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Diet vs. Healthy Lifestyle: Get Healthy Without Being Restrictive!

May 13, 2022 · In: Nutrition

Diet vs. healthy lifestyle…. Hmmmm…. Which one is truly best for you? 🤔 I believe this post will help you determine that!

Have you ever looked back on your eating patterns only to see that you live in a constant rollercoaster of going on a diet, and then getting burnt out (and throwing in the towel)?

Do you ever feel sick of how boring and restrictive diets can be?! 🙋🏻‍♀️ YEP. I get it… because I’ve been there!

And I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to live in constant diet mode in order to lose body fat, get fit, or feel your best!

You CAN learn how to live a healthy lifestyle that allows you to splurge on a treat every here and there, without ruining your results!

Trust me… This insight on diet vs. a healthy lifestyle is going to help you actually ENJOY healthy eating so. much. more!

This post is all about diet vs. healthy lifestyle!

This post contains affiliate links. You can read our full disclaimer here.

Diet vs. Healthy Lifestyle

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Diet vs. Healthy Lifestyle 101

What is the difference between diet and healthy lifestyle?

The main difference in dieting vs. a healthy lifestyle is that dieting is typically short-term.

A healthy lifestyle is your all-around way of living life on a normal basis, regardless of your specific goals at a given time. A healthy lifestyle also means that you eat healthy foods on a regular basis, not just for a certain period of time.

It’s important to note that living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen over night. It happens by slowly implementing one small change at a time, and letting those small changes become habits!

ANYONE (and I mean anyone) can create a healthy lifestyle! You just have to be patient, show yourself lots of grace 💗, and choose to persist, even when you fall off track!

ANYONE can create a healthy lifestyle! You just have to be patient, show yourself lots of grace, and choose to persist, even when you fall off track!

How does healthy lifestyle relate to diet?

Maintaining a healthy diet is just one of the many aspects of a healthy lifestyle! There are so many other puzzle pieces to a healthy lifestyle such as exercise, drinking water, practicing self care,  stress reduction, and more!

Another thing to note: Typically when people use the word “diet,” they’re referring to a restrictive plan that you go on for a short amount of time. (For example: the keto diet, low carb, mediterranean, paleo, whole 30, etc.)

However, the word “diet” can be used to refer to what you eat on a regular basis within your healthy lifestyle. In that case, the word would be used in a way such as: “I keep a clean diet on a regular basis, with the occasional splurge meal!”

See the difference?

Do I need to diet or just eat healthy?

In some cases, dieting can be helpful.

Here’s one example: If you are someone who really struggles with making yourself eat healthy foods when given the choice, then you may want to go on a diet for a while, until you are able to start making healthier choices on your own, without being so restrictive.

It’s best to chat with your doctor or a nutritionist about this if you’re unsure.

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Do calories matter if you eat healthy?

Yep! They sure do…

When it comes to body fat loss, it all depends on calories in vs. calories out.

For example, if you eat 2,000 calories per day, but you only burn 1,500 calories… You’re in a caloric surplus, which could contribute to weight gain.

But if you’re burning 1,500 calories per day and are eating only 1,400… Then you’re in a caloric deficit and your body can start using your fat as its’ energy source, since it didn’t receive enough calories to use. — And in this case, you can begin to lose body fat!

How can I be healthy without dieting?

Focus on eating whole foods!

Basically, all that term means is that you eat foods in the same form they were raised on the earth in.

A few examples are fruits, veggies, unprocessed meats, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and beans and legumes!

What happens if you exercise without dieting?

This all depends on your specific body type, your metabolism, and other contributing factors.

But for the majority of people, you cannot out-exercise a bad diet.

When they say “abs are made in the kitchen,” they’re right!

This goes right back to the calories in vs. calories out principle I explained a few sections ago!

If you’re eating more calories than you’re burning off, you’re more than likely not going to lose body fat (if that’s your goal.)

You cannot out-exercise a bad diet.

fad diets vs healthy lifestyle

Pros and Cons of Dieting

Pros of Dieting

  • Dieting can be helpful for people who are just learning how to eat healthily.
  • Dieting can teach you how much food your body actually needs. (If you have the tendency to over eat.)
  • Dieting can be a good way to learn discipline with food.

Cons of Dieting

  • If you diet very strictly for any extended amount of time, you will probably get burnt out at some point and throw in the towel all together.
  • When women diet, it typically means they’re completely cutting out some of the “less healthy” foods that they enjoy… and oftentimes this can result in going on a food binge with those “less healthy” options when you finally do allow yourself to have them!
  • You may not actually be giving your body enough food, which can lead to lethargy and can actually cause you to gain weight.
  • Dieting can stress you out. And stress contributes to many health issues, including weight gain.
  • You may feel discouraged if you fail.

diet lifestyle change

So, Which is the Winner: Diet vs. Healthy Lifestyle?

Ideally, simply living an all-around healthy lifestyle is going to be a lot more enjoyable for you. You won’t get burnt out or have to think too much about it (once your healthy actions have become habits!)

So, whether that means starting with a diet or not… Strive for a healthy lifestyle in the end!

 

I hope you loved this post about diet vs. healthy lifestyle! Please comment below if you have any questions or need additional help! You can also message me on Instagram and I’m happy to chat with you!

 

Don't keep this goodness to yourself! 😘

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By: Sydney Rhodes · In: Nutrition

About Sydney Rhodes

Sydney Rhodes is a NASM Certified Personal trainer and has worked full-time in the health and wellness industry since 2014. She's coached countless women in sustainable fitness and nutrition practices, and has a passion for sharing her faith in Christ alongside her work.

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NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Wife. Mama. Jesus lover. -- Helping women grow in their health and wellness while building their faith and becoming God's best version of them!

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