Diets don’t work, this is why.

Diets are highly debated, highly addicting, but usually discouraging. Aside from a few, most dieting trends are not supported by science or have any real data to conclude they actually give you sustained health and weight results. We are attracted to the idea of seeing quick results, which most extreme diets will gladly sell you on (this is a $20 billion industry!). You are promised big success with minimal effort.

‘Lose 20 pounds in three weeks by drinking only meal replacement shakes and supplements for every meal!’

Sounds tempting right? But let’s look closer to see why these approaches simply don’t work.

Fat- free, high protein, low or no carb. This is typically the premise of most diets. When we suddenly reduce one or more of our energy sources, this will send a bit of a shock to the body. Drastically altering your macronutrient intake (carbohydrates, protein, fat) often compromises your micronutrient intake (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, etc.) and alters your metabolism, blood sugars and delicate hormone processes.  The bottom line is, you can’t fool the brilliance of your own body. Our bodies know exactly how much energy and nutrients we need to function optimally each day, yet when we deprive ourselves of those necessities we are typically unable to sustain our weight or health goals.

Water weight is quickly lost. The intention behind dieting, for most, is to lose fat mass. However, it’s harder for us to lose fat mass and easier for our bodies to lose glycogen and water. So, when we see quick weight loss early on from dieting, it’s mostly due to water loss (not fat loss). This water loss is easily gained back once we no longer adhere to the strict guidelines of a diet.

Seriously decreasing our calorie intake. Calories in equals calories out, right? Not really. Unfortunately, our bodies are much more complicated than this simple math equation. Drastically cutting down on calories can impair your metabolism, hormones that regulate your hunger and satiety, and ability to successfully burn body fat which actually leaves you more prone to regain any weight that was lost.

If you have tried every diet in the diet glossary yet still haven’t found success, there is still hope. While these extreme approaches sound tempting, your time, money, health and efforts are better spent through alternative approaches. At balans organic spa and balans wellness studio, we offer nutrition and health consulting in a way that is customized to your individualized needs and goals with a focus on sustainable health success. You deserve to feel energized, vibrant and confident every day.

For a complimentary session with our nutrition and health consultant, Maura McCartney, email her directly at: maura@bostonbalans.com