Diet Derailers: Deprivation is fattening
Categories: Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
Derail. You know the word. Let's face it, most of us working toward good health through diet and exercise have an intimate relationship with the word. Diet derailers are everywhere -- in your house, in the grocery store, at work, at play, in your head even. Here, we'll address the very things that throw us off course. Together, we'll learn how to avoid our diet traps -- and how to get back on track when we can't.
I've tried deprivation when it comes to my diet. It doesn't work. You might think eating less helps in the weight loss department. It makes sense. Aren't we told to cut calories when we want to cut the fat from our bodies? Yep. And sometimes, this technique may be in order. Not when it it's too restrictive, however, and never should you go to extremes.
Ever completely cut carbs from your diet? What happens? If you're like me, you crave them constantly and in a moment of weakness, hunt down the cracker aisle at Publix, and begin shoveling down Wheat Thins before exiting the parking lot. Not a good diet technique. Not only does deprivation make us crave our banned food items, it eventually causes our systems to revolt, hanging on to every last calorie and gram of fat it can scrounge up. It can pack on the pounds, strip us of energy, rob us of nutrients, and put us at risk for serious health problems.
My deprivation days -- there really were only a few -- are long gone. As those closest to me can tell you, I simply must eat, because when I'm hungry, I'm cranky. I need a full tummy and a fueled body to operate effectively in this world. Here's how you can join me in ditching deprivation for good.
I've tried deprivation when it comes to my diet. It doesn't work. You might think eating less helps in the weight loss department. It makes sense. Aren't we told to cut calories when we want to cut the fat from our bodies? Yep. And sometimes, this technique may be in order. Not when it it's too restrictive, however, and never should you go to extremes.
Ever completely cut carbs from your diet? What happens? If you're like me, you crave them constantly and in a moment of weakness, hunt down the cracker aisle at Publix, and begin shoveling down Wheat Thins before exiting the parking lot. Not a good diet technique. Not only does deprivation make us crave our banned food items, it eventually causes our systems to revolt, hanging on to every last calorie and gram of fat it can scrounge up. It can pack on the pounds, strip us of energy, rob us of nutrients, and put us at risk for serious health problems.
My deprivation days -- there really were only a few -- are long gone. As those closest to me can tell you, I simply must eat, because when I'm hungry, I'm cranky. I need a full tummy and a fueled body to operate effectively in this world. Here's how you can join me in ditching deprivation for good.
- Substitute If you're dieting, keep a list of healthy substitutions handy. This might be one sub you can manage: Instead of a soda, pick up some Perrier. You'll get hydration and bubbles without the sugar and caffeine.
- Eat regularly Eat when you're hungry, generally every three to five hours.
- Eat balanced Protein foods, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fiber-filled foods, and healthy fats are key to a well-balanced diet.
- Eat what you like Use moderation and eat that piece of chocolate (dark is best) so you don't suffer all-consuming cravings.
- Be active Move your body so it can operate well. Walk, run, swim, jump rope, strength train, do push-ups. Just move most days of the week and for more than 30 minutes if you can handle it.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Natalie 9-15-2008 @ 2:50PM
It's amazing how different things work for different people. For me, "deprivation" is very effective. Once I cut something bad out of my diet (ie fast food) I stop having any interest in it after a couple of days. I do really well on structured diets. My tastebuds readjust and then even fruit seems like dessert to me! If I try to eat bad things "in moderation" I just want more and can't stop thinking about them. The best I can do is allow myself a "cheat" at structured intervals, like once a week, otherwise my diet just goes to chaos.
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