Overwhelmed by Fad Diets? Here’s Your Best Option.

When we start looking to change the way we eat, it’s inevitable that folks will start popping up out of the blue with all sorts of advice. Popular trends like KETO and intermittent fasting are all the rage right now, capitalizing on the concept of “restriction”, whether it’s an essential nutrient, calorie intake, or when we eat.

The truth is that- yes- consuming less calories, especially calorie dense food helps us lose weight. But these are not realistic long term solutions for everyone. It’s a well known fact that 95% of all diets fail- so why do we keep failing to identify these fads as what they are?

Why They Work (At First)
When dieters first adopt their new habits, it’s normal for them to start feeling better. Aside from the “master cleanse”, most diets are rooted in basic, truthful concepts; loading up on vegetables, limiting portion sizes, drinking water and avoiding sugar/alcohol. As new dieters detox their bodies, restrict their calorie intake and hydrate themselves properly for the first time in years, their body is bound to react positively.

But as time goes on and other life events take precedence, high maintenance trend diets tend to slip away from the average person. Eating out becomes increasingly difficult- maybe money is tight, and we can no longer afford the shakes we’re buying. Maybe we don’t have time to pack our lunches for work, and maybe cooking something different from what our family is eating every single night becomes too much to bear.

Before we know it, we’re back at square one. The likelihood that we regain that weight is now much higher.

Permanent Solutions for Everyday Life
With so many different bodies, lifestyles, and circumstances in the world it’s difficult to determine the universal magic recipe for successful, long term weight loss. But people who find the most permanent solutions simply tend to adopt sensible eating habits.

While educating ourselves about nutrition is time consuming, the advantages are limitless. Books like Food Rules by Michael Pollan dive into how simple a healthy diet can be, and Podcasts such as this one by Monica Reinagel gives us sensible, small ways to change how we eat (also, short enough to listen to on a work commute).

Nutrition and weight loss are common sense. All of these resources will tout the same thing: avoid processed foods and sugar, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, drink as much water as you can. In Lancaster, we have abundant access to fresh, seasonal produce. We can stop by Central Market once a week to load up on some fresh veggies, or swing by Silantra for a healthy Bing Bowl when we’re pressed for time to cook.

Local interest in healthy lifestyles are growing, and small businesses are increasingly looking to include alternatives that help us eat and live sensibly. By patronizing these restaurants/farms, you’ll not only be nourishing your body- you’ll also be helping Lancaster grow into a healthier community!

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