Fad Diets vs. Lifestyle Change
Why a fad diet is a waste of time
Do you want to change the way you eat? Are you tired of feeling tired, sore, out of breath, overweight, and weak? Look no further, the answer is here. And here and here and oh yeah, over there!
All you have to do is type in “weight loss diet” in the Google search bar and you will be bombarded with dozens and dozens of diet options. Some are free how-to lists or blogs; some require money to access the right pill, the right drink, or the right protein bar. Some of them will send you every meal you will ever need to lose weight—just simply pop the tiny freezer-burned portions of “food” in the microwave and you're good to go.
The “answers” are out there but many of them are unrealistic, expensive, confusing, and even dangerous. So what do you do? The first suggestion is to truly understand what you’re looking for. A fad diet is what they are offering you, but what you need for real change and to maintain it is a different lifestyle altogether.
What is a Fad Diet?
A fad diet is a diet that offers you the instant gratification you think you want. They claim you will meet your weight loss goals within x amount of time and all will be well. These diets are doomed to fail every single time for three simple reasons: lack of sustainability, lack of substance, and the human condition.
Let’s use the keto diet as an example. Millions of people all around the world have subscribed to the notion that carbs are bad and fat is good. The goal is to eliminate 98% of the carbs you eat and replace them with food loaded with fat like meat, cheeses, avocados (which I love), etc. Very little veggies or fruit are allowed on this diet as veggies are carbs (delicious carbs!) and fruit contains sugar, which turns into carbs (there go the mangoes!). All this in the pursuit of achieving ketosis so that your body begins to use fat as an energy source instead of glucose.
The Problem with Fad Diets
Here’s the problem—this diet is so strict that it cuts your available food sources and leads to the inevitable boredom of eating the same thing at every meal, every day. This level of restriction also means you are no longer getting the essential vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis (you know, to live?). Finally, let's be honest with ourselves. A dramatic diet based around “can’t haves” doesn’t work for many of us. The human brain is wired for reward and by cutting our calories or food groups, we set ourselves up for cravings, "hangry" symptoms and bingeing when we finally do eat.
The Alternative: Lifestyle Change
The alternative is a progressive lifestyle change based on education, compassion and curiosity. At Whole Harvest we believe a whole food plant-based diet is the best way to achieve your health goals and MAINTAIN them. The best part? You don’t ever have to count another calorie or carb again. You just eat food that is wholesome and nutritious when you're hungry. That’s it. Though you are eliminating meat and dairy from your diet, you are adding dozens and dozens of vegetables, fruits and legumes. Your world expands and so do your taste buds when meat is no longer the main dish on your dinner plate.
You don’t have to be a nutrition expert to start eating this way. You don’t have to spend hours doing research. Simply begin replacing one meal a day with a whole food plant-based meal. That’s it. We do our part by providing the healthy meal each day, a bit of education, and a lot of support right to your door. All you have to do is put down that cheeseburger and say yes.