Banish the Word “Diet” from Our Lexicon

How about this … how about we delete the word “diet” – as in “I’m on a diet” – from our vocabulary.

The word “diet” implies a temporary state of affairs, something with a beginning, middle, and a usually longed-for end, resulting in comments like “I’ve got to get back on my diet” and “I can’t wait until  I get off my diet.”  Well, think about that last statement.  What happens when you get off your diet?  I don’t need to spell it out.  You know.  So why on earth do we start something, that after much sacrifice, is doomed for failure?  It makes no sense.  Once you’ve hit your goal, you need to eat pretty much the same way in order to maintain it.

I write this from experience.  I’ve been there.  It took me way too many years to figure this out.  I’m hoping that I can save you some time.  Apparently, I’m not the only one.  Consider Eat This, Not That: The No-Diet Weight Loss Solution by David Zinczenko.  I’d heard of Eat This, Not That, and seen Mr. Zinczenko on the Today Show, but did not pick up on the “No-Diet” part of the title.  He’s not saying “eat this, not that” for a little while.  No.  He’s suggesting it on a ongoing basis.  Maybe you fall off the wagon once in a while and indulge in the “blooming onion.”  But splurging is the exception, not the rule.  In general, you stick with the program.  You pay attention to what you’re eating.  You get back to your normal state of affairs.

I am not advocating Mr. Zinczenko’s method over any other healthy eat plan (the Mediterranean plan or the American Heart Association low fat plan or the Zone) – each person has a different body, metabolism, lifestyle, likes, dislikes.  What I am advocating is an approach.  Pick something you can stick to.  Whatever eating plan you choose, consider it a permanent thing.

Your body will thank you.