Submitted by True Health Chiropractic & Massage
Have you ever wondered why most diets fail? Perhaps you’ve tried every diet out there, only to be disappointed over and over again. You work so hard, you’re so hungry, and you spend hours in the gym, all for just a few lost pounds. Or, maybe you’ve even gained pounds. It just doesn’t seem fair, but you’re definitely not alone.
Here are five reasons why most diets fail:
Reason #1: Bio-individuality
It’s true that dieting works for some people. Many times, those people are the authors of books that tell you how you can lose weight, too. But, guess what? Your body is DIFFERENT. What worked for one person won’t necessarily work for you.
Bio-individuality is the combination of your metabolism, blood type, body structure, genetic heritage, personality, emotions and thought patterns that makes you unique. Most diets don’t account for all of these variables. Some people function well on a vegan diet, while others might begin wasting away in the first week. Some people feel great eating whole grains, while others bloat up like a balloon. Why? Bio-individuality.
Reason #2: Starvation Mode
Many diets require a decrease in calories, an increase in physical activity or both. In order to live and function, we need calories (energy) from food. The optimal number of calories depends on a person’s bio-individuality. When we’re physically active, we expend more energy, and thus need more calories. But if the ratio between calories and physical activity shifts too far in one direction or the other, problems occur.
Too many calories – physical activity = weight gain
Too few calories + physical activity = starvation
Starvation mode isn’t simply feeling hungry. In fact, you may not feel hungry at all when your body is in a state of starvation. For a while, the weight may come off really fast, but eventually, your brain will tell your body, “Famine alert! Hold on to every bit of fat you can! We may never eat again!” If you’re in starvation mode too long, you can experience some serious imbalances. And when you end your diet, all the weight will come back quickly, often bringing a few extra pounds with it.
Reason #3: Nutritional Deficiencies
Starvation mode is related to nutritional deficiencies. We eat food not just for the calories, but also for the nutrients within the food: protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. This is why food quality is so important. If you’re eating 2,000 calories per day, but those calories are coming only from soda and candy bars, you’ll get sick pretty quickly because soda and candy bars don’t contain sufficient nutrients.
Without a variety of foods, you won’t get the wide variety of nutrients you need for optimum health. Additionally, many people have digestive problems that inhibit absorption, thereby creating deficiencies. Nutrient deficiencies can turn into serious illnesses if dietary changes aren’t made.
Reason #4: Food Sensitivities
Along with artificial and processed food, food sensitivities create inflammation in the body, which can cause water retention and weight gain. Without knowing what food sensitivities you might have, the foods you eat could be keeping you away from your goal.
Reason #5: Metabolic Imbalances
The fifth reason why most diets fail is because they don’t solve metabolic imbalances, including insulin resistance, leptin resistance, low thyroid function, adrenal fatigue, yeast overgrowth, polycystic ovarian syndrome and more. These conditions might not show up in a blood test or have obvious symptoms, but they can derail your progress and make it nearly impossible to reach your goals.
If we know why most diets fail, then we need to find a program that addresses these issues. But more importantly, we need to change our mindset from one of “dieting” and “losing weight” to one of developing a healthier life-style that will generate numerous benefits – including weight-loss.
Mary found a new mindset and lifestyle when the office she manages brought this anti-inflammatory program in for patients. She wanted to lose weight, but also wanted to change her relationship with food and reduce her chronic pain and inflammation. Starting at almost 300 pounds, she ended the year at a healthy weight and was pain free within the first few months. Mary has maintained a healthy weight almost five years later, and now she coaches patients through this effective program, and would love to help you!
The key that made this plan work for Mary is that it is not a diet – it’s a wellness program that addresses the five reasons why most diets fail. There are no bars, shakes or gimmicks. You work with a health “coach” that will meet with you about your health challenges and long-term goals, customize a plan just for you and offer ongoing support and care.
If you are wanting to live a healthier life, please contact True Health Chiropractic & Massage at 309-585-0704 or visit them online at TrueHealthBN.com. Their office is located at 2406 E. Washington St. in Bloomington, IL.