The word “Diet” should be added to the list of four letter words – profanity, curse words, inappropriate language, and swear words. I recently read and commented on a health driven Instagram post reading with the best of intentions,

“So, what diet are you starting tomorrow!”

The post went on to catch your interest in that person’s success story or the latest health kick lose weight quick program, but my comment was based on the opening line of the post.

The word “Diet” should be a four letter word!

Why can’t we just make an attempt to eat healthy (most of the time), engage in physical activity (30 minutes a day!) and see what happens!

Let’s live and smile and not struggle over every calorie we ingest.

Myself, I love Instagram, way more than Facebook, but the amount of people trying to sell me their weight loss program is truly astounding.  Mind you, I do actively post health products, vitamins, I-want-to-lose-weight-NOW posts, and workout updates, but I was shocked at the cold call sales pitches.

Of course, I did purchase a program from someone on Instagram, which after the shakes made me feel queezy, I returned for a full refund.

I admit that I would love to lose a few pounds.  I look at the images of fitness models and trainers and I covet their rock hard bodies and slender physique.

Personally, I have spent hundreds (probably thousands) on weight loss programs, protein shakes, healthier snacks, vitamins, supplements, gym memberships, workout clothes, equipment, etc, etc, etc

 … and none of it sticks!

I fall off the wagon each and every time and start back at square one gaining back every pound and then some.

Over the past few weeks, I have come to the realization that I am not meant to follow a strict regimen or cut out certain foods in order to get the body I want.

Even though I am taking a sabbatical from weight loss, I have made the following healthy lifestyle changes:

• Sugar rocks, but I am making a conscience effort to reduce sugar (in coffee and tea at least)!  So I have been using a liquid Hazelnut Stevia in my coffee and have reduced the sugar in my tea to half a teaspoon or ZERO in most cases.  Honey is also another of my sweetener alternatives!
• Baking is a cool weather addiction in my house!  We bake nearly every week!  From cakes and cookies, to squares, tarts, breads and everything in between!  But when you look at some recipes, the amount of sugar and oil is staggering depending on what you are baking!  I NEVER use oil in my baking anymore.  Instead I use unsweetened applesauce!  Same result, but without the gross oil.  I will also substitute some of the sugar for maple syrup or honey to have a more natural sweetness!
• Dairy and gluten can sometimes wreak havoc on my digestion!  I don’t really drink a lot of milk anymore, except in coffee.  So instead I get non-dairy alternatives!  My fave is a dark chocolate almond milk!  It is sweetened, but not an outrageous amount.  I do still eat cheese, but try to limit my consumption!  As for gluten, I don’t eat a whole lot of bread on a regular basis and when I do, it is the gluten free variety.  Pasta is a passion of my family’s and something that we cannot just eliminate.  We buy gluten free pasta and brown rice noodles for our Italian dishes.  Or, we just use veggie noodles instead!

Everything in moderation.

Related Post: Positive Body Image

If I want a chocolate bar – I’m damn well going to eat one.  If I’m craving a big plate of spaghetti – I’m going Italian for dinner.  I love to run and love the feeling after a great sweat session, but I’m not going to beat myself up if I miss a day or two – or a full week.

So, ladies and gents, let’s stand together and rise against the DIET and just live the healthiest and happiest life we can … 80% of the time!

The word “Diet” should be a four letter word! Let’s work together to squash this term – along with the pressure, anxiety, exhaustion, and general struggle that comes along with it.