“Keep it Simple Stupid”

Diets Don’t Work!

Are you sick and tired of hearing all the fad diets out there telling you what to do and what not to do?! Seriously, the list is endless. It’s no surprise that the average person trying to lose weight is confused and overwhelmed. Since there is too much digital media on diets advertising why someone can’t lose weight and what they should be doing, I decided to Google diets on the web.

Atkins Diet, Dukan Diet, South Beach Diet, Stillman Diet, Low calorie, Low Carbohydrate, Keto, Low Fat, crash diet, Fad Diet, Detox Diet etc., and list goes on!

Honestly, I have been dieting since I was a child and to be frank, I am feeling drained by the social media and how they have successfully complicated the whole process. Can’t we just get back to the basics? I say KISS- “Keep it Simple Stupid”. Quick history-this acronym was reportedly coined by Kelly Johnson; an engineer at the Lockheed Skunk Works. This principle was designed by the U.S. Navy back in 1960, stating most systems work best if they are kept simple. Simplicity should be a key goal and any unnecessary complexity should be avoided. Do you remember learning about the Food Pyramid as a child? It was a simple guide of optimal number of servings to be eaten each day. The first food pyramid was published in Sweden in 1974. In 1992, the United States Department of agriculture called it “Food Guide Pyramid”. It was later updated in 2005 to “My Pyramid” and then replaced once again in 2011 to “My Plate”.

This leads me back to KISS. A well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, protein and a limited portion of dairy and carbohydrates, along with daily exercise. I think by now, if you have not realized already that eating healthy is a lifestyle change that is comprised of sustainable habits resulting in a lifetime of healthier living, then you are fooling yourself. Just another quick thought for you followers out there, -did you ever hear anyone complain that they were gaining weight from eating fruits and vegetables? No.

True story; I went to the doctor complaining how I didn’t lose weight after a month of dieting and increasing my exercise. He asked me what I was eating. I couldn’t really account for my daily consumption because I wasn’t keeping track of my calories. I then booked my follow up with a nutritionist and to no suprise, the first thing she said to me was to start journaling everything I ate and drank, and the time of day I ate it. Funny thing about writing it down, you must be honest. Mindful eating means counting everything you put in your mouth. That might be a harsh reality for the majority out there. Once you take account for what you’re really consuming, it will make a big difference. And yes, to an extent, you have to eat less and exercise more to create that deficit and burn more calories.

I will end with this thought!: Hail to the vegetables!! start moving more. Any form of exercise is always better than nothing at all. Start with the basics, keep a journal if need be and don’t forget to breathe! I would love to hear your feedback on this article, so please email me with your thoughts and opinions on this topic.

Vanity 101