Diets Don't Work

The science is well and truly in – diets don’t work! While going on a diet may give you results in the short-term, the change is both stressful for the body and unsustainable in the long-term.

If you are above the most healthy and comfortable weight for you, there is nothing wrong with wanting to lose weight. However, it is important you go about it in the right way – to look after your emotional and physical wellbeing and make changes that both work with your lifestyle, and are sustainable.

The number of fad diets and conflicting advice (because it’s a multimillion dollar industry!!) is so confusing it can be easy to be overwhelmed. If it was simply a matter of knowing about nutrition and exercise, there would not be as many people struggling with their weight today. There is much more to the picture, and that is where psychology can help.

Here are my seven top tips (backed by science) for achieving and maintaining your most healthy and comfortable weight:

1. Focus on Healthy Behaviours

Evidence shows that it is healthy behaviours, rather than the achievement of any particular weight, that determines optimal health. So set small goals that fit in to your lifestyle and are in line with your values. 

2. Every Body is Different

Genetics, metabolism, age, gender, hormones, blood chemicals, attitudes, beliefs, past behaviours, how we feel about ourselves and the amount of activity we do all influence our weight. And these variables affect everyone differently. Stop comparing yourself to others, and focus on accepting yourself and achieving the most healthy and comfortable weight for you.

3. Forget About Numbers

There are so many reasons why having a ‘goal weight’ is unhelpful. Aim for specific, individual and sustainable changes in behaviour instead, like increasing your activity or level of mindful eating.

4. Track Your Non-Hungry Eating

Some non-hungry eating is completely appropriate and normal. However for many people, eating in the absence of hunger can be a significant factor contributing to being above their most healthy and comfortable weight. Simply paying more attention to the reasons you are eating can be a powerful step forwards in changing your relationship with food and weight.

5. Ditch the Moral Dimension to Food

There is no such thing as ‘good’ food and ‘bad’ food. Thinking in those terms sets you up for the restrict/binge cycle, adds unnecessary emotional stress and destroys self-love. Instead, think about how your body uses food and work towards establishing what is the most appropriate eating pattern for you.

6. Savour Your Meals

As much as possible, try to sit down and eat your meals and snacks slowly and without distraction. Put your cutlery down between mouthfuls, and treat eating as an opportunity for mindfulness – relishing the sensory properties of your culinary experience!

7. Be Patient 

The journey towards achieving and maintaining your most healthy and comfortable weight can take time. Surround yourself with reliable sources of information, supportive people, and loads of self-compassion. 

If you’re struggling in your relationship with food and your body, a clinical psychologist can support you with the knowledge and skills to help.