Diets don't work

[muppet]

There have been several stories and articles about this, in various forms of media lately it seems. Diets don't work.
How does this make you all feel? It used to be very discouraging to me. Like, there's no hope-- nothing I can do-- so why bother. But then I looked deeper, and it's basically saying what I've learned, and what many of you know too. It's not saying that losing weight can't happen -- it's saying that you aren't likely to have success if you go on a 'diet'.
When I use the term 'diet', I'm not referring to a specific program, or drastically restricting calories. I'm referring to what I'm eating. I'm not following any rules, other than trying to make good choices, and keep my caloric intake within a certain range. I'm not on a diet -- but I try to eat a healthy diet.
Diets don't work -- but using your head about what you eat, and getting regular cardio and strength exercise does. So don't get discouraged when we keep hearing over and over about the failure rates of 'diets'. We know better here. What we're doing is changing our lives, because it's what is best for us.

[Trying4Thin]

Diets DONT work. Lifestyle changes do.

If you plan to eat the "diet" you are on for the rest of your life; you could keep it up. But what are the chances you would/could stick to it? Look at how many people regain pounds after reaching their goal because they think they can be in control again. Or they simply reintroduce foods that were off-plan before and that causes weight gain. (Atkins is a prime example of this).

Diets (Die) because they are not reasonable to do over long periods. Hense the "Fad" diet. Sure I am going to eat nothing but cabbage soup for the rest of my life! That wont be too easy at family functions, the movies etc. Food happens!! You shouldnt have to feel punished.

Lifestyles and change imply length of time.

Therefore; I choose LIFE!

[muppet]

Amen!!!!!!!

[FrugalSue]

Good thoughts, both of you. I had to laugh this morning when I was pouring myself a bowl of raisin bran...the box said something about losing a bunch of weight in just two weeks if you substitute raisin bran for two meals a day. Well, yeah, duh, that would work, but then what happens after the two weeks are over? Suffice it to say, I didn't have raisin bran for lunch!

I, too, am concentrating on having a lifestyle change rather than being on some kind of program. And the amazing thing is, it's working just fine. As I learn more about good nutrition and makes decisions based on what I'm learning, I'm losing a few pounds each month. On the rare occasion that I step on the scale, the weight is always less than it was the last time.

The thing that amazes me is that there is so much really good food you can eat that is good for you. I actually enjoy eating more now than I did when I was eating junk food and fast food.

[Missy]

I think when they say to replace the cereal they are trying to get people to make a smarter choice...as opposed to most people eating crap for breakfast that is high in fat etc...you probably would lose weight.

I do agree that diets don't work in the long run. I've been on plenty of them in the past and always failed until I made this something I can do long term.

[FrugalSue]

They were actually suggesting that you eat raisin bran for breakfast and lunch every day. I think any plan that has you eating mostly just one food is crazy. If you only eat one normal balanced meal a day besides the cereal, you could hardly be getting enough variety of fruits and veggies and barely enough protein. I think you could do a quick weight loss like this cereal box suggests with just about any low-fat cereal, but I am pretty sure you'd sacrifice getting your nutritional needs met. And yuck, it would be so boring!

I tried one of those vegetable soup diets once about 20 years ago...by the third day, I couldn't LOOK at another bowl of soup, much less eat it! LOL.

[muppet]

I do agree that the cereal thing is another gimmick. It's just a way of controlling and reducing calories. Sure -- there are less calories in a bowl of cereal than there are in what most people eat for lunch. In my opinion, this isn't the worst gimmick out there because it probably wouldn't hurt you. But it's not something you could or should do long term. I think we have to learn to live with all food, in order to be successful in these lifestyle changes.