4 Reasons Diets Fail

Around 45 million Americans go on a diet each year, and experts predict that only about 5 percent of those dieters keep the weight off long-term.

Weight loss is indeed challenging, and oftentimes, downright frustrating—but long-term success is possible. Here are some of the reasons your diet efforts may have failed in the past, plus ideas for increasing your personal chances of success.

1. It’s a fad diet    

Some of the diets that gain the most notoriety don’t work simply because they don’t fit with your lifestyle—and some can even be harmful. Sure, you can probably lose a lot of weight by only eating a very limited number or type of foods, but can you make that habit last?

Tip: If something sounds too good to be true, it typically is. The “rules” of healthy eating and weight loss change all the time—and many of the “facts” we grew up with have been debunked. We’re looking at you, eggs (yes, they’re back in the “good” category again). Stick to the core principles of health and you’ll likely do better. Your body needs simple, nutritious, unprocessed food. Eat plenty of colorful vegetables. Stay hydrated with water. Get a good night’s sleep.

2. It’s too restrictive

Many diets are incredibly restrictive and you may see short-term weight loss by starving your body on some level. The problem arises when you return to normal consumption and your body regains and stubbornly retains weight as a natural defense. There are other ramifications too: restricting yourself of needed nutrients can be very harmful to your health.

If you want to lose 50 pounds and keep it off, know that it is likely to take about a year (that means losing only about 4 pounds a month).

Tip: Weight loss that you keep off is not the result of ultra-restrictive dieting. People who succeed with weight loss take their time and focus on careful, healthy lifestyle changes (not quick solutions). Improve your eating in ways that are sustainable over time and not overly restrictive and, above all, be patient. For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds and keep it off, know that it is likely to take about a year (that means losing only about 4 pounds a month).

3. It’s too expensive

What is healthiest to eat vs. what is most available and affordable is supremely at odds in our culture. Taking on a new diet lifestyle can be frustrating, as many times expensive ingredients are idolized—meat-heavy diets and the avocado toast trend come to mind—while other heroes  (like broccoli) go virtually unmentioned. There are plenty of healthy, whole foods you can eat without breaking the bank.

When you are at the grocery store and see a healthy ingredient at a great price, do a quick search for recipes with that ingredient and go from there.

Tip: Vegetables are a critical ingredient in successful, sustainable weight loss journeys, but you don’t have to buy the most Instagrammed ones to benefit. And when it comes to protein, you can use your slow cooker to make the most of less expensive cuts of meat. The key is being open minded: when you are at the grocery store and see a healthy ingredient on sale, do a quick search for recipes with that ingredient and go from there. There are many affordable, healthy recipes online and with a little time, you’ll be able to develop a repertoire of meals that use budget-friendly ingredients. You might even find a number of new favorite ingredients!

4. You’re dieting alone

When it comes to making a change, accountability can help. Weight Watchers is a great example of how a community of people dedicated to the same cause—weight loss and healthy choices, in this case—can help participants succeed by relating to one another, sharing what has worked for them, and having others hold them accountable for their choices.

Tip: Sometimes, it’s not your lifestyle but your genetics at play. If you feel like you’ve tried every tip in the book with little to show for it, it’s likely time to get real support. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about what support options they suggest.

If you happen to be looking for weight loss treatment options in Rancho Cucamonga, we’re here to support you throughout your journey. Contact us today to learn more about how the fabulous Inland Weight Loss team can help.