Today, as I was browsing at a local bookstore, I noticed that there was absolutely nothing on “Health & Fitness” bookshelves about undergoing a body transformation through moderation or habit changing behaviors.
I did see a lot of titles that involved scare tactics, though.
Unfortunately, honesty and science-based approaches don’t sell in the fitness industry. Just ask Dr Oz.
For most, food “rules” tend to be more hurtful than helpful. And let’s be honest, if that stuff actually worked – you’d have that ideal physique by now.
As a trainer, I often get inquiries from those who want me to give them a precise diet detailing exactly what to eat and when to eat it.
Under most circumstances, outside of helping someone get stage contest lean for a physique competition, I refuse to do this. Not only is it completely unnecessary, but it often creates obsessive food behaviors that eventually lead to bingeing.
There are literally thousands of books on any book store shelf that already do that and cost a lot less money than I do. If that method actually worked, this country would not have an obesity problem and I’d be out of a job.
But the sad truth is, those quick-fix diet approaches don’t work for the long term. 95% of the individuals who crash diet will gain their weight back within the year.
And I refuse to be another fitness guru that sells well-intentioned people bullshit to make a quick buck.
Until someone is mentally prepared to take on a slow, moderate approach and change their overall relationship with food, they’ll likely always struggle with body image issues.
When it comes to behavior change, it’s not an easy or overnight process, but the path is so much more rewarding when you finally free yourself from the shackles of extreme dieting and still continue to see results.
I know it’s not what the health and fitness industry wants you to believe, but you CAN actually lose weight by eating all of your favorite foods in the process. You don’t have to suffer.
