A Little History on Diets
Did you know the weight-loss market is a $66 billion industry and growing? And how is it getting so big? The simple answer, manipulation.
It was only in the 60’s that we began to see the massive commercialization of dieting in North America. The first prominent one beginning with a New York woman who started hosting friends at her home to talk about weight and dieting, which 60 years later has grown into the multi-million-dollar company known as WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers).
Since then we have seen countless diets through the weight-loss industry’s rotating door. From the Zone diet, to the Atkins diet, to the low-fat diet, the HCG diet, to the Paleo diet to the now popular Keto diet; the weight loss industry has remained consistent on one thing – providing consumers with a set of strict guidelines to follow in order to achieve “health.”
And, although it is true that these diets have shown great success for a large number of people (at least in the short-term), it has also created an extreme disparity between health and happiness. Moreover, although the weight-loss industry is growing by the day, so is the number of chronically ill people – so what is the deal? Why do we grip so tightly to these strict rules while we don’t find ourselves any happier or healthier in reality?
The Anti-Carb Era
In recent years we have found ourselves jumping back on the anti-carbohydrate band-wagon. Carbs have been crucified as the reason for our weight gain issues. We have created a culture of fear around a food group that in-fact serves a huge purpose for our body’s physiological needs and we haven’t stopped and asked ourselves why?
The weight-loss industry has a wonderful way of creating blanket statements; “carbs are bad, avoid at all costs.” The truth is, it wasn’t home-baked bread, wholesome cookies, oatmeal breakfast or wild rice that has led to our wide-spread health issues.
The demonization of carbs stems from processed foods, which we introduced into our food system in the 40’s. Processed foods are foods that have been altered in some way during preparation. Many of these processed foods have ingredients added or removed to increase shelf life, alter flavours, or change appearance. These processed, low-nutrient, chemically engineered foods, were the start of our weight and health challenges – not carbs.
Mindful Eating – What’s it all about and How do I start?
Read the blog here:
Mindful Eating Log for Binge Eating and Restriction
Demystifying Carbs
So demystifying carbohydrates requires a bit more information about this macronutrient.
Where do carbohydrates come from?
Lots of foods! When we eat whole grains, legumes, starchy and non-starchy vegetables they break down into carbohydrates. They are also found in fruits, dairy products, and natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup.
Why are carbohydrates good for you?
Carbohydrates are our body’s main source of energy. They help fuel your brain kidneys heart muscles and central nervous system. In fact, glucose (the derivative of carbohydrates) are what your brain needs to function! Unprocessed, whole carbohydrates deliver critical vitamins (such as your B vitamins), minerals (such as iron), fiber, and a host of important phytonutrients.
It is true that highly processed carbohydrates don’t deliver much nutritional value to our diet – but to avoid carbs at all costs can also be taxing for both your physical and mental health.
A carbohydrate-deficient diet may cause headaches, fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, nausea, constipation, bad breath and, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
The Take-Away
It is easy to fall prey to the messages we read or hear in health and wellness, but it is important to challenge pre-existing beliefs about food that may not be working for you. Whether you are on a diet or not, the ultimate goal is for you to feel your best. If your carb-free diet (or any diet for that matter) is creating distress – it is time to challenge your fears that may have been falsely created.
You deserve to enjoy all the foods your heart desires, as scary as that sounds. I am here to tell you, with a positive outlook and neutral understanding of food, you can come back to eating beyond a diet.
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Andrea Zimmering
Hi, my name is Andrea and I have struggled with food in the past. And here is the crazy thing – so have a lot of the people I know. From family to friends to peers to my clients. As a Certified Nutritional Practitioner aka as a Holistic Nutritionist, fueled by personal experience, my hope is to help my client’s discover health that actually works for them; to put themselves first; let go of shame; and re-build a new story about food and their body.
Learn more about Andrea on her company website Bite Wellness.
Hey there!!
I'm Meredith MacKenzie, the founder of Parallel Wellness and a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Simply put, I love to talk about psychology, emotions and all the things that make us human. My goal for this blog is to share information, resources and a fresh perspective on what brings clients to our practice.
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