"Diet means way of life." - Eric Edmeades
You've seen it advertised everywhere.
10 day detox.
8 week meal plan.
2 week juice fast.
You've heard it all before.
These clever marketing campaigns.
Released at just the right times.
Designed to prey on those who are vulnerable.
Those that are unaware.
Created as a consumer product/service disguised to help people.
But really, the true intention behind it is the dollars.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are diet plans out there that are pure in intention and simply want to help people.
However, I speak generally about the intention of the industry, as with most other industries.
The definition of the word 'diet', according to the Oxford Dictionary, is "The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats."
When did we decide to add another definition that diet is what we do when we're trying to lose weight?
These diet plans work for many people.
However, research has also shown that the majority of people will bounce-back to where they were once they return to their old eating habits.
Diet and eating should not be seen as something we look to address once we're overweight or facing chronic disease.
It is a lifestyle choice which should be embraced as a life habit.
Much like physical hygiene, where you wash yourself and brush your teeth daily, you should ensure your insides are clean by eating a variety of good, nutritious, wholefoods.
You wouldn't wash yourself with dirt and mud for years until a thick layer of mud-crust sits on your skin before you wash it off.
So why would you do something analogous to your internal organs?
Strive to live, live to strive.
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash