The Low Down on Diets: The Good, the Bad, and What’s Best for You

WARNING: THIS IS A FAST BUT SHORT RIDE – NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS
If you are like most people you have probably taken more than one ride on the Diet Roller Coaster. Clearly we have a weight problem in America, as 66% of the adult population is overweight or obese. Ironically, though, our problem is getting bigger, in spite of a growing number of popular diets from which we can choose. Fifty million Americans go on diets every year -spending over $40 billion on dieting and diet-related products. As you peruse the above chart, you will see some very familiar dieting methods. Before you embark on the next pop diet, in an attempt to shed those unwanted pounds, take a little time to assess your motives and attitudes toward weight loss, as well as the logicality and effectiveness of “dieting” in general.
Many people want to lose weight A.S.A.P., regardless of the hoops they might have to jump through. Trust me, I’ve been there. I tried the dieting thing, and quite honestly, it led to chaos in my life. I experimented with severe restriction and micromanaging food, which led to thinking about food and weight even more, and eventually catalyzed an eating disorder. My struggle lasted years and was difficult to overcome. Dieting does not necessarily lead to eating disorders, but they can be linked to a small percentage of hard core “dieters.”
When we put fitting back into our size “skinny” jeans front and center, we can develop a “thin at all costs” mentality, wreaking havoc on our physical, mental, and spiritual health. We need to rethink our preoccupation with dieting and look for permanent and healthy solutions to the overweight dilemma that we face along with the upcoming generation of children.
ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN. BUT CAN YOU BE A LIFER?
What I have been telling clients for over ten years is to stop “going on” (and therefore, “off”) diets. Dieting is too often a punishing attempt to “fit-thin” with the current cultural standards, usually originating in the world of fashion and Hollywood. Instead of dieting, which has the word die in it, and has proven over and over to be a temporary solution, I highly recommend a lifestyle change.
Lifestyle change is a familiar enough phrase, but we are often much more enthralled with the speed and glamour of the latest diet. Weight loss is certainly achievable on any number of the above programs and we can glean bits of wisdom from the popular diets of the decades (see pros listed in the chart). However, consider this: over 90% of dieters regain the pounds lost after the diet has been abandoned. Einstein’s definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Dieting is not working for us as a long-term solution.
One of my main beefs with most diets is that the focus is on outward appearance and numbers (on a scale and calorie counting) instead of total well-being. As Faith and Fitness Magazine readers are often reminded, wellness is an all-encompassing life goal involving mind, body, spirit, and soul “fitness.” Keeping overall wellness in mind, as we shed pounds, points us to better nutrition and consistent exercise, leading to better health and better bodies. On the contrary, the quick-fix diet mentality, leads to very temporary weight loss and can lead to poorer health. The bottom line: losing weight permanently requires patience, faithfulness, and self-control. Hmmm. Those sound familiar, and are, in fact, highly esteemed spiritual qualities: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
How we treat our bodies matters and if we want to be energetic, healthy, productive, and of course, look our best, slow weight loss with an emphasis on eating healthfully and moving regularly is our best bet. Studies show that slow weight loss is more likely to be permanent weight loss. I found myself about fifteen pounds overweight when I recovered from the weight cycling pattern I had established over the years. I lost it all slowly and permanently when I decided that dieting was not as savvy as change. I am not saying that I have arrived or that I am immune to weight struggles, but I have the tools to rationally deal with temptation and frustration.

WHERE DO I SIGN UP AND HOW DO I GET STARTED?
I recommend you start with prayer and surrender. Acknowledge that you cannot change without intervention and help from the God who created your body, an amazingly complex, wondrously functioning beautiful vessel.
Accept that your body is totally unique in shape, color and size and the goal should be one of stewardship. Honoring God through what we do with our bodies holds the promise of peace and joy as we embrace a new way of eating and exercising. The famous apostle Paul struck a chord with me when I read these words: “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship”. When we see it the way Paul does, we realize that how we treat our bodies
can be an act of worship unto God (pretty deep stuff, I know).
Finally, assess your weight loss goals in light of your body type, and what is attainable and maintainable. As mentioned above a short-term weight loss goal of one pound a week is doable and allows your body time to adjust to newly established calorie consumption/requirements. As far as long term intentions, reassess those as you approach the final stretch.

After you acknowledge, accept and assess, you have nothing to lose but those cumbersome pounds. Now go make it happen! I am cheering you on!

Elliott Young is a personal trainer and nutrition consultant certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. She has a masters in Exercise and Health Related Fitness. Elliott is the wife of Ben Young, associate pastor of Second Baptist Houston, and they have two daughters.

KISS DIETING GOODBYE by Elliott Young. Are you sick and tired of the ups and downs of the dieting roller coaster? Personal trainer and former dieting extremist Elliott Young shows you simple and effective steps to ditch the quick-fix dieting mentality and embrace healthy living. Elliott’s inspiring stories, realistic solutions, and delicious recipes invite you to be truly fit in mind, body, and soul and to take the leap and kiss dieting
goodbye.