Why is Dieting So Hard?


Have trouble taking off the weight? There is more to it than willpower.

How often have you been on a diet, and someone wants you to try something you know you shouldn’t eat while trying to reduce your size?

“Oh, it is just a bite. Live a little. You can diet tomorrow.”

Our modern-day environment makes it extremely difficult. Once you have lost it, keeping it off is even more difficult. Like most, if you are reading this article, you have experienced losing weight on a diet and gained it back, plus some.

Why do we react to food this way?

There are many reasons. You know most of these reasons and are probably looking for ways to fight them. Some of them include:

  • Overconsumption of sugary drinks

  • Not drinking enough water

  • Too much alcohol

  • Too many processed foods

  • Consuming too many calories

  • Eating too fast

  • Not enjoying or savoring each bite

  • Not enough whole foods

Most people do not track what they eat; therefore, overeating in volume and frequency are common. Today’s marketing encourages overeating and tempting us with processed food loaded with flavorful choices. Food that contributes to weight gain is plentiful and inexpensive.

Must I exercise?

Most of us do not exercise enough, especially resistance exercises or weights.

These types of activities increase muscle mass. Muscles are the metabolism engine of the body. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn every hour.(1)

There are advantages to having lean, well-worked muscles. It is essential to realize that exercise alone will not take off the weight, nor will exercise alone keep it off.

See how your hunger hormones affect your ability to lose weight in this article I wrote, “Battling to Lose Weight.”

Some say, “you can’t outrun a bad diet.”

There are many reasons why physical activity is good for you and will help your metabolism.(2) An appropriate diet is more effective in losing weight and keeping it off forever.

References:

  1. Smid, J. (2019, March 1). Fitness: Do more muscles mean more calories burned? Argus Leader. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/brandon/2019/03/01/fitness-do-more-muscles-mean-more-calories-burned/3027737002/

  2. Philip, D. (2022, January 18). Physical activity is vital for healthy body and mind — a column by Jane Marshall, director of strategy, people and Partnerships, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. LincolnshireWorld. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://www.lincolnshireworld.com/health/physical-activity-is-vital-for-healthy-body-and-mind-a-column-by-jane-marshall-director-of-strategy-people-and-partnerships-lincolnshire-partnership-nhs-foundation-trust-3531390