Diets are dumb

Ok, I realize that this is a pretty strong and overly simplistic headline. But, I generally believe it.

I’ve watched countless loved ones, friends and colleagues commit a lot of time, money and serious willpower to one diet or another. The problem is that in almost every case, each was hoping not just to shed 10 or 20 unhealthy pounds, but to walk away with an entirely new and improved body that will never be “fat” again. I’m no dietitian or healthy eating expert, but that latter point is where this entire strategy (more like a dream) seems to always fall short.

Let’s take Weight Watchers as an example of why this doesn’t work. The diet is all about significantly curtailing calories each and every day. This is one brutally tough diet for many to endure because it’s simply about following a regime that leaves the dieter starving. Those with an amazing amount of determination and stamina follow the parameters of the diet religiously by cutting back on upwards of 50- 60 percent of their normal calories consumed. The end result is pretty amazing. I’ve seen people lose 15 or even 30 pounds in 30-45 days. And, they look fantastic.

So, what happens next? Well, it’s almost impossible to live life (or at least it’s no fun) on that few calories every day. So, typically over a longer period, the dieter starts to consume more food and gains some or all of that weight back. He or she is then left feeling demoralized in a completely different way now (like a failure). This is because this victim (as I refer to the failed dieter) never actually changed his/her behavior patterns and lifestyle to become a healthy eater. So, the diet can be viewed as a traumatic, one time event that often creates more bad than good.

There are thousands of books available which reinforce the need for people to create a balance between eating healthy in moderation and exercising on a continual basis to keep off all those unwanted pounds for good. There is no need for me to harp on this because it is completely true. I just think it’s kind of interesting to see all the $$$ spent by consumers on diets, when most never provide any sustainable, long term results. There’s no doubt that we want to remain a naive culture that lives by “hope,” wanting to believe that the glamorous “before and after diet” TV commercials or new diet fad best seller books will be the next sure remedy for the next diet victim. Unfortunately, it’s sad because none of it really measures up…

Comments

[Rob Longert]

Ed,

I do agree with you that a lot of the diets out there are truly dumb.

Weight Watchers on the other hand actually works, and teaches it's members how to change their relationship with food, and their eating habits.

I have been on the plan since the end of January and have lost 25 pounds. Weight Watchers has allowed me to eat the things I like in moderation and consume a healthy amount of calories, keeping me full all day.

I must admit, I do go to the Weight Watchers meetings sometimes, and they are a bit hokey, but there are people in the meetings who have been on the plan for 20+ years, and they live by it. They have kept their weight off and changed their lives for the better.

In today's world, where everyone wants instant gratification through stomach stapling, liposuction, liquid diets, and frozen dinners, Weight Watchers is a breath of fresh air for those of us who want to make a change for the long run.

[ed]

Rob, I think that's awesome. I know Weight Watchers is a tough one, and it's great that this has changed your life.

But, there are always two sides to each story. I personally know of two relatives who've had the exact opposite experience with WW. Now, maybe both of them just didn't have what it took to make the committment. But, they killed themselves to lose weight in the short term and then simply received very little assistance/motivation from WW to be able to make it a lifestyle.