Ditch the Diet

Tired of trying diet after diet with no long-term success? Intuitive eating may help you adopt a healthier lifestyle – it is an evidenced-based, mind-body approach that can be an alternative for lifelong dieters. Its 10 principles focus on internal cues, such as hunger, fullness, and satisfaction.
 
Why shift away from dieting?
 
Dieting is associated with:

• Increased preoccupation with food
• Increased guilt
• Rapid weight loss followed by regain
• Decreased metabolism

 
Intuitive Eating is associated with:

• A lower BMI
• Decreased disordered eating
• Increased diet variety
• Increased body appreciation and self-esteem

 
Where to begin?
 
Try rejecting the diet mentality. If you are on a restrictive (non-medically necessary) diet, consider stopping it. It can cause you to miss out on beneficial nutrients. 

Research has also shown severely limiting enjoyable foods can actually increase calorie intake and fuel feelings of guilt.
 
References:
Gelder, M,  Mayou, R and J Geddes. Disorders of eating. Psychiatry. New York: Oxford University Press; 2006. 161-166p.
Keeler CL, Mattes RD and SY Tan. Anticipatory and reactive responses to chocolate restriction in frequent chocolate consumers. Obesity. 2015; 23(6):1130-1135.
Montani JP, Viecelli AK, Prévot A, and AG Dulloo. Weight cycling during growth and beyond as a risk factor for later cardiovascular Diseases: the “repeated overshoot” theory. Int J Obes. 2006; 30: S58-S66.
Tribole E. Intuitive eating: research update. SCAN`S Pulse. 2017; 36(3):1-5.