Why Not Dieting doesn’t mean you will gain weight forever
I understand that stepping away from dieting can stir up a multitude of fears, especially when it comes to concerns about weight gain. I hear you, your feelings are completely valid but there is one main reason why this is completely untrue, and it’s all down to biology.
🚫 Why this myth is unhelpful:
You might have heard of ‘Set Point Weight’. This is the genetically determined weight that your body prefers, to operate and function optimally.
The name ‘set point’ is confusing though because it is more of a “set range” where your body feels most comfortable; generally, this is around 10-15lb (4-5kg) up or down.
Repeated cycles of dieting can disrupt this, causing your set weight to increase over time gradually. But don't worry, you haven't done irreparable damage to your body.
I want to highlight this to give you some reassurance that by healing your relationship with food and your body and gaining a little control over food and eating, your body will figure out a comfortable weight that it can easily maintain without you having to micromanage food and exercise.
🌟 What you could do instead:
Understanding when you are at the ‘set point’ weight: While there's no exact calculation for your set point weight range, we can gauge it by observing certain behaviours and sensations. You're likely at your set point when:
You're not restricting foods and instead nourishing yourself with foods that make you feel good.
You're attuned to your body's hunger and fullness cues, allowing you to eat intuitively.
You're not engaging in binge eating or using food to cope with emotions.
You maintain a consistent and enjoyable exercise routine that feels good for your body.
You prioritise and consistently achieve good-quality sleep.
You effectively manage your stress levels.
Accepting Your Set Point: It's completely understandable if your set point weight range is higher than you'd prefer, and it's natural to feel disappointed or frustrated. I get this completely.
The goal is to adopt body acceptance so you can feel better in your body regardless of the number on the scale.
Struggling with dieting and binge eating…
Discuss your concerns with me, a trained non-diet registered dietitian:
Ready to say goodbye to dieting and hello to a life where thoughts about food and your body are not controlling your emotions and life? Book a free 15-minute call to explore how the non-diet approach can support you on your journey to a healthier relationship with food. Or, feel free to shoot me a DM on WhatsApp, whatever feels comfortable for you!
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