No Exit

After almost a year now spent in a serious lifestyle change, simply being vegan. People always refer to my new found way of eating as a "diet". I simply explain it's not a diet, but a lifestyle change. I have no plans of returning to what I once was. It didn't work for me. I tried different ways to lose weight and stay slim and found success but, and this is my fault for the most part, resorted to old bad habits. Then found myself fat again.

I've often thought about fad diets and their consequences. I'm comfortable taking a stand, because I have tried some of these diets and know first hand what the real problem with any "diet" is.

In my opinion, there's simply no Exit Strategy from most of these diets. You can begin one, stay on one, but ultimately the biggest fear is "What about when I'm done?". Suddenly you find yourself without the safety net of routine and a guide on how to eat and live.

I'm sure some have had zero problems coming off these diets and staying thin and fit. As with anything in life, there's always an exception.

But for most of us, it's a massive struggle and one we quickly find ourselves slipping away at.

I think the most important thing to focus on while attempting any diet is the lifestyle change. As you grow letting go of the emotional tie with all have with food and unlearning everything we know to this point. Eat to live as some would say. Practice reserve, portion control and of course, moderation.

Sometimes having talked to different people on and off of different diets, it's all about the routine but nothing is being learned. We just do it. Buy the book, hit the grocery store and begin.

What I've learned is food had a strangle hold on me and I still wrestle with that to this day, but I'm doing everything I can to understand and change. Of course it's not easy, we all now what would happen if it were.

I think we all need to re-learn food and it's proper place. Avoid fad diets and start by looking in the mirror. First be accountable. Then make the change. Step by step, day by day. Slow & steady. I'm still learning and know that each day holds something new.