10 Reasons for NOT Going on a Diet in 2010!

Ah, time to once again consider New Year's Resolutions! Each year one of the most frequently made resolutions is to; go on a diet to lose weight. Think of how many times you have made that resolution only to become disillusioned and frustrated. If you have overeaten during the holidays (who hasn't?) or dropped your exercise program and gained weight, going on a diet is not the solution!


Because the diet industry (remember the multi billion dollar a year industry with a miserable success record?) knows that you may be thinking about dieting more intensely at this time of the year, there will be a media blitz promoting diets and diet products. Don't be swayed by their shiny print ads and flashy TV commercials promising quick weight loss accompanied by exciting changes in everything from your job to your sex life. Resolve to not go on a diet this year!

Here are my top 10 reasons for encouraging you to not go on a diet in 2010:

1. You have experienced the mind numbing obsession with food and eating that follows outlawing certain foods.


2. Evaluating your self worth according to whether the numbers on the hunk of metal we call a scale go up or down is an emotionally draining experience.


3. When you have driven your weight down by following diet rules and constraints that are unrealistic in real life, the weight will be regained.


4. Fixating on weight loss can distract you from more important life matters like family, friends, school, job, and spiritual pursuits.


5. The people around you get tired of hearing the dreary details of what is allowed or not allowed on your diet, how many "points" cheese cake is worth, or how "bad" you were at the restaurant last night.


6. Dieting can be a boring, monotonous and tedious effort that leads to binge eating.


7. Food is not the enemy and therefore should not be the focus of any "war on obesity".


8. Sharing meals is part of socializing. Dieting can be isolating.


9. You have taste buds for a reason.


10. Diets don't work!

This year make resolutions that will enhance your emotional and physical life. Make resolutions that are challenging, yet reasonable. Here are some examples to consider:

• Increase the fiber in your diet.


• Add more veggies to your meals.


• Try new foods and recipes to add variety to your dietary intake.


• Eat breakfast each morning.


• Find a physical activity that you enjoy and can do regularly,


• Enjoy your food more. Taste and savor you meals.


• Decrease dependency on eating out.


• Love the body you have!


• If your body needs to lose weight, allow the weight loss to happen as a result of gradual, healthful changes you are making in relationship to eating and activity.

Be patient with yourself. Progress not perfection. No guilt!

What are your reasons for not dieting in 2010? Please share!