I am sure we are all sick of hearing this and I KNOW that the health field/health professionals are sick and tired of repeating this. But it really is. It isn’t simply about being on a diet. Being on a diet implies that whatever it is that you are doing is only going to be done for a short time. When you hear your friends say “diet” you automatically assume that they are changing the way they eat for a short time to illicit a specific change in their weight.

When I hear the word “diet” it means that you are restricting your food intake to lose weight on the short term. But this isn’t always the healthiest way – or the most long lasting way.

Believe me – I get it. Everyone wants the quick fix, and the instant results. I know. But how many times have you gone on a diet – achieved your desired results, and upon returning to your normal habits most of you gained it all back. This is a common trend when dieting. We all have those friends who are constantly on a new diet, always the newest fad. Have you ever stopped to think about why that friend is always on a new diet? It’s because nothing has changed for the long term. They go on a quick juice cleans, or a 30-day detox diet only to be on a new diet every other month. This is not only extremely unhealthy – but it is also not an effective means of keeping the weight off long term.

It’s important that we address the underlying issues. We are compulsive over eaters, or we don’t exercise enough. We binge on sweets all too often. It’s okay to have a sweet treat – or potato chips on occasion. But it’s not okay for it to be a daily staple in your diet. If you don’t care about your health, or worry about the extra weight you carry around – then my all means, continue doing what you are doing.

But if you really want to make change, if you really want to keep the weight off long term – you have to commit to a lifestyle change and not simply a diet.