Shhh…Keep This Diet Tip to Yourself

Everyone is always looking for the easiest way to lose weight. You can’t really blame them. It’s a slow process to lose weight by exercising and eating healthy foods in the right portion size. It requires dedication and consistency.

As a fitness instructor, I’m reluctant to believe the latest diet trends and fads. However, I do think there are legitimate strategies.

The latest comes from a doctor in Kentucky. Perhaps you’ve heard this story. His former patient lost more than 200 pounds by cutting out sugary drinks, eating small portions every three hours, never skipping meals and most importantly: never telling anyone she was on a diet.

Why is this last component so important?

Well, according to health experts, when you tell someone that you’re going on a diet to lose weight, it gives you a sense of accomplishment. When that happens, you are less motivated to make changes to your eating habits.

Here’s another theory: some of your friends may not support your healthy eating ways. If your good friend has a weight problem as well, they may not want to see you making lifestyle changes that they’re not willing to face. That means they’re likely to offer you some french fries while you pick at your salad. Or if you crave a cheeseburger, they’re not going to remind you how many grams of fat come in each patty.

If you never announce that you’re on a diet, there’s no reason for them to be threatened, which could sabotage your weight loss efforts.

Of course, there are some people you can trust with your goals: a personal trainer, your doctor, maybe your spouse. Anyone who is truly going to support you probably already follows a healthy eating plan.

Look at it this way – why announce your diet to the world when the physical changes that come with it will speak loud enough.

Alice Warchol is a freelance health writer and fitness instructor.

+ Read about Medically Supervised Weight Loss

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