Diets Don’t Work
There are a myriad of reasons why dieting does not change weight in a long-term or significant way. Yet, the diet industry tells us we are capable of losing weight and being the person we always wanted to be. Stepping back, I would ask you who are you now if not you and the person you want to be? Why are 5-150 pounds over your dream weight so powerful that you are not you? Sure, you may want to be up and moving and strong, but that does not have an equal sign that points to thin or skinny.
What if your goals were not aimed at a number? What if the size (the arbitrary size) of your clothes did not send you into a night of shame? Who loses the most if you stop trying to lose? The industry that feeds itself on your fear and shame, that's who. And, who gains when you stop calorie counting or trying to hide yourself? Clearly, it is you. You gain power, pride, ability to enjoy the world just as you are. To be honest, so many people live in anorexic mindsets, even when they are not living in emaciated bodies. I have diagnosed lots of people with Anorexia who are in bodies of all sizes. They were shocked to learn that they were symptomatically responding to food and their body in line with anorexia. Obsessing about food, body size, restricting and shame over eating are all consistent with how one thinks when anorexia is in control.
Finally, most people gain more back than they lost when they are on a diet that involves restriction. You know that makes sense, right? You plan and figure and bargain all day with the food you were sold or the limited foods you should eat. You are most likely not needing to end your relationship with gluten, fat or dairy and yet, diets claim these are toxins. What makes sense is to approach your body from a Health At Every Size view; accept, love and admire your body. Find a way to learn that everyone gets cellulite or wears sizes you consider fat one year and are wearing the next. And, watch videos debunking the myths that fat makes you not you! Why is a bigger body not sexy? Ask, Lizzo and she will have much to say about that. Stop the diet and start the healing!