4 Things to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Diet

Written By: Mairead Rodgers Russell, Registered Dietitian

Sometimes we’re just feeling stuck in our health and fitness journey. And then the next new shiny diet comes along! Will this be the one that changes everything? With so many diets out there, and new trends showing up all the time, it’s hard to know what actually makes sense. 

Before you start that new diet, here’s a few things to ask yourself to see if it’s a good fit for you

Is this diet meant for the problem I’m trying to solve?
Sometimes certain diets are designed for very specific needs. Just because one person needs to avoid certain foods or follow certain guidelines, doesn’t mean that will serve the needs of the next person. Before making any diet changes, look more into what the diet is meant for, and whether this aligns with what you need.

How different is this diet from the way I eat right now?
The farther a diet is from how we’re currently eating, the more changes will need to be made, and the harder it might be to get going and to maintain. Sometimes it can be worth breaking the diet down and making the changes more slowly instead of tackling everything at once. Any changes we make, we want them to be able to last!

How long am I supposed to be on this diet?
For a diet to create lasting change, you have to be able to maintain it for the long-term. Diets that are only meant to be followed for a few weeks at a time aren’t likely to create lasting changes, and tend to be more drastic than can be maintained long-term. Any changes in health or body composition are likely to reverse when you return to eating normally. 

What other factors impact how I eat?
Before tackling any new diet, it’s worth looking at the big picture of your life. Will this diet involve you having to make a separate meal from your family? Will you have to buy specialty foods or supplements? Will it require a lot of prep? Will it fit with your daily schedule? The answers to these questions can help set you up for success, or help you decide if this diet will actually be feasible for you at this time.

And when in doubt, you can always ask your friendly neighbourhood Registered Dietitian for evidence-based and personalized advice, to help you decide what makes the most sense for you!

Looking for more personalized nutrition advice?
Let’s chat!

Email [email protected] for more information about our Nutrition Programs, or click HERE to book your FREE Bite-Sized Nutrition Chat!