"Don't tempt me... I'm dieting!"
We often hear these words, but how often do we think of the gloomy faces and gestures that accompany them? We've come to expect that the dieter has set out on some unpleasant journey. The words are almost groaned and there are sighs which suggest the dieter is in mourning. That's all because of the perception we have about diets. They are unpleasant, nasty, painful things, aren't they?
Or so we're led to believe by all the media hype surrounding the unhealthy dieting fads that are so common these days. Detox, cabbage soup, melon only, Atkins... The list goes on and on. These are what some people call 'desperation diets'. They're certainly not appealing and you're not going to enjoy them, but they're going to 'do you good'.
But is this true?
Weight loss may soon be apparent and you'll feel greatly encouraged. But statistics show that most people give up sooner rather that later, and even go back to their old ways with a vengeance! No wonder! How long can your spirits if not your body survive on cabbage and melons?
Give Me Answers Now!
So many things are 'instant' these days, aren't they? Instant coffee, instant downloads, fast foods... No wonder we apply the same thinking and expectations to our dieting. Has the flab become a complete turn-off? Is it causing certain health issues? So let's deal with it - not in six months, but NOW! In our heart of hearts we may have doubts about the latest dieting fads and gimmicks, but the copywriters know just how to reel us in. So we part with our hard-earned cash for an instant but unhealthy dieting method - even though we don't really trust it.
The drive to reduce weight rapidly can be so strong in some dieters that they will choose stomach bypass procedures. They know these operations were designed for the extremely overweight, but they nevertheless choose to ignore their own doctor's advice and seek private treatment.
Are There Alternatives to Unhealthy Dieting?
At risk of sounding old-fashioned and stating what readers don't want to hear, there are some facts that can't be overlooked: in order to lose weight and have a healthy, trim body in the long-term, you need to moderate your diet by eating healthy foods and perhaps eating less; you also need to take some exercise.
At first this may sound grim, but it's not! Your favorite foods can still be on offer. You won't need to starve yourself. When you have a balanced plan and eat in moderation you can be secure in the knowledge that your weight and your health will improve.
So toss those unhealthy dieting plans - and all the misery that goes with them - out the window. Look forward to an improved figure, an improved self-image, more balance in your emotional life. That dessert or cookie is no longer forbidden, provided you keep to your daily limits and are reasonably active. Who says dietng has to be unhealthy? It doesn't even have to be unpleasant?
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