Diet Industry Deception

[Nicole]

You have to wonder what happened along the way that caused a multi-million dollar industry to form, selling services and programs to help us lose weight. Clearly these things are not working or they would be putting the companies out of business, and I'm not seeing any of them going under. More and more you see and hear commercials promising an easy way to loose weight, and these programs may work for some, but the problem lies somewhere much deeper than choosing which program will allow you to lose weight and get healthy the easiest. It's not about choosing the right diet program, its about choosing the right foods, day after day until you are giving your body the nutrition God intended.

I've been there, tried many of them, but diets don't work. Since becoming a Christian, I've come to look at everything differently, including the way I take care of myself. Some of the fad diets I've encountered over the years makes me just want to shake my head. What diet disasters have you encountered? What are some of the small ways that you incorporate good nutrition into your busy lifestyles?

[chrisf]

You're so right Nicole! Trying to make your way through the crazy stuff is a real challenge. I was led to a book that has completely changed my outlook on food. The book is Nourishing Traditions, based on the principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation. Nutrient-foods, grown and/or purchased locally are the way to go!

I need to lose some pound. But getting healthier is more important to me.

[MrsHicks]

I think for every 5 or 6 "diet disasters", there's one good and healthful plan to lose weight. There are so many ways to get rid of unhealthy weight because there are so many different body compositions. Some folks do better eating more fruit and vegetables - some do better focusing on lean meat and whole grains. Some women I know need *tons* of exercise, and others just walk a mile twice a week and they're just fine.

It comes down to lifestyle changes if we want to be healthy. Listen to God, listen to our bodies and act accordingly. For example, I know that when my stomach aches a little (like nausea) and I feel light-headed, I need some whole grain bread and yogurt. When I feel dry-mouthed and a little dehydrated, I need some fruit.

Incorporating healthful eating into my busy life? Lean Cuisines all the way! They are a quick and easy go-to meal. If I'm really hungry, it's one of those plus a fruit and a yogurt (Fat Free Yoplait is my friend, can you tell, lol). Making small changes helps, too. Switching to a whole grain pasta (like Ronzoni Smart Taste or Barilla Plus) has been a big hit around here. Using fresh or fresh-frozen vegetables rather than canned will give you and your family more nutrients. . .and when your body has the nutrients it wants, you're hungry less often - bonus!

I've struggled with my weight for a lot of years and I'm finally in a better place with my health. There are so many helpful things I could share. I should probably go hang out in the Recipes section of this site, lol.

[hip chick]

I have recently discovered that I am gluten intolerant. Since taking myself off of any gluten (found in wheat, rye and barley) I have lost 9 pounds. I feel so much better as well.
I am going to be on the lookout for the book Nourishing Traditions. Thanks for the tip chrisf.