Dieting, a 50 billion dollar industry, is risky business. Statistics show that those who diet are five times more likely to develop an eating disorder than those who don't. The act of restricting food intake, and viewing certain foods as "bad,"make food the enemy. More often than not the weight lost from dieting is often gained back, bringing with it several additional pounds. The sense of failure from this has also been known to lead to eating disorders. Cycling weight loss and weight gain compromises health, too; blood pressure increase, decreased stores of necessary good fats, and increased risk of developing several diseases and health issues.
The renowned Eating Disorder treatment center, Remuda Ranch, has recently released this list of popular myths about dieting:
- #1 -- Dieting will result in weight loss and thus improve health. Ninety-five percent of diets fail. A continued focus on weight loss as a means to health will in all likelihood only result in poorer health. A shift to wellness by caring for the body as a whole-mind, body and spirit-is more effective in achieving metabolic fitness. This means getting and staying active without turning into a compulsive exerciser and eating intuitively with balance, variety and moderation.
- #2 -- If I don’t have rules around eating, I will be out of control. Part of normal eating involves trusting the body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you are hungry or have a craving. Choose foods that you believe will satisfy you. Stay connected to your body and eat with awareness and enjoyment. Stop eating when you’re full or satisfied.
- #3 -- Anyone can weigh what he or she wants as long as they diet and exercise hard enough. Contrary to popular belief, one of the strongest determinates of healthy body weight is our genetic code that was configured in the womb. We can only alter this natural set point a small amount with diet and exercise. Fat doesn’t always mean unhealthy and thin doesn’t always mean fit.
- #4 – Dieting means I have strong will power and I’m morally good. Labeling food as “good” or “bad” has dire consequences. What happens when an individual eats a food that is perceived as “bad” for them? They may feel guilty and want to get rid of or purge those calories by exercise or fasting for the next day or two. If there are limits about never eating “bad” food, when an individual feels emotionally vulnerable, what might be the first food that he or she seeks? The “bad” food, and usually not in moderate portions. Keeping food neutral is key. When food is kept in its proper place in life, with no inherent moral value, intuitive eating is a natural result.
- #5 – Everyone diets, it’s just the way it is. Just because many people are stuck in the cycle of dangerous dieting, doesn’t mean it’s the best way or that you have to follow. The best thing one can do for overall peace of mind and wellness is to cease the cycle. Individuals on diets are often irritable, fatigued and have difficulty concentrating or engaging in enjoyable social settings that involve food.
“Because there are so many diet myths out there, the best resource for truth is a registered dietitian or medical doctor,” says Juliet Zuercher, registered dietitian and director of nutritional services at Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders. “Unfortunately, eating disorders often develop after dabbling with diets. Beware of the underlying dangers in this cultural phenomenon.”
See archives for related article:The Dieting/Eating Disorder Connection
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picture source: MrsMenopausal
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