5 reasons why diets have always failed you, and what to do instead
If you’ve ever failed at a diet before you’re likely familiar with those feelings of frustration and guilt that comes with it - especially if you’ve tried and failed on many diets, multiple times. It can be really disheartening and leave you feeling like you lack the willpower to actually reach your health goals.
But, that’s the issue right there - willpower. Fad diets like keto, paleo, fasting and alike are largely reliant on willpower to be successful, instead of playing to your body’s actual needs - that sets you up for failure from the very start. So, if you consider yourself to be a “yo-yo dieter” I want you to know, that you haven’t failed on all of those diets, those diets have actually failed YOU
And here are just 5 reasons why:
Those diets didn’t give you the right amount of protein, carbs or fat to fuel your body
They under-delivered essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive
They were too restrictive or unenjoyable to keep up for any significant amount of time to see real results
They didn’t take into account the supporting lifestyle behaviours needed for whole-body health and wellbeing
They gave you a quick fix but didn’t factor in maintenance or sustainability
The sum of all these? A diet that leaves you feeling drained, undernourished, and unfulfilled, and one that’s incredibly hard to stick to long-term. Restrictive fad diets like these actually fight against your body every step of the way.
So what should you be doing instead?
For a diet to truly work for you, it should be optimised with the right amount of nutrients to give your body everything it needs to do its job well, but must also take into account enjoyment, and flexibility so it has longevity.
That’s why I advocate so strongly for the Mediterranean diet, because it actually works WITH your body and lifestyle, not against them.
Unlike the ‘diets’ we commonly see these days, the Mediterranean diet is not centred around restrictive habits or elimination of foods, nor is it simply a plan to follow for a few weeks or months. Rather, it encourages a flexible, long-term approach that focuses on food inclusion rather than exclusion.
But, the Mediterranean Diet extends beyond just the food we eat… It encompasses an entire lifestyle pattern in which the way we eat, self-care, and our living environments, all come together for optimal health and well-being. Simply put, it is a truly enjoyable and natural way to live and eat, with an exhaustive list of scientifically proven health benefits too.
If this all resonates with you and you’re ready to quit yoyo dieting for good, then the Mediterranean Diet could be a good fit for you!
My new course The Med Reset is designed with all this in mind. In this online course, you will have a step-by-step guide to boost your energy levels, build your mental wellbeing and reach your healthy weight - so you can actually feel and look your best for the long term, and never have to “diet” again!
