Diet Deliberations

Thinking of Trying a New Diet? 4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Do

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of dieting advice and trends on social media? It can be hard to know what to believe and which diet to try. But before you start a new diet, it’s essential to take a step back and think critically about the diet’s claims and whether it’s right for you. Here are four questions to ask yourself before trying a new diet:

1. Is the Diet Realistic?

Before starting a new diet, consider the financial cost of maintaining the diet or lifestyle, as well as the time and resources required. For example, do you need to purchase specific products or supplements? Are there certain cooking techniques or meal plans that are necessary? Many diets are not sustainable in the long term because they require too much time, money, or effort.

Additionally, consider whether the diet is realistic for your lifestyle and cultural background. For instance, a diet that focuses on a specific type of food may not be practical for you if that food is hard to find in your area or is too expensive.

If a diet seems unrealistic or too good to be true, it may be best to avoid it. Instead, look for diets that offer sustainable and practical solutions to healthy eating.

2. Is There Evidence to Support This Diet?

Before starting a new diet, research the evidence behind the diet’s claims. Look for studies that have been published in reputable scientific journals and that have been peer-reviewed. Be wary of diets that rely heavily on animal studies or studies that were funded by the diet’s creators.

Additionally, consider the target population for the diet. Is the diet being marketed towards a specific group, such as 30- to 50-year-old men with diabetes? If so, consider whether the diet’s claims are relevant to you or if the diet has been tested on a diverse population.

It’s also important to note that a single study or anecdote does not constitute evidence. Instead, look for multiple studies that support the diet’s claims. And remember that it takes time and many high-quality studies to establish a diet as safe and effective.

3. How Will This Diet Affect My Life?

Food is not just about calories and nutrients – it’s also about social and cultural connections, emotional comfort, and personal enjoyment. Before starting a new diet, consider how the diet will affect these aspects of your life.

For instance, will the diet make it difficult to share meals with friends or family members? Will you feel restricted from trying new foods or enjoying your favorite meals? Will the diet lead to feelings of guilt or shame around food?

Think about how the diet will affect your daily life and your relationships with others. And consider whether the benefits of the diet outweigh the potential drawbacks.

4. Will This Diet Make Me Feel Guilty or Affect My Mental Health?

Diets can have a significant impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Before starting a new diet, consider whether the diet’s rules and restrictions will make you feel guilty or ashamed about your food choices.

Research has shown that dieting can negatively impact our mental health, leading to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, skipping meals or avoiding certain foods can exacerbate these symptoms.

Instead, look for diets that prioritize self-care and body acceptance. Consider whether the diet encourages mindful and intuitive eating practices, which focus on internal cues, body trust, and being present and mindful when eating.

Moving Away from a Dieting Mindset

We’re frequently told that weight loss is the path to better health, but this mindset can be harmful to our mental health and wellbeing. Instead, consider prioritizing your health over weight loss.

Research has shown that eating in a way that prioritizes health over weight loss is linked to a range of positive outcomes, including a more positive relationship with food and less guilt and stress.

Our research also indicates that mindful and intuitive eating practices are related to lower levels of depression and stress, as well as greater body image and self-compassion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, before starting a new diet, it’s essential to ask yourself these four questions. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re making an informed decision about your diet and that you’re choosing a diet that is sustainable and beneficial for your health and wellbeing.

FAQs

Q: What is a sustainable diet?

A: A sustainable diet is one that is easy to follow and maintain in the long term, and that does not require a lot of time, money, or effort.

Q: How can I know if a diet is right for me?

A: You can know if a diet is right for you by asking yourself the four questions outlined above. Consider whether the diet is realistic, whether it has evidence to support its claims, whether it will affect your life in a positive way, and whether it will make you feel guilty or affect your mental health.

Q: What are some signs of a good diet?

A: Some signs of a good diet include evidence-based claims, a focus on sustainable and realistic lifestyle changes, and an emphasis on overall health and wellbeing rather than weight loss. A good diet should also prioritize self-care and body acceptance.

Q: What is mindful eating?

A: Mindful eating is the practice of paying attention to your body’s internal cues and responding to them in a gentle and compassionate way. It involves eating slowly and savoring your food, and avoiding distractions while eating. Mindful eating can help you develop a more positive relationship with food and reduce feelings of guilt and shame.