Hey…STOP Dieting So You Can Lose Weight!

If you are telling folks that you are on a diet, or that you need to lose ‘x’ amount of pounds to fit into some old clothes by a nearby date, be careful.  Chances are that either you are not going to lose weight, or that you will lose the weight, but you are not going to maintain it.

First of all, in regards to diets, they work, but they don’t work.  HUH??

Let me explain.  Almost any diet works, and by that I mean that they produce the intended effect of weight loss (I will discuss this same concept in my upcoming eBook).  If the diet involves caloric restriction of any kind, whether directly or through reduction/elimination of certain foods, it will cause you to lose weight.  Yep, even if the diet is not nutritionally sound (like the twinkie diet, or those old high protein/no carbohydrate diets from about a decade ago), it can cause weight loss.

But at the same time, going on a diet does not work.  When one “goes on a diet”, it is usually for a very specific reason and for a short term goal.  I am tired of seeing two abs and want to see six instead, or I want to prepare for a high school reunion.  Guess what, though?  If the diet is harder than I thought, or if I actually do accomplish my short term goal, I am going to stop…and I am going to regain the weight.  Why?  Because I did not change my MINDSET.

If your mind has not been set to make permanent lifestyle changes, you can pretty much forget losing weight or maintaining weight loss.  Any habit, good or bad, was developed gradually by practice, and that is the same way that your weight loss is going to come about…by a commitment to gradual, permanent changes.  If you really want to lose weight, and more importantly, be healthy, there is no other way.

So here’s what you need to do:

  1. Count the costIf you really want to lose the weight, no shortcuts, you gotta know that it is going to be hard.  Go ahead and accept that.
  2. Make GRADUAL changes.  I know you want to lose it fast, but please do not rush it!  Anything worth anything takes time, and permanent weight loss is one of those things.  Do not switch from a diet filled with junk food to one with all salad in a day.  Replace soda with water first.  After a week or so, replace fried foods with green vegetables.  Lock that in and make another change, and so on.
  3. Make a commitment.  Make your diet and lifestyle changes with the mindset from the beginning that you are in it for the long haul.  If not, you are probably wasting your time.
  4. Ask for help!  For those of you who believe in God, ask Him for help.  Do you not think that a healthy body is important to Him?  I believe that He will help you.  If you want any advice from me, please comment below, or you can send me an e-mail and I will try to help.  Also, look around and see if there is someone already around you who can give you advice and/or hold you accountable.

Let’s move away from dieting in the traditional sense, as well as short term goals, and toward taking good care of ourselves through gradual, committed change to our lifestyles.  Let’s go ahead and lose that weight!

Comments?

Shawn McClendon
Shawn McClendon is an author, podcast host, fitness entrepreneur and owner of Back to Basics Health and Wholeness LLC, an organization dedicated to empowering people to take responsibility for their own health.

18 Responses to “Hey…STOP Dieting So You Can Lose Weight!

  • Getting an accountability buddy who won’t give you free passes is a good way to stick with your commitment. I’m finding that it’s probably best to find somebody who doesn’t live with you so that you’re not facing the same tough choices at the same time. An idea that I’ve never tried, but believe that it would work: get your accountability buddy who also has health goals of their own; commit to each other that you will contact the other when you face a difficult health related choice; and review your what you ate during the week with your buddy on a weekly basis.

    • This is really good. I have a couple of buddies who are ready. However, I do my very best in making excuses, not being accountable for myself. I’ve had in my mind that “I” can do this myself, my way. I’m going to loose this weight before the family reunion….. Well, not so. However, this article has given me the motivation to accept the motivational help from my buddies. Thank you…

  • Oh and make sure that you both understand each others’ goals. I’m not giving this just as an advisory matter – I plan to go out and get my own accountability buddy!

    • Good…yeah that sounds like a good plan. And I agree with getting an accountability partner sometimes outside of the home, too.

  • Tanya Ford
    10 years ago

    I agree with what said it is going to take being committed and hard work in a lot of areas. I know where I want get to, but I it will not happen overnight. I believe having someone that you are accountable to help aids your success. I know that I would not have gotten this far without God and my accountability buddies:)

  • Darra McClendon
    10 years ago

    “A renewed mind is the key…” lol. Seriously good stuff. I need to apply this real talk.

  • You are so right! I have tried diet after diet (short term) as mentioned in your article for specific reasons or occasions, that did not work! All the weight came back. I have even tried the accountable buddy concept, she was not so accountable! She’s twice my size now, AND, she incurred the expense of a”lap band!” So, I have to come to the conclusion that it will take me reversing old habits, and it will require a “new” mindset in order for me to live longer in my healthy vessel not only for myself, but for my children, grandchildren, and family who I love dearly. ( I don’t want diabetes, or high blood pressure!) No more diets! New mindset!

    • Thanks for the comment! You’re absolutely right. I know there’s a saying that goes something like “wherever the mind goes, the body will follow.” It takes time to get that mind right, but when it gets right, you’re on your way!

  • Debra lagroone
    10 years ago

    Spelled my name wrong…. oops!

  • I realy liked this article! If you include in your diet what should be there to begin with, then the whole idea of “dieting” becomes an absurdity. Keep the good stuff coming!

  • I like that change and lock in idea. I think you hit that nail on the head. A permanent lifestyle change can seem very daunting and I agree with you that the key is to make one sustainable change at a time instead of overwhelming yourself. I’d be interesting on reading a post from you on what you believe the Bible says about a healthy body. I’m sure you’ve noticed that many church folks aren’t quite making that connection between their Christianity and healthful living to benefit their temples. Enjoyed this!

    • Awesome. And thanks for the post idea! I always like when I get feedback that gives me new post ideas. You’re right; I don’t believe that the church as a whole is making that connection very well, because based on what the bible says, a healthy body ranks very highly to God. New post coming soon :).

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