National Women's Health Week

Diet. Cheat. Repent. Repeat. Does this pattern sound familiar to you? Research finds that 47% of Americans are dieting at any given time and that 30-64% of them will end up gaining weight back. Many women fall into the trap of chronic dieting, which can have several negative consequences in the long run. Scientists in California and Minnesota found that dieting (including cutting and counting calories) increases cortisol levels (a stress hormone). Excess cortisol has been implicated in fat storage, especially around the middle. In addition to weight gain, chronic stress has been implicated in the development of cancer, heart disease and other health conditions.In our weight-conscious society, women often torture themselves by counting and restricting calories or fat grams, which can deprive them of the joys of eating. Additionally, frequent dieting may lead to binge eating behavior, which only sets you up for guilt, depression and further weight gain.Though different than the better known eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder. Binge eaters eat large quantities of food in a short amount of time, typically in secrecy or when alone. While many of us overeat now and then, stress, boredom, anger or other emotions can trigger overeating in binge eaters. The eating is usually out of control and food consumed is typically high calorie, low nutritional value (like a pint or two of ice cream or a dozen donuts). Binges are usually accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame and remorse. Some binge eaters may compensate by restricting calories at their next meal, or resume stringent dieting once their trigger food is gone.In honor of National Women's Health Week (May 9 through May 13), why not fuel your body with healthy food and stop obsessing over how many grams of carbohydrate, fat and protein you're eating? Wouldn't it be nice to spend more time enjoying life, and less time worrying about your next meal and snack or how you're going to handle your next family gathering? Many dieters get so caught up in restricting their food intake they forget that food is meant to provide energy and nutrients and should be pleasurable, not punitive. Stop dieting and start living. Be good to your body by eating healthy food every day and getting regular exercise. You may find your weight naturally comes off because you're no longer dieting and can relax.If you're having trouble breaking the diet, cheat, repent, repeat cycle and find yourself constantly overeating, professional help may be in order. In addition, check out our list of references in Bite This this month to get started..