The term dieting implies three things; restriction, sacrifice, and one big headache. Whether it is the newest fad diet, The Ketogenic Diet, Atkins Diet, Paleo, Dukan, Low Carb, Low fat, The Zone, or The Raw Food diet, they all require a large amount of sacrifice and restriction. This mental game is one that permeates into our everyday lives during many hours of the day. A lot more effort is given in deciding what our next meal will be rather then investing that time into an act of love, gratitude or service.
We have evolved into beings that are so quick to criticize the people around us and especially, ourselves. When will we be good enough? When will I be lean enough? When will my butt get firmer? When will my cellulite disappear? We’re trapped in a dogma of hope, insecurity, and fear of not being good enough, and this viscous dieting cycle that often leads to feelings of incapability and incompetence. If we could just take a step back and reflect on the reasons that we have not succeeded, we would uncover the truths about the negative mental connotations of dieting.
Despite all of the conflicting information towards nutrition and dieting, we have now become our own experts and every second person is a health specialist advocating all sorts of damaging protocols. If you have ever eliminated certain foods or food groups, you’re familiar with the endless cravings, followed by a rampage of devouring every single foodstuff in site. This yo-yo effect leaves us feeling guilty, disappointed, and shameful.
Imagine living day to day as a victim to these emotions. Being controlled by the food around you, a false and misconstrued perception of yourself, and the harsh expectations you have set for yourself. Now, instead imagine yourself being free. Free of guilt, disappointment, and despair. Suddenly that piece of chocolate didn’t have the power to sabotage your weight loss efforts and every single thing that you ate was consumed with love, gratitude, and awareness. You release what you thought you knew about which foods are good or bad for you, get rid of the labels, and instead, listen to what your body desires, and feed it with the right amount of nutrients without any extreme restriction. You are no longer a slave to your mind and body.
We all have that friend that can get away with eating copious amounts of pasta, chocolate, and the daily glass of red wine. Apart from having a fast metabolism, question whether these people have ever dieted or restricted themselves to the point of damaging not only their hormones, but their metabolic rate. One thing is consistent with these people and that is their ability to eat in moderation, unconscious portion control, and preventing themselves from overeating. These are the people who are living day to day carefree and are unfamiliar with the mental stresses of dieting and its psychological effects.
It all comes down to a shift in perception towards food and nourishment. Eliminate the need to be on a mainstream restrictive diet in order to feel as though you are on track. All it takes is a bit of intuitive direction and adequately feeding your body with the foods that you enjoy eating.
Life is too short to be restricted. Eat in moderation and be conscious of the foods that you are consuming.
Belinda Risteski
Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, Optimum Nutrition Athlete
www.truestrength.com/athletes/detail/38194
www.facebook.com/BelindaRisteski
About the author: As a competitive Fitness Model and Sponsored Athlete of Optimum Nutrition, Belinda Risteski is the epitome of a healthy lifestyle. After competing in Fitness Bodybuilding competitions for three years and winning numerous National and State shows, Belinda was selected to represent Australia at the very prestigious Arnold Classic Sports Festival in 2013.
Belinda is one of Australia’s most recognized Accredited Nutritionists and Personal Trainers. She has worked with a broad clientele, ranging from individuals with eating disorders, food allergies and intolerances, bodybuilders, athletes, and models. Belinda embodies a holistic approach to training and nutrition, which has produced sustainable results for her clients throughout her 6 years of experience within the fitness industry. Belinda’s work ethic is nothing short of inspiring. She is motivational, influential, and her infectiously positive attitude towards life and health is effortlessly transferred onto those around her. Having worked with one of Australia’s leading physiotherapists, Belinda specializes in strength & conditioning, High Intensity Interval Training, competition preparation, rehabilitation, fat loss, muscle gaining, and nutrition. Her intense passion towards fitness enables her to consistently provide both herself, and her clients with a strong desire to grow, educate, and reform.
