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Autymn Du Vall

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July 18, 2025

Why Diets Don’t Work (and What Actually Does)

Let’s talk about it — the truth behind why so many people jump from one diet to the next, hoping this one will finally be the fix.

Think about all the diets that have come and gone over the years — Keto, intermittent fasting, carnivore, low inflammation, low sugar, no sugar, gut resets, Whole30… the list goes on.

Chances are, you or someone you know has tried at least one of them.
And maybe it worked — for a little while.
But once you went back to eating “normal,” the weight came right back.

That’s because most diets aren’t built to last. They’re either too restrictive, too complicated, or just unrealistic for real life. You go all in for 30, 60, or 75 days — cutting out sugar, carbs, fun, and everything else — and maybe you lose some weight.

But what happens when the challenge ends?

You go back to your normal eating habits — and the weight comes right back with it.

Here’s what we know:

  • Around 80% of people who lose weight on a diet gain it back within a year.
  • More than 90% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February!
  • Quick weight loss without habit change almost always ends in rebound weight gain.

Why? Because lasting change doesn’t come from short-term diets. It comes from consistently changing your habits — one step at a time.

The people who keep the weight off aren’t perfect —they’re consistent.
They build habits they can live with. They don’t rely on willpower or start over every Monday. They make small, manageable changes and keep stacking them over time. Everyone’s weight loss journey looks different, and the habits that need to change are highly individual — but there are a few common areas most people can improve that make a big difference.

If you’re looking for where to start, here are three powerful habits that make a difference:

1. Drink enough water and get enough sleep.
It sounds simple, but if you're dehydrated or sleep-deprived, your body will crave food to make up for it. You’ll feel hungrier, crave more sugar, and have less energy to make solid choices. Prioritize rest and hydration first — they set the foundation for everything else.

2. Don’t wait until you’re starving to eat.
When you wait too long to eat, you’re way more likely to overeat or grab the quickest, usually least nutritious, option. Plan your meals and snacks before the hunger monster shows up. It’ll save you from a lot of impulsive choices.

3. Start with just one habit.
Don’t try to overhaul your entire life in a weekend. Pick one change — maybe it’s getting 7 hours of sleep, swapping soda for water, or cutting fast food. Don’t start with the hardest thing. Start with something you know you can stick with, and once it feels easy, add the next layer.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about building habits you can live with — long after the “diet” ends.

So if you’re tired of starting over, or feeling like nothing sticks, know this: you’re not failing. You’re just trying to use the wrong tools for the job.

Consistency wins. Every time.

Contact us today if you want an individualized nutrition/habit change plan written for you and your goals!

 

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