It is a lifestyle. It is a lifestyle. It is a lifestyle. It is not a day to day, week to week, month to month decision. It is not about dieting to fit into skinny jeans. Although I one point I thought that was the only point in dieting. It is not about losing your summer/winter/fall/spring weight. It is a lifestyle.
Now I am not saying this in a holier than thou way. I am not. I falter and make poor choices. I am definitely not a perfect. But I am a believer in learning from this journey. But I have stopped viewing this process as a period of time that I'm going to be really strict with my food then relax and eat whatever I want and be shocked when I gain weight back.
A very good friend of mine is a chronic dieter. Every new school year (we're both teachers) is a new diet. She emailed me today about her latest diet. I tried to explain that you didn't need a diet but just to make better and more balanced choices. She said that didn't work for her. I respect the fact that she needs stricter perimeters but it doesn't work long term. I have tried to explain that. After a few emails back and forth I GAVE UP! I didn't give up on supporting her but I did give up trying to explain in a rational way how that will give her the same results as all the other diet programs she has tried.
The definition of insanity
is doing the same thing over and over
and expecting a different result.
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9 comments:
You don't know how much I needed to read this! It's taken me 40 years to figure it out! One day your friend will wake up and the light bulb will go off! I'm thrilled that you figured it out earlier in life!!
I have a hard time remembering that it's a lifestyle. I truly WANT that healthy lifestyle, but sometimes isn't it easier to just order out and lay on the couch? Yes ... but that is why THAT lifestyle isn't called "healthy".
I strive to take on a healthy lifestyle not only for my health, but for my kids. I want to teach them what a healthy lifestyle is. Of course I still have my faults, and yea ... I am working extra hard right now to lose the baby weight, but you are absolutely right - that this is more than just losing, it's a lifestyle!
Yes, yes, yes! Such great points, thanks, I really needed the reminder.
Great post!!!
I agree that it is a lifestyle. I think that in the beginning of getting into this lifestyle, for me, it helps that I am working towards a goal (to get to a healthier weight where I feel better about myself). But once I reach that goal, I'm not going to stop! I want to continue working hard and eating well forever.
The Fit Sugar article was interesting. I personally feel like I want both health & looks. If I am healthy, I am going to look good. I wouldn't want to be thin & unhealthy either!
I feel the exact same way. When people mention my diet I always correct them. It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle!
sometimes it can be very hard to walkthe line between dieting and lifestyle changes. thanks or the reminder!
You are so right! Sometimes (in my case) you need a stricter beginning to almost shock your habits. I work in extremes, but realize it's not practical long term. I think by educating yourself on what's healthy/good you can then make educated decisions for life on what you want to put in your body.
I did the yo-yo dieting, and never incorporated exercise. I lost 10-15 pounds on each diet, gained most of it back when I stopped dieting.
About 2 years ago I stopped dieting (just started eating healthier), but starting exercising 4-5 days a week. Guess what? I've lost weight and kept it off! Funny how that works... ;)
That article makes me sad. The survey result makes me even more sad. Could it be? 70% of women care more about their appearance than health? That is just sad! So sad!
You speak the truth my friend. I found that the lifestyle change is where it's at. You just gotta commit to it and make it a habit.
Love it! It's definitely a lifestyle. You make decisions every day that add up your life! ;D
great topic!
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