Thinking of Trying a Up-to-date Diet? 4 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before You Do

We live in a society that glorifies diets, and about 42% of adults in the world trying to lose weight. News about Diet and weight loss are widespread on social media, along with the endless cycle of weight loss and diet trends.

If you search for diet advice online, it’s effortless to feel lost and overwhelmed amidst the often conflicting messages and misinformation.

So before you jump on the latest weight loss trend or extreme diet, consider the following four questions to facilitate you make an informed decision.

1. Is the diet realistic?

Have you considered the financial cost of maintaining the diet or lifestyle and the time and resources that would be required? For example, do you need to buy specific products, supplements, or follow a immovable meal plan?

If the diet is being offered by someone who is trying to sell you something – such as a specific weight loss product that you need to follow in order to diet – this can be a particular red flag.

Many recommendations for extreme diets come from a position of privilege and do not take into account a person’s access to food, its price, culinary skills, place of residence, or even culture and ethics.

If the diet has these types of problems, it can lead to frustration, stress, stigmatization and a sense of failure for the person trying to stick to the diet. But the problem may lie with the diet itself – not you.

2. Is there evidence that this diet is effective?

Self-proclaimed “experts” on the Internet often make claims that focus on specific groups, known as target populationsThis may be, for example, a man aged 30 to 50 who has diabetes.

In some cases, the evidence to support claims made may come from animal studies that may not be applicable to humans at all.

So remember that if the research results concern a group that does not fit your profile, they may not be relevant to you.

It takes time and a lot of high-quality research to tell us that a “diet” is sheltered and effective, not just one study. Ask yourself if it is supported by multiple human studies? Be critical and question the claims before you accept them.

You can look for detailed information on government websites or ask your family doctor or dietitian.

3. How will this diet impact my life?

Food is more than just calories and nutrients. It plays many roles in our lives, and diets can impact our lives in ways we often overlook.

Food can be a point of reference in social and cultural life. connection and celebration. It can be a source of pleasure, source comfort, and even a way to discover novel parts of the world.

So when you’re considering a novel diet, think about how it might affect the moments that matter to you. For example, if you’re going on a trip, will your diet affect your food choices? Will you feel like you can’t try the local cuisine? Or will you be put off going out to dinner with friends because of their restaurant choices?

4. Will this diet make me feel guilty or affect my mental health?

What is your favorite meal? Does this diet “allow” you to eat it? Imagine visiting your mom who made your favorite childhood meal. How will the diet affect how you feel about these special foods? Will it make you feel stressed or guilty for enjoying birthday cake or a meal cooked by a loved one?

Studies have shown that diet can have a negative impact on our sanityand skipping meals can worsen symptoms depression and anxiety.

Many diets do not take into account the psychological aspects of eating, even though our mental health is just as essential as our physical health. Eating should not cause stress, anxiety or guilt.

Before you start your next diet, consider how it might affect your mental health.

Moving Away from the Diet Mindset

We often hear that losing weight is the path to better health. In the meantime, we can put our health first and not focus on our weight. Constant messages about losing weight can also be harmful to our mental health and not necessarily helpful for physical health.

Our research has shown that a diet that prioritizes health over weight loss is associated with a number of factors positive results for our health and well-being. They include more positive relationship with food, as well as less guilt and stress.

Our research also shows that mindful and intuitive eating practices – which focus on internal cues, body trust, and being present and mindful while eating – are linked to lower levels of depression and stress, and better body image and self-compassion.

But like anything, it takes practice and time to build a positive relationship with food. Be kind to yourself, seek including weight healthcare professionals, and change will come. Finally, remember that you can find joy in food.