Weight Loss Without Diets

2:21 AM Weight Loss Trainer 0 Comments

The term "diet" has two distinct meanings. The dictionary defines "diet" as a mode of living with special reference to food. A second definition defines "diet" as the taking of food according to rule. For the best results with permanent weight loss, abandoning food rules and restrictions can be more effective. Sounds too good to be true? The following explanation is intended to make you a believer of the non-diet club.

Food Restrictions versus Dieting

Indeed, the human body requires a diet in terms of food intake for survival. This corresponds to the dictionary’s first definition of the word. The problems arise when several restrictions are placed in relation to intake. This is not to say that there are cases when certain foods are absolutely off-limits, such as for those with allergies, heart conditions and so forth. Those are situations that demand restrictions. On the other hand, food restrictions or rules related to efforts toward weight loss can cause the yo-yo dieting cycle all too common among those attempting to lose weight.

Restrictions lead to deprivation. Feeling deprived causes yearning for the very thing we are sacrificing. The loss of that item begins to take its toll when life’s stresses surface and comfort is greatly needed at that moment. Want instant comfort? Instant gratification? The number one pick is that all-time favorite mouth-watering food item you have sacrificed during the course of your “diet” be it a single day, a week or a month. The damage far exceeds the few extra calories. The cycle has begun and does not stop as easily the next time around. The chances are slight for a change any time soon because your negative thoughts begin to steer your behaviors and more food finds its way to your mouth…more comfort.

Even the best weight loss programs have restrictions; they are simply hidden well underneath the savvy marketing tools. For example, have you heard that you can have shake for breakfast and lunch and then the best meal ever for dinner and lose the weight? Or, eat your favorite foods, but keep within limits of total calories? These are fine approaches, but certainly not the most effective ones.

How to Lose Weight Without Restrictions

So what is the most effective plan of action for weight loss? Changing thought patterns, ideas and the meaning of food in one's life will help– the rest will follow. Sound simple? Of course not, and it is not an easy task. However, the results can be shocking when the kitchen is not the comfort zone when life stresses are in full force.

Here are a few questions to ponder to get you on your way:

What is food’s role in your life?
What is food fulfilling beside hunger for you?
What else can satisfy that need?
Are you hungry when you eat?
Consider the time, place and people you are eating with most often.

There are many good weight loss plans from which to choose that define healthy eating guidelines. For example, Weight Watchers operates on helping members make healthy food choices, eat appropriate serving sizes, and incorporate exercise into daily habits.

Additionally, while not a weight loss plan, the American Dietitic Association offers a plethora of information regarding the most effective steps toward permanent, safe weight loss. However, for lasting results, it may be necessary to take a look inside one's self to better understand the role food plays in one's life.

Effective Changes for Losing Weight

The following tips will help you on your way to weight loss:

View food as food – nothing more, nothing less.
Know the basics of good nutrition.
Savor every morsel of your new-found relationship with food.

Fear not. You will never waste another moment contemplating the purchase of diet pills, shakes, food, programs if you heed this advice. And please, do not expect overnight changes. Indeed, food has become a love-hate relationship for many of us. The key is to make it neither and breaking up is hard to do.