden list and want to consume calories when asked to count them.
If the intention behind a decision to diet is so positive (and even the most tormented dieter agrees that losing weight is a good thing), then why does the process make us feel so bad?
Because we’re putting the focus on our outer appearance instead of our inner health.
For many of us, being on a diet is harder mentally than physically. When dieting correctly, your body still gets adequate nourishment, in fact often better quality nutrition. Sure, you’re likely eating less so your stomach many rumble a bit but that’s nothing compared to how your psyche may suffer.
The most positive motivator to lose weight is to achieve a greater state of wellness. If you are overweight, you can be at higher risk for many serious ailments like heart disease and diabetes. The American Institute for Cancer tells us that losing weight can also help prevent certain cancers like colon, breast, prostate and uterine cancers. You will have more energy if you lose weight and will put less stress on your joints.
There are many physical conditions that we can’t control but thankfully, our weight is one that we can. Say to yourself, “I am starting a diet, not because I don’t look good, but to be healthier.” Don’t look for immediate results on a scale but make better food choices and increase your physical activity. Acknowledge yourself for making those choices and changes. It may take time to lose weight but your body will begin to realize the health benefits right away.
What you weigh does not define your worth as a person. I’ve known many thin people that aren’t any happier, nicer, or more admirable than their overweight counterparts. To be a successful (and happier) dieter you need to decide to lose weight to be healthier– not to look better. Feel good about your appearance no matter what the scale reads and realize what makes someone a beautiful person is their spirit – not their jeans size.
Choose a diet that presents a manageable eating plan for life, not one for a few weeks or months. Don’t try a short-term “quick fix” that involves crazy soups, fasts, and vegan cleanse (no disrespect to Oprah). Stay away from messaging which implies you weren’t fabulous before starting a diet because it’s not only untrue but psychologically damaging.
Choose a plan that focuses on health and wellness, while acknowledging that you’re already beautiful. Also look for a plan that offers nutritional coaching and guides you to make the best food choices. Be sure to include metabolism-boosting vitamins and minerals for a complete wellness approach. (To learn more about this, read my blog entry at http://www.SimplyGreenHealth.com/blog/.)
The key to being a successful dieter is to feel good about yourself – both before and after making a change to your eating habits. Be proud of your decision to commit to healthier living and let that build your self-esteem – not have it torn apart through a dieting process. Applaud yourself for making this healthy choice. Adopt an eating plan that improves your physical and mental condition and you’ll experience an improved state of peace, health, wellness and weight.
About the Author
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The author, Linda Ford, PhD, is an independent distributor for Shaklee.
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