The Top 6 Reasons People Fall Short of Their Dietary Goals

Were you aware that up to 80 per cent of those who lose a significant amount of weight will fail to maintain this lifestyle after 12 months (1)? Although this appears slightly disheartening at first glance, it is important to appreciate the bigger picture.

We will first examine six of the most common reasons why so many diets fail from a long-term perspective. It can then be much easier to appreciate why a growing number of individuals are choosing to integrate Bach flowers into their ongoing weight loss efforts. If you feel as if you have hit a proverbial wall in your journey, the information outlined below could make all of the difference in the world.

Unrealistic Targets

Many will argue that one of the most common reasons a diet fails involves setting unrealistic expectations. It is crucial to remember that losing weight represents a gradual process; particularly when performed in a healthy manner. Some individuals will lose their patience and as a result, throw in the proverbial towel before any real progress is made. 

It is therefore much better to adopt a conservative mindset and to appreciate that diets do not represent overnight processes. Also, remember that not everyone will lose weight at the same pace. Avoid comparing yourself with others who might already be experiencing significant results. This will only lead to further frustration and it certainly impacts your motivation. 

Relying Upon Dieting Alone

In principle, the body will begin to burn its fat stores when placed into a caloric deficit. The issue here is that even caloric deficits might not lead to weight loss; particularly for those with slower metabolisms. We need to reinforce the fact that dieting represents a lifestyle change just a much as eating less. This is one of the reasons why combining diet and exercise is a highly effective strategy. Exercising will help to "jump start" your metabolic rate and as a result, it can become much easier to shed those excess kilos.

The Evolutionary Side of Things

Recent research has shed a great deal of light upon why so many diets will eventually fail. Interestingly enough, one underlying factor involves how humans have evolved over time. When we place ourselves into a caloric deficit, the body is prone to interpret this scenario as a literal threat to its survival. This results in several autonomic (unconscious) actions including (2):

• A slower metabolism (making it more difficult to burn calories).
• The increased release of a hunger-related hormone known as ghrelin.
• Decreased satiety (you will not feel as full after consuming a meal).

Once again, these three factors can easily cause discipline to break down; making it much more difficult to remain inspired.

Social Factors

Humans are social creatures by their very nature. We enjoy a night out at the pub after a long work week and we rarely turn down a multi-course meal with friends. Unfortunately, these habits will often come at a price if you happen to be dieting. Environmental influences play just as important of a role as the metabolic processes within your body.

By its very nature, any type of diet will require a level of sacrifice. However, some of us can find it nearly impossible to curtail the habits that we have enjoyed for years (or even decades) at a time. This is one of the reasons why it is often better to surround ourselves with like-minded individuals during any weight loss journey. We are less likely to succumb to everyday temptations and support is always there when required.

The Spectre of Binge Eating

Some individuals can be prone to binge eating as a direct response to food restrictions. In other words, they are more likely to consume a meal high in calories in the event that they succumb to temptation. There are two main problems with this situation. The first involves the simple fact that it will become much more difficult to meet both short- and long-term targets when the body is forced to digest a significant amount of calories (excess calories are often stored as fat). 

Secondly, binge eating tends to diminish feelings of self-worth. This makes it much more challenging to return to disciplined eating habits and promotes a negative outlook (such as saying to oneself "I'm just not strong enough to continue dieting"). This is also one of the reasons why those who are prone to binge eating may actually increase their weight when compared to their body mass index before the diet. 

Looking Toward the Finish Line as Opposed to Counting Each Step

This final factor can play an equally pivotal role and an analogy will help. Imagine for a moment that you have chosen to participate in your first marathon. It can be extremely daunting to realise how far off the finish line may be. In some cases, the distance alone could cause you to give up at the first sign of trouble. This is why marathon runners tend to count steps and to gauge their progress in smaller segments.

In other words, setting short-term milestones is a much better means to avoid becoming overwhelmed with the task at hand. Let's also remember that this is an excellent way to monitor your progress in order to determine if any dietary changes are warranted. Although there is nothing wrong with shooting for the moon and falling amongst the stars, remember that every journey begins by placing one foot in front of the other.

How to Avoid These Pitfalls

It is extremely important to remember that all of us can succumb to temptation from time to time. As opposed to abandoning your dietary goals, why not instead use these instances as learning lessons? You will also be happy to learn that many individuals have already experienced impressive results with the help of our proprietary Bach Flower 51supplements. Some of the benefits that these all-natural formulations offer can include:

• A healthy change in your ongoing eating habits.

• Improved self-discipline during your dietary journey.
• Mental fortitude so that you can avoid feelings of guilt and the temptation to give up.
• Patience to appreciate the long-term benefits of your efforts.

Of course, we should also mention that results will take time to emerge and lasting effects may require up three months. Note that these tend to vary between individuals; yet another reason to employ Bach flowers within your long-term dietary regimen.

The main takeaway point is that dieting is no easy task. It will require time, self-discipline and an acceptance that occasional mistakes can be made. This is the reason why adopting a realistic mindset from the very beginning is the most practical way to meet your objectives. With the additional help of Bach flowers, achieving the ideal body mass could be well within your reach!

Sources:

1. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/unexpected-clues-emerge-about-why-diets-fail/
2. https://health.osu.edu/wellness/exercise-and-nutrition/that-diet-probably-did-not-work

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