Everyone is going to start a new diet with clear goals and determination, but it does not take much to get off track. It often seems as if the deck is stacked against those who are hoping to improve their health with temptations around every corner. Take a look at these four common reasons that diets fail and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Your Body Is Rebelling
The human body actually responds to certain foods in many of the same ways that it responds to other addictive substances. When these foods are immediately cut out of one’s diet, issues such as sugar withdrawal symptoms can begin to take place. Experiencing side effects such as headaches, fatigue, and even nausea will lead many people to quit their diet within the first few days.
2. You Have Taken an All-or-Nothing Approach
One of the most common mistakes made when dieting is taking an all-or-nothing approach instead of gradually adjusting to a new lifestyle. Many people will completely cut out all of their favorite foods and start exercising seven days a week only to find themselves burning out within just a few days. Slowly tapering off unhealthy habits and allowing your body to adjust to these changes can be a more effective option.
3. Dieting Is Seen as a Temporary Fix
Dieting will almost always be unsuccessful if it is seen as a quick solution to drop a few pounds. In many cases, this will result in the individual gaining back their weight and perhaps even adding a few extra pounds. Dieting should always be seen as a long-term change to one’s habits and not a quick fix just before bikini season.
4. You Don’t Have Support
Tackling any major health issue alone can be daunting, and that includes shedding some weight. People that successfully lose weight and then keep it off will almost always have some form of support.
In the end, most diets fail for just a handful of reasons including unrealistic expectations and a lack of patience. You must think of your diet as a permanent lifestyle change and then surround yourself with a knowledgeable and supportive team to help you meet your goals.
