Why Don't Restrictive Diets Work?

Have you ever tried making a drastic diet change in the name of quick weight loss? How long could you sustain it before you surrendered and grabbed the Oreos?  The problem with severe dieting is that your body gets forced into starvation mode which eventually leads to storing more fat and calories. So instead of your body burning unwanted fat, it panics and stores anything it can for survival. Then! When it can’t get calories from food, it starts taking calories from lean muscle, resulting in muscle loss. Eventually your body literally starves itself which results in stalled weight loss – and sometimes even weight gain.

Our bodies are very smart. Consider this: your body knows how to regulate your temperature and breathe properly to accommodate your activity levels. Your heart pumps without thought or effort and your digestive system efficiently processes and eliminates waste from your body. Furthermore, your brain sends messages to signal hunger, danger, fear and relief.

So it really is no surprise that our body rebels when we try to fool it into an unhealthy, restrictive diet. Sure it may work for awhile, but eventually the body will stage a revolt, and we often gain back what was lost – plus some!  And the emotional toll can be devastating.

Doesn’t it make much more sense to follow the timeless, proven adage of proper food and exercise for best, lasting results?  I know this approach takes time, planning, determination, energy and patience. But, over and over, this smart option results in the best rate of success. Simply cutting out (or minimizing) processed foods, sugar, and excessive caffeine and replacing them with vegetables, whole grains and lean meats will start you on your own path to sustainable wellness.

Not ready to tackle your diet yet – but want to adopt a non-food-related healthy habit? Start with sleep. I am a firm believer that sleep is the foundation to wellness. No kidding. Commit to 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night and every area of your life will seem much more achievable. I promise.  Begin tonight. No excuses. You deserve to be well.

Want to learn more about healthy habits? Visit my website at www.sarawolfsen.com for free eGuides, a variety of downloadable wellness topics, and individualized support options.     

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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.