Why Diets
Don’t Work
Diets don’t work for many reasons, but we find that the main ones are that diets are telling you what to do. They don’t take into account the mental, emotional, joyful, stressful, social aspects of eating.
Diets Disconnect Us From Being Human
Eating cooked food is the essence and defining characteristic of being human. It’s that simple. Our pre-frontal cortex, that gives our cognition, spirituality, and so many beautiful aspects about life – the car or bus or train you ride in, the computer or phone you’re reading this on, the shirt you wear – were all heavily influenced or fully produced by the cognition and forebrain that we humans have developed.
But food is a social practice for us, it’s a source of pleasure, of joy. What used to be eaten around a fire thousands of years ago, is now eaten in our kitchen – there’s a reason the kitchen is the heart of very many homes, around the world.
So, when a restrictive diet comes in, it usually claims to give you something you want – the “perfect” body (if such a thing actually exists), promises a better job, you’ll get promoted, your friends will like you more, you’ll have *more* friends, if you just have this “perfect” body. And to get the perfect body? Do this diet. That’s what diet culture says.
But that’s a fallacy, because whether it’s counting calories, macros, micros, cleanses, food tracking – whatever it is the diet is asking you to eat or not eat, it’s almost always going to conflict with what your body wants. You may stay with it for a month or two, maybe even 6 months or a whole year!
Eventually though, you’ll likely feel imprisoned, locked in, and you’ll be itching to get out. This is called the restrict-binge cycle, and it can really pull a number on you. As good as you felt before, you feel even worse after – all of that binging really can make you feel bad, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and in your self-esteem.
These are all reasons why diets simply don’t work. They cause more harm than help. This is why Way exists, to help you listen to your body, know what makes it feel good, and feel safe from the harmful diet culture and effects of restrictive diets. It’s time to find your way!
