Every January, millions of people go on diets, believing that this time things will be different.
By February, most people break down, by March they regain the lost kilograms, and by summer they are again looking for the “perfect” nutrition plan.
This cycle repeats itself for years, leaving behind disappointment and self-doubt. But the problem is not in willpower, but in the approach to dieting itself.
The main mistake is to perceive a diet as a temporary restriction. The brain is designed in such a way that any strict rule causes resistance.
Banning your favorite food turns it into an object of obsessive desire, and constant control creates stress.
Instead, think of nutrition as a long-term strategy.
For example, instead of cutting out carbs, learn to choose “slow” versions of them: quinoa, brown rice, vegetables. They provide energy without sharp spikes in sugar.
The second reason for failure is ignoring individual differences. What works for one person may be useless or even harmful for another.
Some people lose weight on a low-carb diet, while others lose strength and hair. Some people feel full from fats, while others need frequent snacks with carbohydrates.
Experiment: try different combinations of products, monitor your body's reactions and don't be afraid to change your approach.
Finally, most diets do not take into account the psychological aspect. Food is not only fuel, but also pleasure, tradition, a way to cope with stress.
Completely rejecting “harmful” things deprives life of color, so it is important to find a balance.
Allow yourself dessert once a week, go out with friends without feeling guilty, learn to enjoy food without overeating.
When nutrition ceases to be a cult of taboos, it becomes part of a healthy and happy life.
Author: Igor Zur