Do you know anyone who went on a diet, lost weight and kept it off long-term? Probably not. Many people find themselves stuck in a cycle of losing weight, regaining it, giving up and then starting all over again.

Numerous research studies show that people who lose weight on a diet often regain all the weight they lost—and sometimes even more. Medical research has also revealed that dieting can drive food obsession. 

Still, when a wedding, birthday or beach holiday looms, the pressure to lose weight quickly kicks in. You search online and are hit with a flood of options: low-fat, keto, vegan, paleo, fasting, shakes, pills, detox teas—the list goes on. 

You start your diet, committed to your weight loss with great intention. A kilo or two drops off, you feel good, and even more determined to keep going. Then life happens: a dinner party, a birthday cake, pizza at work, a stressful day, an argument with a loved one—and suddenly your diet is out of the window. Again. You blame and berate yourself for being so weak willed.

But the truth is: diets don’t work. They promise fast results, few deliver lasting change. 

Why weight loss diets don’t work

Many weight loss diets hold promises they can’t keep because they are too restrictive, too difficult to sustain and don’t support the reality of your daily life. 

By focusing on rules, restrictions, points, formulas, etc. diets put you in a position where you are constantly thinking about what you can or can’t eat, how many calories of kilojoules you’ve eaten, how many points you’ve used up, or if that extra piece of cheese or slice of bread you ate is going to affect your weight on the scale the next morning. The truth is, it is highly likely that you ate that extra food because you were still hungry. 

Diets make you worry more about numbers than your physical and mental health.

Some diets are far too low in calories and do not provide you with sufficient energy and nourishment. Diets that eliminate entire food groups and can deprive your body of essential nutrients, leading to cravings as it tries to replenish itself.

Shakes and herbal remedies are expensive, unsatisfying and leave you worse off when your body rebounds, craving proper nutrition and fibre. Some of them are simply laxatives!

There is a better way

If you’re very overweight or obese, please be brave, and make an appointment with a doctor because your health could be at risk. You haven’t done anything wrong. You have a right to ask for support.

Eating Free coaching can support your weight loss journey once your health has stabilised. 

Yet, if you’re stuck in the cycle of yoyo dieting, with clothes packed up in your wardrobe that you can’t fit into anymore, and frustrated by your apparent lack of willpower, then it’s time to explore a different approach. 

Focus on nourishment and selfcare

Learn to trust your body and nourish it. Focus on your health, not the scale. When you start nourishing yourself with care, you will reach a weight that is right for you and your body. 

Educate yourself with reliable information from trusted public health organisations.

Seeing a dietician can be very useful. Think about what you would like to get out of your session in advance. Focus on education about nutrition, portion sizes with out weighing or measuring you food and drinks, and remember to ask questions so the session is interactive

Move your body with kindness

You don’t need always need a gym membership. Start by walking—even just 10-15 minutes a day. Wear something comfortable. You can also join a ParkRun near you. Many people walk the ParkRun and don’t run it. All kinds of people with different levels of fitness take part. And, you’ll make friends too. 

Eat as a part of self care

Remember to take care of your emotional life and your feelings, and reach out to a friend or a counsellor to talk through your challenges. Eating Free will support your journey towards a comfortable way of eating that serves you and your body. 

Imagine never going on another weight loss diet again. Learn to listen to your body—and in time, your body will reach its natural, healthy weight.