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Be Human. Don’t Diet.

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With the New Year rapidly approaching, folks are beginning to announce their resolutions. This time has reminded me of how silly I think “diets” are, particularly for athletes.

A few days back, I exposed how I like to write about shit nobody cares about when I mused on the health benefits of tamarind paste.

Loren commented:

I am curious to know your thoughts on Whole 30? I really want to step up my diet in 2016 & beyond.

C’mon, Loren. Softball. Sure, I’ll bite.

From what I can gather, the basis of the Whole 30 is simple. Eat unprocessed food for 30 days.

The other day, my son Chase asked me what my diet consists of these days. “Animals and vegetables, Chase.” My answer will almost always be the same, even if it doesn’t have a particularly fancy title.

By now, you already know our lean on cleanses, juice fasts, pills and powders. But even though some “get in shape” programs are more sensible than others, very generally speaking, you’re better off not dieting. This is backed up by boatloads of quality studies.

What happens to people on diets in the long run?” Mann asked. “Would they have been better off to not go on a diet at all? We decided to dig up and analyze every study that followed people on diets for two to five years. We concluded most of them would have been better off not going on the diet at all. Their weight would be pretty much the same, and their bodies would not suffer the wear and tear from losing weight and gaining it all back.

Look, I get it. For many (and maybe for Loren), participating in a program is the way to go. Having a predetermined structure can provide awareness and confidence. And if this is your lean, then by all means, the Whole 30 is strong conceptually. It’s not a bad place to start. But if you set out with 30 days of anything in your mind, you may find yourself on day 31 with a pint of Cherry Garcia in one hand and a spliff in the other. Day 32 might be a colossal disaster as well.

So why not dig into a lifestyle change? Buy lots of animals, fruits and veggies. Cook with them. Drink great coffee, a little wine, Scotch or whatever is your pleasure. Listen to good music while you eat. Go for a run or a swim. Lift some really heavy weights. Do shit like this on very regular basis, then go easy on yourself and crush cheesecake once in a while.

Be human. Don’t diet.

Kap

  • BMG

    Hi Gabe,
    I am definitely against dieting.
    I watched an interview with you about 2 years ago when you were asked about your daily diet, in which you stated that you stick with whole foods. I have been following your advice since then, and I couldn’t be happier.
    Thanks for all of your advice.
    God Bless

    • Gabe Kapler

      Appreciate the feedback, BMG. Happy New Year to you and yours.

  • John Lofflin

    Gabe, can’t find a post where you reported on the ‘grain free experiment.’ Curious how that came out. Just realized I haven’t eaten anything but grain and some form of lard since my scrambled eggs this morning. Will rectify that soon with a big chunk of salmon.

    • Gabe Kapler

      Strong adjustment, John.

  • Stan Mickus

    Thanks for always keeping it real Kap. So sick of these “hip” new diets and those who espouse their virtues only to be back at square one months later. Kudos for trying but it’s all about the lifestyle and not the latest and greatest fads as you say. Grass fed, farm raised meats, veggies, fruits, some vino and get out and move! I’ll also choose an occasional Basil Hayden! Happy New Year!

    • Gabe Kapler

      Happy New Year, Stan.

    • Rhys

      I love it! I think there is a small army of Basil Hayden unpaid reps out there these days; myself included!

  • JorgeN1714

    Thanks for this. I stumbled upon this post/site today.

    At my heaviest, I was at 293 pounds. I got down to 185 about three years ago. I hovered around there for about 2 years and in the last 1.5 years, I’ve gone back up to 240. It was lifestyle changes that got me to that 185 and what I hope will get me back down to my healthy weight again this year. I’m really glad I found this page.

    • Mike Dieguez

      Gabe
      Couldn’t have said the above any better. I discussed dieting the other day with my classes and posed the question, ” When the diet is over, now what?” Thanks for the posts. I often refer my students to your site.

      • Gabe Kapler

        Appreciate you, Mike.

    • Gabe Kapler

      And we’re happy you’re here, Jorge.

  • bill

    I’m thinking in terms of menu instead of diet. I just want to eat healthy, balanced meals. I do have some sweet stuff leftover from the Christmas party, so I tell myself if I want a (small) portion, I have to earn it, by completing my exercise routines and staying within my calorie limit. I don’t make it impossible, just don’t make it easy. Happy New Year everyone!

  • http://greeenlinesportsmanagement.com Loren

    Thanks for biting Kap!! I appreciate your take on many things and this one was no different. I kinda knew, from past posts on “dieting”, what your thoughts might generally be, but Whole 30 seems more up your alley than a traditional diet/cleanse. I’m going to give it a go and hope days 31 & beyond have me in a healthier place and staying balanced as you suggested. I am happy to report back on my progress :) Thanks again for the insight and Happy New Year!!

  • Sarai Macedo

    Happy 2016, Kap! I love this article! I will work on incorporating your recommendations along with the previous article regarding satiating power of foods. Would you recommend eating animals, vegetables, and fruits in equal amounts? Thanks for always being so down to Earth with your articles! 😊