So first let’s back up…What is a diet?
The original definition of diet was the food and drink usually taken by a person or group. according to the Cambridge English dictionary.
The word “diet” meant just the foods and drinks one consumed (with no negative or positive connotation). Unfortunately, the word “diet” has come to been restricted eating usually associated with a weight loss goal. Well, I’m over it! Sure, at times in my life I have cycled through “weight loss diets” from previous periods of overeating. However, my college weight gain and restricted eating were symptoms of being unhappy. Personally, I think it’s important to have goals in mind, but not focus on the weight.
Cycling through diets does NOT work. How many people have you known to do a diet (e.g. Akins, Whole 30, Cleanses, etc.) and they have successfully kept the weight off, stuck to the diet, and been happy?
I believe that when we stop focusing on weight and instead focus on positive goals, we can ditch weight loss diets and live our best lives. So, I challenge you to live your best life and focus positive goals to increase your overall health.
And if anyone that wants to share with me, their New Years Weight loss resolutions, please don’t! Choose another resolution or goal to share with me.
Instead of weight loss goals, here are some suggestions:
- focus on eating more fruits and veggies
- more movement and mobility (increase daily steps, stretch, do yoga, etc.)
Or if you’d like to focus on a performance goals, here a few ideas:
- increase lean body mass
- run a faster race
- lift or squat more weights
Happy New Year! and P.s. Let’s all skip this diet culture. You do you and live your best life. Your weight or a number on the scale does not define you. YOU ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT!!
Kean Nutrition 