What Really Happens When We Diet
We have heard of every diet - low carb, no carb, Weight Watchers, Atkins, low fat, no fat, all fat, high protein, fasting, cleanses, etc.. I could go on and on. While all of these diet have different foods and rules, there are a couple things they all have in common - none of them have scientific research to back them up, they are short lived, and they have a set of rules to guide your eating behaviors. None of these things contribute to long term success. So why do all these diets fail? I've broken it down for you ...
Skipping meals or decreasing calories
Slows metabolism causing us to store body fat
The brain and muscle's demand for fuel (ie food) causes rebound eating, typically on high sugar and high fat food sources
Not meeting your basic need of fuel will cause poor attention span, irritability, and fatigue
Your body will break down muscle tissue to use for energy
Decreasing Carbohydrates
You lose your body's preferred source of fuel causing you to feel moody, tired, and fatigued
Your body will break down muscle, tissue, and bones to use for energy
You body could break down dietary fat which causes acid/base imbalance potentially resulting in kidney damage or coma
Physiological and psychology cravings for carbohydrates will likely lead you to over eat on those food sources
Cutting Out Meat (including red meat)
May put you at risk for iron and B12 deficiencies
Fullness after meals will not last as long causing more hunger between meals for high fat and high sugar food sources
Preplanned Meal Replacement Diet or Liquid Diet/Cleanse
95% chance of regaining lost weight within 1-2 years, plus more
You never learn how to portion, cook, or grocery shop for yourself which could be a detriment down the road when you no longer want to be on said meal plan
You often lose muscle mass along with body fat, which lowers your metabolism causing the body to store more fat even though less calories are being consumed
Poor habits are replaced initially but not changed permanently
Typically these plans are expensive
Fasting
Most of the weight loss is due to water loss
Muscle mass decreases, lowering metabolism, increasing body fat storage (I am noticing a trend)
Potentially medically dangerous for some individuals
