Food has always held an irresistible charm for me, even if my taste buds are more accustomed to childhood snacks than gourmet delights. I’m that person who visits the county fair solely to indulge in a Krispy Kreme chicken sandwich on a stick and relishes gas station snacks like Slim Jims and Funyuns Flamin’ Hots. It’s somewhat embarrassing to admit, especially considering the multitude of diets I’ve attempted to shed the weight I gained while eating like a child.
After numerous failed attempts at dieting, I’ve come to terms with the fact that strict diets and I are not a match made in heaven. Instead, I’ve adopted a more practical approach: focusing on avoiding unhealthy foods and getting active. My goals have shifted from fitting into a bikini to prioritizing long-term health, so I can remain active without the aid of a motorized scooter in my later years.
Before I completely abandon the notion of restrictive diets, I want to reflect on the popular fad diets I’ve encountered and the delectable foods that ultimately led to their downfall.
1. Slim Fast
My first foray into dieting began after I met my husband in college. Feeling out of my league, I tried Slim Fast, where I would consume a shake for breakfast, another for lunch, and then a “sensible” dinner—though back then, my idea of sensible was a Whopper Jr. instead of a regular Whopper. My roommate joined me, which proved disastrous as Slim Fast is notorious for causing digestive issues.
After losing 10 pounds in two weeks—largely thanks to my youthful metabolism—I was eager to continue. However, a trip to the grocery store for more shakes led us past a pizzeria with an enticing aroma. We decided to indulge in an early “sensible dinner” and try to save our shakes for later. By evening, our stomachs were demanding satisfaction, and my Slim Fast journey met its end at a local Panda Express.
2. Atkins
The Atkins diet was all the rage in the late ’90s, and I was intrigued after witnessing my boss fit into her old Bongo jeans. She claimed to have lost weight while enjoying foods like bacon, steak, and cheese. I was sold—who could resist bacon? I tried Atkins for a month, slipping occasionally for carb-loaded treats.
However, the diet met its match when I found myself at a McDonald’s while waiting for my husband’s surgery. The sight of a “bucket of fries” was too tempting to resist, and I quickly forgot all about my low-carb ambitions.
3. Nutrisystem
After the birth of my first child, my chaotic lifestyle forced my eating habits to take a hit. I opted for Nutrisystem, which offered convenient pre-packaged meals. It was a lifesaver during those hectic days of baby care. But as my daughter outgrew her colicky phase, I had more time to cook. Faced with the choice of a freshly grilled hamburger versus Nutrisystem’s tiny burgers, the pre-packaged meals didn’t stand a chance.
4. Dukan Diet
At 34, after my second child, I stumbled upon the Dukan Diet through a friend’s glowing results. It promised to reset my metabolism and help me lose weight sustainably. Surprisingly, I shed 20 pounds while my husband lost 40. Just as I thought I could commit to this diet long-term, our vacation back to San Diego introduced me to irresistible local cuisine. A plate of carne asada fries proved to be my diet’s undoing, which was further solidified by an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with family.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is undoubtedly challenging, with birthday parties and open pizza places always lurking around. However, it’s much easier to opt for delicious meals over a can of sad shakes.
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Summary
Navigating diets can be tricky, especially when confronted with the allure of delicious food. My experiences with Slim Fast, Atkins, Nutrisystem, and the Dukan Diet reveal the struggle between restrictive eating and the joy of indulging in satisfying meals. Ultimately, finding a sustainable lifestyle is about balance, prioritizing health without sacrificing the pleasures of food.
Keyphrase: diets and food
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