Diet vs Lifestyle change

bcattoes

I find the number of MFP members who dislike the word "diet" fascinating, since most are actively trying to lose weight.

I realize am older than a lot of members (51) but I've considered myself on a diet since, well, since I was old enough to notice what I looked like (8th or 9th grade, probably). I grew up when young overweight people were an oddity, Skinny was something girls strived for and diet was how they got it. Even though I am maintaining now, I still consider myself on a diet. I am not as skinny as I used to be, but I must admit I like when people say I'm skinny.

So, for those of you that don't like the word "diet". Can you explain why?

mayerel

For me, the word "diet" suggests a set period of time whereas a lifestyle change will last a lifetime. I'm learning to eat less and healthier for life.

neverstray

Every human and living thing on the earth is on a diet.

However, the term usually refers to the idea of a fad, I.e., SlimFast, Nutrisystem, Dr Atkins, etc. I also refers to something you are doing just to lose weight. Most diets are unsuccessful because people gain back. Once they reach their goal, they stop.

A lifestyle change doesn't mean diet, it means forever, this is your new life. Eating right and exercising.

I think it's pretty clear cut.

kristen6022

You say you've been on a diet since who knows when. That's why lifestyle changes work, because diets are short term, you have success, start eating "normally" and a year later you are back to square one. Making fitness and healthy eating part of your daily life keeps it off for good!

tigerlily8045

The question is I guess are you losing weight for a special event and then going to go back to your old ways? That says diet.

If you are trying to eat better, excercising, and just gengerally becoming healthier then I say lfestyle change. It may come off slower but it will more than likely stay off because you have adjusted your way of thinking.

stfuriada

Diet has a stigma, because it's mostly been associated with ULTRA RESTRICTIVE eating plans or with eating plans with the most miserable allowed foods (see: cabbage soup diet).

When people refer to "lifestyle change", it's not as drastic. It can be just implementing easy changes like - eating half a portion of THE SAME FOODS usually do, or subbing low fat version of full fat stuff and hardly noticing it. It's more practical, and sustainable.

bcattoes

You say you've been on a diet since who knows when. That's why lifestyle changes work, because diets are short term, you have success, start eating "normally" and a year later you are back to square one. Making fitness and healthy eating part of your daily life keeps it off for good!

But I've been thin most of my life because I've been on a diet. I was never overweight at all until I was over 40. Once my children had left the nest I became too sedentary. Combine that with Mother Nature slowing my metabolism and I packed on 25 lbs. But to lose it I didn't change my diet or eat less. I just started exercising regularly again.

For me, dieting is my lifestyle. I have thought about how much and what I eat for decades. It's how I've stayed at a healthy weight. I know it's just semantics, but it's why I find it intriguing that so many people are so adamant that they are not on a diet.

twinmom01

For me, the word "diet" suggests a set period of time whereas a lifestyle change will last a lifetime. I'm learning to eat less and healthier for life.

^^^^^^this....

An example is this...

Someone goes to Weight Watchers and does the Weight Watchers "diet" for a period of time they abide by the "rules" of the diet and they loose weight...

Once they have lost the weight they want one of two things may happen

1) - they continue to follow the "rules" an make it a way of living = Lifestyle
2) - they throw everything out the window and don't follow the rules = Diet

Not everyone is looking to loose weight - yes a vast majority are...I would love to loose weight but I have had to really readjust my way of thinking and now think of the way i eat as a lifestyle change in addition to exercise. My goal is to be healthy and strong - it is my hope that by going towards healthy and strong that maybe the scale will go down - but if it doesn't I am fine with that...

I think people who choose to go on a "diet" are primarly focused on some arbitary number on the scale and are willing to eat a certain way if they think it will help them to get to that number

whereas people who choose to make a lifestyle change - their focus is on health first with a bonus being the loss of weight...

mturgeon05

In my case, it is a difference in mind-set.

For me, "diet" has a negative connotation of restricting certain items for a while to achieve a short-term goal. I tend to cut out everything I deem "bad" and inevitably fail when I indulge in something I feel like I should not have had. I expect perfection and I am devastated when I can not continue this day after day. This is why a diet for me is not sustainable. On the other hand, a lifestyle change is learning about nutrition and making better choices for me as a whole. It also means accepting (and loving) the fact that I will indulge in things from time to time and that is perfectly ok for the long term.

It is all about perception.

bcattoes

An example is this...

Someone goes to Weight Watchers and does the Weight Watchers "diet" for a period of time they abide by the "rules" of the diet and they loose weight...

