I can't tell you how many times I've heard...
"What's the diet I can go on to lose 10 lbs before my vacation next week?"
OR
"I ate like shit this weekend. I definitely am going to start that juice cleanse tomorrow! That's the best way to balance things out, right?"
OR
"If I get two hours of cardio in today, that'll cancel out the pint of Ben & Jerrys ice cream I just ate, right?"
People can get so wrapped up in how to get results TOMORROW and want to find the easiest path there, that they resort to slim downs, cleanses & diet pills. And as a gal who has been there and tried that, let me tell you that IT DOESN'T WORK. (If you want to read more about My Story, click HERE)
Sure, we'll probably go down a few pounds on the scale, but do you maintain the weight loss? Do you stick to the workout schedule? Has this transformed your life and you're the happiest you've ever been?
If you're anything like me, the answer is NO.
Most of us go back to the same patterns as before, and lose all of the "progress" we've made. And sometimes (yuppp I was there too) we fool ourselves into doing that quick fix again because it "worked".
But here's the thing, Quick fixes don't work because they are just that ... a quick fix.
They are a bandaid.
They don't fix the underlying problem:
our often distorted and unhealthy mindsets around food and exercise.
4 Things Diets Do:
1. THEY MAKE US MISERABLE
When was the last time you heard someone on a diet say: "Man, I LOVE being on this diet! Counting Calories and being hungry all the time is the best!" Probably never. Because it SUCKS. I know so many women (myself included!) who have attempted the quick fix through various means and the one thing I continue to hear throughout the process and after they've finished is how unhappy it's made them. And isn't the whole point for focusing on fitness and healthy living to be HAPPY?!
2. THEY CREATE FOOD ADDICTS
By temporarily restricting food, the levels of stress in our brains increase, which sets off insane cravings and can lead us to binge. Ever done a slim down and then as soon as you were done feel the need to eat EVERYTHING and ANYTHING in sight? I've been there, and let me tell you, it's not pretty and it makes you feel like SHIT.
3. THEY SLOW DOWN YOUR METABOLISM
As soon as your body senses deprivation, it responds by going into self-preservation mode - aka your metabolism slows down, making it actually HARDER to lose weight.
4. THEY AREN'T SUSTAINABLE
While a quick fix might jumpstart your health and fitness journey, it's unlikely to be something that you can (or should!) follow for longer chunks of time. When you cut a whole food group out of your diet -- take carbohydrates for example -- your body will eventually become deficient in all the nutrients and benefits provided by that macro-nutrient, which can eventually lead to further health problems. A healthy eating plan includes ALL the macro and micro nutrients that your body needs to SHINE!
Taking the time to really listen to your body and really figuring out what works for YOU (because we are all different!) is the best way to move towards a healthy lifestyle that you can maintain for the rest of your life.
WHAT DOES WORK?
Starting tomorrow, make one small change in your diet or exercise routine. See if you can sustain it for a week.
If so, make another small change in your diet or exercise routine. See if you can sustain both for a week. Repeat over and over and over again until the changes become habits.
It’s not a sexy process, I know.
But it works. Time and time again.
And if you need the accountability, come hangout with me and the other amazeballs women in our Live Your F*ck YES Life Community!
Have you ever tried a quick fix diet or exercise program? Did it help you move forward towards your health and fitness goals or did it create further issues in your journey to healthy living?
I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below!