Here’s the thing about fad diets, detailed meal plans, cleanses, “detoxing” and various other diet methods. They don’t work long term. In fact across the research 1/3 to 2/3 of dieters regain the weight (and often times more) within 2-3 years.
So why do we keep coming back to the DIET? (aka banging our head against a wall?)
Because short term they work. And that feels good. It gives us hope. It feels good to get the results we are looking for, but if we can take a big step back and play the long game (I know…it’s not as sexy) there is another way!
It may involve a slower process but it’s a heck of a lot more fun!
I recently met with a client and when I told him that in my opinion he could still have a beer on occasion and still reach his goals. It was like I told him he’d won the lottery. Ummm, yeah! If you LOVE beer – unless you’re celiac, your healthy lifestyle should include it!
Here’s the operative word: YOU.
YOU decide what your healthy lifestyle includes…and what it doesn’t. And YOU alone. No one can judge you or criticize you for how you do it.
Note: if you are working with a qualified professional (read: naturopathic doctor, physician, dietitian, registered holistic nutritionist, functional medical specialist or chinese medicine doctor) who is trained in the areas of specialized diets and/or cleansing for health purposes I don’t oppose this approach. In fact, at various times I too have utilized these for medical purposes. But the intention was NEVER weight loss, and ALWAYS health. Following weird nutrition rules in the name of weight loss doesn’t work long term (and is pretty miserable).