Once they have lost the weight they want one of two things may happen

1) - they continue to follow the "rules" an make it a way of living = Lifestyle
2) - they throw everything out the window and don't follow the rules = Diet

Maybe this is just a generational thing, because in your example I would say:

Once they have lost the weight they want one of two things may happen

1) - they continue to follow the "rules" an make it a way of living = continue the diet
2) - they throw everything out the window and don't follow the rules = stop dieting

I know it's hard to read mood and tone on a forum, so I want to point out that I am absolutely not trying to pick on anyone or argue. I just really do find all this negativity toward the word interesting.

KyleB65

I count myself among those who resist using the word diet as it is used in the modern North American/Western lexicon.

To me the term "Diet" represents an activity that has a beginning and an end. It is a period of suffering required to achieve a particular result. After which we can then go on about our lives.

I find this a poor mindset ideal. It lulls people into the idea that with a little suffering they can lose weight after which they will be free to go back to the poor habits that allowed them to be come overweight/unhealthy to begin with. Thus creating a cycle of weight gain and loss that is most likely dangerous.

This is opposed to the idea of a lifestyle change. Simply the thought that to improve my health and yes, lose the extra weight I am carrying around. I need to make a permanent change to the way I live. I need to eat "better" not just for now, but forever! I also need to increase my physical activity level. Again, not just for now, but forever! There will obviously be ongoing adjustments as I age, as my life situation goes up and down. But overall, I have changed my lifestyle. And, I am reaping the benefits! My health is at it's best since I was a child (I might even get off my blood pressure meds this summer!), my energy level is higher than it has ever been in my life! And, my outlook is more positive that it has ever been (making me a much nicer person to be around).

Hope this makes sense?!

missikay1970

the word "diet" to me means a way of eating. so your "diet" might be healthy vs. unhealthy. someone's "diet" might include lots of veggies vs. lots of candy. my mom uses the term "diet" to mean a way of losing weight. she has been on a diet my entire life and it would drive me crazy as a child to watch her deprive herself of things and try to lose weight and to this day, she is still overweight. "diets" in her terms do not work. changing of a lifestyle is (in my opinion) the only way to lose weight and keep it off.

joankpoirier

Diet is for SHORT term goals. I am learning LONG TERM. making healthy choices for life!!

Crochetluvr

Diet was always a noun....what you eat. Somewhere along the line it became a verb to denote losing weight. For me its a lifestyle change, too.....having T2, it has to be

almc170

For me, the process of getting healthier has required a substantial lifestyle change. I've quit smoking, started working out regularly, and cut way back on alcohol. Although I've certainly improved my eating habits, losing weight is probably the least of my issues. I have no interest in being thin but unhealthy, and saying I'm "on a diet" doesn't quite adequately describe what I'm trying to accomplish.

sniperzzzz

What's the name of this message board "General Diet and Weight Loss Help"
So its easy to see, why most people say DIET not lifestyle.

bcattoes

I think people who choose to go on a "diet" are primarly focused on some arbitary number on the scale and are willing to eat a certain way if they think it will help them to get to that number

whereas people who choose to make a lifestyle change - their focus is on health first with a bonus being the loss of weight...

Why would eating a certain way to achieve a certain weight (or size) be bad? I guess I really am on a diet because that's what I've always done. I limit certain foods because I'm told they can increase risk of disease, but I also limit certain foods and the amount of food in general to stay thin.

It's not impossible, but it's also not easy to remain healthy if you need to lose weight, no matter what you eat. That's why I diet all the time.

michelleepotter

<-- language geek

The way you are using "diet" is technically correct, but so is the way the rest of us are using it. "Diet" has acquired a negative connotation because of the way that so MANY people see a "diet" as short-term. They get to the weight they want, and quit.

The way you are using "diet" to mean "the specific way I eat, which causes me to stay at a specific weight that I desire" is completely correct. But English is a rich language with lots of varied meaning and connotation. Even if you continue to use "diet" the way you mean (and no reason you shouldn't), you ought to recognize that the word does in fact carry another, negative, meaning.

bcattoes

<-- language geek

The way you are using "diet" is technically correct, but so is the way the rest of us are using it. "Diet" has acquired a negative connotation because of the way that so MANY people see a "diet" as short-term. They get to the weight they want, and quit.

The way you are using "diet" to mean "the specific way I eat, which causes me to stay at a specific weight that I desire" is completely correct. But English is a rich language with lots of varied meaning and connotation. Even if you continue to use "diet" the way you mean (and no reason you shouldn't), you ought to recognize that the word does in fact carry another, negative, meaning.

I do realize it. That was more or less the reason for my post. I just don't understand why or when it became a negative word.

Actually I've been wondering lately if the negative connotation of the word diet has in some way affected the way people eat. Seeing salads and vegetables and fresh meals as "diet food" and a bad thing. Does not wanting to be considered on a diet soemtimes cause people to make bad food choices?

AwesomelyAmber

I use all the terms... This ___ might not be good for my diet. I have been on this journey for 10 months. My lifestyle change involves ___. It all depends on my mood. :flowerforyou: Call it what you will, no matter what WORD is used... most of us are working for the same sort of outcome.

michelleepotter

I do realize it. That was more or less the reason for my post. I just don't understand why or when it became a negative word.

Well, it's for the reasons that virtually everyone in this thread has already stated. Because too many people use a "diet" as a quick fix to get them to a particular weight, and then go back to eating like they did before. Because the bookstores and magazine racks and grocery store shelves are flooded with quick fix diets that no one could possibly stay on for the rest of their lives, and that were never intended to be permanent lifestyle changes. And because many of the people who reject that mentality wanted precise language to distinguish what we are doing as different.

Actually I've been wondering lately if the negative connotation of the word diet has in some way affected the way people eat. Seeing salads and vegetables and fresh meals as "diet food" and a bad thing. Does not wanting to be considered on a diet soemtimes cause people to make bad food choices?

I would say it's a bit the other way around. It's because dieting in our culture has become a thing that is clearly unhealthy and counter-productive, and miserable, that people recoil from the idea and connote "diet" as a bad word. It's just a question of whether you recoil and think, "No, I'd rather just fix my eating habits for the longterm," (like you, and most people here, regardless of what we call it), or whether you simply recoil and continue eating like crap without considering whether there is another option.

bcattoes

I do realize it. That was more or less the reason for my post. I just don't understand why or when it became a negative word.

Well, it's for the reasons that virtually everyone in this thread has already stated. Because too many people use a "diet" as a quick fix to get them to a particular weight, and then go back to eating like they did before. Because the bookstores and magazine racks and grocery store shelves are flooded with quick fix diets that no one could possibly stay on for the rest of their lives, and that were never intended to be permanent lifestyle changes. And because many of the people who reject that mentality wanted precise language to distinguish what we are doing as different.

Actually I've been wondering lately if the negative connotation of the word diet has in some way affected the way people eat. Seeing salads and vegetables and fresh meals as "diet food" and a bad thing. Does not wanting to be considered on a diet soemtimes cause people to make bad food choices?

I would say it's a bit the other way around. It's because dieting in our culture has become a thing that is clearly unhealthy and counter-productive, and miserable, that people recoil from the idea and connote "diet" as a bad word. It's just a question of whether you recoil and think, "No, I'd rather just fix my eating habits for the longterm," (like you, and most people here, regardless of what we call it), or whether you simply recoil and continue eating like crap without considering whether there is another option.

Aahh, backlash against the "diet industry". That makes sense. Leave it to those trying to make a quick buck to ruin a perfectly good word like "diet".

That also explains why so many people ask me what I'm doing when I say I'm on a diet. I never know how to answer, since I just told them what I'm doing. I guess they expect me to say something like "low carb", "low fat", "Primal Blueprint", "Weight Watchers" or something with a specified plan like that. :ohwell:

JesterMFP

I don't hate the word diet; in "real" life, I tend to refer to myself as being "on a diet", meaning that I am actively trying to lose weight. Since joining MFP though, my attitude to the whole things has changed a lot. I consider it more of a lifestyle change than a diet - it's not like Slimfast, or Weight Watchers, or any specific diet plan. I eat what I like, the difference is, I'm learning portion control. That will (hopefully!) last for the rest of my life. It's not something I'm doing until I lose the weight, and then go back to my old eating habits. How I eat now is how I intend to eat for the rest of my life, albeit with a slightly higher calorie intake once I hit my goal. I had a diet break a few weeks ago, eating at maintenance, and the only thing that changed was that I ate slightly more to make up the extra calories. It didn't feel any different.

I think the resistance on MFP to calling it a "diet" is that calorie counting is seen as something that's different from other specific diet plans. You don't have to eat certain things or cut out certain things, just fit everything into your calorie goal. Some people change their habits completely, eg. eating "clean", other people just eat the same old food, but less of it. Also, I think most people (those that don't like to call it a "diet") intend to continue this way of eating forever. So, who wants to be "on a diet" forever? So, yeah, I tell people I'm on a diet, but in my head, I've just changed the way I look at food, and I'm using MFP as a tool to help me sort it all out.

ginique

Honestly, I don't like the word "diet" because I negatively associate it with fads/short-term/temporary fixes. I know that's not the proper, textbook definition of the word, but...oh well. For me, it is what it is.

Tedebearduff

Every human and living thing on the earth is on a diet.

However, the term usually refers to the idea of a fad, I.e., SlimFast, Nutrisystem, Dr Atkins, etc. I also refers to something you are doing just to lose weight. Most diets are unsuccessful because people gain back. Once they reach their goal, they stop.

A lifestyle change doesn't mean diet, it means forever, this is your new life. Eating right and exercising.

I think it's pretty clear cut.

^ this