As we rapidly approach January 1, probably the most common New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight and towards that goal, affected people pledge to go on a “DIET”.
There are two distinct, and different definitions of the “D” word:
- the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats
- a special course of food to which one restricts oneself, either to lose weight or for medical reasons.
Clearly, when it comes to weight loss. It is the second definition above that is more befitting. The first definition points toward the concept that every one of us is on a “DIET” of some sort.
Now, the “special course of food to which one restricts oneself” refers to the gameplan of lessening cars/sugars/starches/fats/sugar drinks/alcohol consumption. These efforts will result in weight loss most definitely. BUT, if the person then reverts back to the old “DIET” that incorporated lots of use of the aforementioned food/drink sources, the weight will return to the original pre-DIET number, and perhaps even more.
The point: Long-term weight controi is NOT about “DIETING” but rather, embracing lifestyle changes/behavioral modifications. That “D” word implies an end-date to the weight control efforts. Now, if a person wanted to shed weight for a specific event such as a wedding, reunion or other upcoming event, then going on a “DIET” is the right path.
For long-term health and happiness, try to look at your weight control efforts as NOT going on the “D” word but rather, committing yourself to the lifestyle changes that need to be made permanently.
Make 2026 a very good year…and this starts by focusing on YOU and your health. And as each year passes, I, like most people my age, reflect lots of about our lives. Here is Old Blue Eyes capturing this.
