Embracing a Sustainable Approach to Eating: Why Registered Dietitians Advocate Breaking Up with Diets

In a world obsessed with diets and quick fixes for weight loss, it may come as a surprise to hear that many registered dietitians are urging their clients to break up with their diets. While certain diets may promise rapid results, they often fail to deliver sustainable and long-term benefits. Instead, dietitians advocate for a healthier and more holistic approach to eating that focuses on nourishing the body and fostering a positive relationship with food. 

Here’s a few reasons why: 

1. Diets are often too restrictive 
   Most diets require you to cut out entire food groups or severely limit your calorie intake, which can leave you feeling deprived and hungry. This can lead to overeating or binge-eating, which can undo any progress you may have made on the diet. Also, when you limit your food choices too much, you may not be getting all of the nutrients your body needs to function properly. 

2. Diets can be unhealthy 
   In most cases, healthy adults should be eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, fats, etc. We’re all about balance and finding the right balance for you! Diets may be based on unproven or unsupportive claims that may be harmful to your health. For example, eating too little or too much of one food group (high-fat, low-carb, etc.) can put you at risk for a whole slew of health problems including heart disease, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, etc. Remember that your food intake should be custom to fit your needs, and diets are often a one-size-fits-all, blanket plan 

3. Diets are often unsustainable 
   Most diets are designed to be short-term solutions to weight loss or other health goals, but they are not sustainable in the long run. When you go off the diet, you may quickly regain any weight you lost or revert back to unhealthy eating habits. Additionally, the stress and pressure of trying to stick to a strict diet can take a toll on your mental health and overall wellbeing. 

So, what should you do instead of following a diet?
As a dietitian, I recommend adopting a more balanced and sustainable approach to eating. This means focusing on nourishing your body with a variety of healthy foods, rather than restricting yourself or counting calories. Simple, right? 

Diets know nothing about YOU. 

Your genetics, taste preferences, cooking style, biology, health goals, and SO MUCH MORE are special to YOU. Diets are standard, cookie-cutter approaches with an agenda that leave out everything that makes your intake tailored to what you need it to be: by focusing on what’s working for YOU so your intake can be robust in nutrition, healthy and sustainable for YOUR lifestyle.  

Here are a few tips for adopting a balanced approach to eating: 

1. Eat a variety of foods Your body needs a variety of nutrients to function properly, so aim to include a mix of colorful produce and plants, high quality protein and healthy fats in your meals. This will help ensure that you are getting all of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your body needs to thrive. 
   

2. Listen to your body 
   Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you are hungry and stop when you are satisfied. This will help you avoid overeating or undereating and can help you develop a healthier relationship with food*. Other than just hunger, certain foods or food combinations may help you feel more energetic, more satisfied, or may be easier on your digestion. Pay mind to these cues, as well! Your body will tell you which foods it thrives best consuming, which can help you meal plan and feel confident in your food choices.  
   *if you have a history of disordered eating, this may not apply to you.
   

3. Balance your intake 
   If you want to have a slice of cake, enjoy it mindfully and savor each bite, rather than feeling guilty or ashamed. When your overall intake is nourishing and satisfying, you don’t have to talk yourself out of your favorite snack, dessert, or whatever you may be craving. It may seem daunting to allow yourself to eat what you are craving, but when you focus on foods that nourish and satisfy you, your body will feel its best inside and out! 

So... break up with your diet.  

Adopt a sustainable and balanced approach to eating.  

Focus on nourishing your body with a variety of healthy foods, listening to your body, and balancing your intake.  

You can achieve your health and wellness goals without the stress and pressure of following a strict diet. If you feel as though the diet-culture has really got you in a chokehold and you need someone to help you through the breakup – find a dietitian who suits your needs! 

 xo,

Kenly Ferment MHS, RDN, LDN