Diet. One of the most commonly used words in America, one of the most searched words on the internet, and one of the most hated words in American culture.
The word "diet" has had a rough course over time, and the fact that most of these new "diets" never prove to be a permanent fix explains why the word is so hated. Who wants to diet, anyway? We don't want to have our lives run by a word that has been etched into the back of our minds as also meaning deprived and hungry. No way, not us.
However, the question we all need to be asking is, “Why do we hate diets?” Remarkably, another question - Why do we all want to be on one? - directly relates. The answer is a long one so give yourself a little time to sit back and relax, this won't hurt a bit.
Obesity in America is at an all-time high, and the media is in no way trying to hide it. New studies are continuously telling us to consume less of this, and more of that; then four months later we are told the exact opposite. In the end, we are all fed so many different answers by so many different sources that we are all living off rice cakes one week, and tri-tip steak the next. The food pyramid, at some point, turned into a big quadrilateral with a maze thrown down in the middle and little sections of crosswords thrown on top of that.
Confused? Well so is everybody else!
The more diets pop up, the higher the numbers on our scales seem to rise. We have thrown our minds and bodies into such a frenzy that they no longer know what to do, and they aren't working together. It is time to get back to basics, and get back to living for us.
I understand that some people live hectic lives of work and sleep. The Average Joe has had a gym membership for years, and although he started strong being sure to make it three times a week, he eventually decided to treat himself with an unplanned day off and a good burger. Unfortunately, that day off turned into another, this time with some cookies; then with a big pizza and cola.
Inevitably, our Average Joe turned himself into just that: average. He still treats himself with a trip to the gym every now and then, always telling himself that this trip will be the beginning of a new Joe. Again, he makes a mistake of telling himself he will take a day off before going again, and he falls into the same rut, never forgetting to say to himself, "This time will be the last time I eat fast food. OK, this time and tomorrow."
If you have gone through this, don't feel bad. However unfortunate, this mindset has turned into a very common one, and should (well, it probably does) have a common psychological title. Maybe as common of a title as Diet.
It isn't really our own fault that we go wrong from the start. Let's face it; "Diet" is a flawed word in itself. Saying you are “on” a diet implies that you plan to be “off” of it as well. Really, we should be saying: I don't eat that anymore.
That's right, I am suggesting lifestyle change. Why not? Isn't it our current lifestyles that have put us in this position? I know it is difficult, sometimes, to let someone else tell you how to do things, especially when it comes to eating. I mean, most "diets" start up when people hit their thirties, and who wants to be the one to say, “Yeah, I'm thirty years old, but I still don't know how to eat.” I'm rambling. Sorry, here is the point.
Fluctuations in weight and hormones are a constant problem for all of us. Life is a scary thing and sometimes, the only thing we feel we can control is what we do with ourselves. We have our everyday work troubles to deal with, debating presidential candidates we are forced to hear, problems with friends and family, and economical worries. Every new problem magnifies its predecessor, and they just keep piling up.
It has gotten to the point where that stupid pothole on the drive to work - you know, the one lurking somewhere between 3rd and 6th that you always think you've missed until you quickly pop in and out of it again - becomes the final thing that is going to make you snap. Once you finally get home, check the tire for any damage the flawed asphalt caused (and there will be damage, no doubt), washed your face and hands of the days impurities, and plopped yourself down on the couch to hear about the sexual predator who just moved into your neighborhood, of course you just want to relax!
