Sometimes called the “yo-yo effect,” the results from most fad diets can also be compared to the ups and downs of a roller coaster. Your weight will often drop rather quickly, at first…You dieters know the rest!
For some time now, studies have shown that the results from weight-loss diets are not sustainable. In the long run the large majority of those who try them gain back the lost weight, and then some. In fact, research indicates the earlier in life individuals begin dieting the worse their weight problem generally becomes. This is obviously not being conveyed adequately to the general public.One recent study was made up of 8,203 girls and 6,769 boys between the ages of nine and fourteen. “Their dietary habits and weight were monitored from 1996 until 1999. At the beginning of the study 25 percent of the girls and 13.8 percent of the boys were already classified as “infrequent” dieters, and 4.5 percent of the girls and 2.2 percent of the boys were “frequent" dieters. As the study progressed, the percentage of dieters increased.
“Researchers discovered that, during this short time, dieters actually gained more weight per year than non-dieters. This occurred even though the surveys indicated the dieters were more active and ingested fewer calories than the non-dieters. This same phenomenon occurs in adult dieters. Not only does dieting slow metabolism, it usually results in binge eating, both of which contribute to long-term weight gain.” (Pediatrics, 03;112[4]:900-906)
As time passes, it not only becomes more difficult to stay on a calorie restrictive diet, but your body's metabolism adjusts and goes into its protective survival mode, where it burns fewer calories. You often actually regain more weight than before.
Fad diets, like the peaks and valleys of a roller coaster, come and go rather quickly, and there always seems to be a bigger and better one just around the corner.
Even when a diet is initially successful, the long-term results can be very disappointing. “At least 95 percent of those who lose weight on these diets cannot keep it off permanently. If you think these statistics seem too high, then take a look around you. Try to find someone who has lost a significant amount of weight and has been able to keep it off through dieting alone.” (Alternatives for Health-Conscious Individuals, January 2004, p.49)
It obviously takes a lot of will power, determination, effort, and often money to go on any weight-loss diet. The primary lure of these diets seems to be the promise of losing weight quickly. Marketers know it is far easier to sell someone on easy, quick weight-loss than on slower, permanent weight-loss.
While you are still shouldering the guilt from the last holiday binge, do not succumb to the temptation to step back on the dieting roller coaster. Instead of calorie restrictive diets or one with a magic pill, make the kinds of changes in your diet and lifestyle that you can stick with forever. Eliminate or greatly restrict the intake of refined sugars, sweets, and simple carbohydrates.
Increase your vegetable and fruit intake. Cut back as much as possible on prepared foods, and increase the amount of raw foods you eat. If you have a juicer, use it.
The natural health pioneer Adelle Davis used to advise, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” Dr. David G. Williams encourages us to get away from the television and start walking, weight lifting, bicycling, swimming, jogging, and moving more. Find an outdoor hobby. It does not matter if it is hiking, bird watching, gardening, or playing marbles. Make a point to spend more time outside.
Adjust your mind-set to one of gratitude for the options we have and our ability to direct our lives. You can take charge of your own life by committing to make one small change today. What will it be? Please leave your comments below!
For more information about Abundant Living, please visit http://www.abundantlivinginfo.com/ or http://www.alinfo.org/
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