We think you're near Los Angeles

Fitness at Every Size, Part One: Diets Don't Work

Shaunta Grimes' photo
Reno Fitness Examiner

In Reno, there are many sources for fresh, nutritious foods that will help you support your fitness goals. Visit the Reno Farmer's Market at different locations throughout the city. Don't forget the Sparks Farmer's Market as well. Sign up for a CSA Share from the Great Basin Basket. You'll get a wide variety of local, fresh produce delivered all season long. 

But what happens when, instead of eating for pleasure and eating for the fuel you need to get through your day, you start eating with the purpose of losing weight? Do diets work?

According to an article in Psychology Today, more than 95 percent of people who lose weight dieting gain it back. Not only that, they gain back more than they lost. The human body has powerful systems in place to ensure that you maintain homeostasis. In other words, diets don't work because your body is hardwired to maintain your weight, whatever that weight may be. 
Advertisement

Not only does dieting to lose weight not work, in some cases it can be harmful. Fad diets or extreme diets that have you cutting your calories below what you need to thrive or eating so restrictively that you aren't getting a full range of nutrients can result in those powerful homeostasis systems like your metabolism shutting down. 

The word diet refers to your eating habits. So, while "going on a diet" doesn't work, your diet is still very important to your fitness and health. Fitness starts now, at whatever size you are today. And while you're starting with walks or trips to the gym to build your strength and endurance, you can start eating in a way that supports your health.

Dr. Linda Bacon, in her book Health at Every Size, suggests that rather than trying to control what or how much you eat, you should focus on your hunger cues. Pay attention to your body's hunger signals and eat enough so that you aren't hungry anymore. Learn the difference between not being hungry and being full. On a ten point scale, where one is hunger to the point of illness and ten is fullness to the point of illness, strive to eat when you feel hungry, but not starved and eat until you're satisfied, but not uncomfortable.

Instead of going on a diet, spend time paying attention to your body and how it feels when you eat. Some foods make you feel better than others. Some support your fitness better than others. Make no food out of bounds, but try to make most of your diet foods that work for you. Your body will find its natural, healthy weight without unhealthy diets that don't work in the first place.

Visit Live Once, Juicy for more information about fitness at every size.

Diets don't work, eating enough of a wide variety of nutritious foods does.
Diets don't work, eating enough of a wide variety of nutritious foods does.
Photo credit: 
United States Department of Agriculture

Related topics:

Suggested by the author:

, Reno Fitness Examiner

Shaunta Grimes is a freelance writer in Reno. She's passionate about fitness and helping to make athleticism accessible to anyone who wants it. She blogs at liveoncejuicy.com about body acceptance and athleticism at every size. She also writes columns for Shamelessmag.com and Fiercefatties.com....

Don't miss...