Why Do Diets Fail ?
According to Harvard Health nearly three-quarters of Americans are overweight or obese, and over 160 million are dieting at any given time. One major challenge people face isn't just losing weight—it's maintaining their goal weight after they've achieved it. Many don't realize that weight loss is only part of the equation; long-term weight maintenance is just as important and often more difficult. When someone says, “I’m going on a diet,” it's usually with the mindset that the diet is a temporary solution. However, without a sustainable long-term plan, the weight often comes back. In fact, an article by Ohio State University that 95% of dieters regain the weight they lost within two years.
When I began my own health and fitness journey over seven years ago, I slowly came to understand that health isn’t a final destination—it’s a lifelong process. Success meant being flexible: my goals had to evolve, and so did my approach. What matters most is creating a lifestyle that aligns with who we are and where we are in life. It’s the daily, consistent decisions that lead to lasting results. The real question we must ask ourselves each day is: What choice will I make in this moment to support the life I want to build?
Making Adjustments
As part of my health journey, I made the decision to go vegan in 2017, hoping it would help me lose weight. Within a few months, I lost 10 pounds and felt great. But over time, sticking to a strict vegan diet became increasingly difficult, especially with the demands of being a working mom of five. Limited food options and a busy schedule made it hard to stay consistent. To make things more manageable, I transitioned to a vegetarian diet. This allowed me to cook for my family and enjoy meals together without feeling restricted.
Later, I noticed that the vegetarian diet wasn't giving me enough energy to power through my workouts. That’s when I made another shift—this time incorporating dairy, eggs, and occasional seafood. It was a tough decision because I had been determined to stick with a vegetarian lifestyle. But I came to understand that flexibility was key. Reaching my health goals while still feeling good and energized mattered more than adhering strictly to one label or diet. In 2023, I added weight training to my routine to further support my health and well-being. Over time, I realized that there’s no point in setting goals if you're not willing to make necessary changes to achieve them—especially when those changes help you feel stronger and more balanced.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that being willing to adjust your approach is essential for long-term success. Many people try to stick to the same diet they started with, even when it no longer aligns with their goals or lifestyle. Instead of making adjustments, they revert to old habits, which often leads to regaining the weight they worked so hard to lose.
In my opinion, most diets fail because they are built for short-term results—not sustainable living. We often start with the mindset that we’re making sacrifices, that we’re giving up the foods we love. But when we shift our thinking and focus on small, intentional changes that support our goals, the process becomes much more empowering. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about choosing what truly supports the life we want to live.
Getting Started
If you are interested in starting your fitness journey today, click on "Start My Journey" to book your first free coaching session with me. I can help you get started on living a healthier lifestyle and learn how to avoid falling into the never-ending loop of fad diets.
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