We all suspect they don\u2019t work. Research backs up our suspicion. In fact, it\u2019s worse than that: the research suggests that dieting makes us gain weight! It has been shown that dieting (defined as the intentional self-deprivation) sets in motion automatic psychological and physiological factors that trigger over-eating. More specifically, it seems that depriving ourselves leads to a loss of the internal hunger\/fullness signals that are necessary for normal eating. In addition, when we reduce our calorie intake our metabolism is lowered (which means that less calories are burned).<\/p>\n
Evolution has predisposed us to prefer food with high fat and sugar content\u00a0 -notice how you never crave a carrot in the same way you crave chocolate or chips? This is because throughout history there have been periods with the availability of food where we needed to gain weight so that we had reserves to withstand the periods of scarcity that inevitably followed. Of course the problem with modern society is that we\u2019re left with a taste shaped by evolution (i.e., things that are sweet and fatty) but no periods of scarcity – the shops are open all the time.<\/p>\n
So, given what we\u2019re up against should we just throw in the towel and let ourselves go?<\/p>\n
No.<\/p>\n
What we need to do is to change our relationship<\/em> with food (and this, incidentally, is something most people could benefit from whether they are overweight or not).<\/p>\n Here are a few interesting points from some of the latest on eating:<\/p>\n If this sounds like mindfulness to you you\u2019re absolutely right. It really is about being present<\/em><\/strong>:<\/p>\n So, go ahead and have that double-chocolate fudge cake with cream and ice cream worth 800 calories. But for God\u2019s sake \u2013 be around for it!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We all suspect they don\u2019t work. Research backs up our suspicion. In fact, it\u2019s worse than that: the research suggests that dieting makes us gain weight! It has been shown that dieting (defined as the intentional self-deprivation) sets in motion … Continue reading \n
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