Diet blog, but not an ordinary one!

What is your opinion on Dieting? 

The changing lifestyles, wide range of options, social media, the food and advertising agencies, make it really troublesome for those striving to reduce the count on weighing machines, making us believe 'Fat' as a 'sin', hoping for some quick and easy weight loss plans to work. 

What is your view about dieting? A faddish behaviour ? Something that has nothing to do with you? Well, there’s more to it and how our attitude has shaped about this term. The history of dieting dates back 2000 years ago, and how it’s false impression is affecting the way we look at ourselves and so does the society. 

We all know someone who is endeavouring to lose weight. There's nothing wrong with it but the way we look at fat or a fat person can make the one feel worse about themselves, compelling them to opt for the quick weight loss miracle tips. And what’s amusing how things like attaining a perfect body is shown to be quick and easy. Whereas I could never get convinced with the ideal body standards the society has created today. Who has made this "standard body type” and why is body shape associated with being healthy and being beautiful. 

The development of food and fashion industry has added to the confusion of what diet means, changing our health goals, making it more about the body size. Mostly view it as 'Eating less'. Whereas, in reality, it is about 'Eating the right food', and not about eating less. 

The term diet has been confusing to many. To those who are involved in it and even to others. Reading 'Calories & Corsets' a book by Louise Foxcroft, brought me enough clarity about Dieting. It talks about the journey of dieting which began 2,000 years before with some thoughtful examples. Giving us a different view of what is seen today as a faddish behaviour. Through the book we'll explore more about the origin and our changing attitudes towards dieting and bodyweight. 

It all began 2000 years ago. 

According to Foxcroft's book, The word Dieting comes from a term called ‘Diatetica’, an ancient foundation of western medical science, the fundamental healing therapy of a management regimen that prescribed particular foods and ways of eating. 

In its original context, diet wasn’t solely focused on eating certain foods to achieve weight loss but it was meant to represent an entire way of life, including food, drink, lifestyles and exercise. The ancient idea of dieting not only included weight loss but was concerned with all round mental, physical and social health. Dieting is not just individual driven but is a matter of social significance. The Ancient Greeks didn’t get everything right about diet but they knew that a healthy mind and a healthy body made a healthy society.

And this can be attained through various ways. Let us look at some examples.

Some Japanese centenarians, say they've followed the 80% rule of eating for their lifetime. Some say, they control themselves from eating the unhealthy food which includes a major part of our favourite foods too. Some say, they eat everything but follow the norm of ‘not too much.’ 

There is another book, The Art of Living Long by Luigi Cornaro written in 15^th century. It points out the first rule of Cornaro’s diet, that is regaining self-control. In his view all passions had to be restrained and not denied. He says, "One should cease to be a slave to pleasures and appetites because they are nothing but fatal delusions." 

So, everybody has their own way of making their lives healthier and happier and that is all that matters. 

Also a common opinion on dieting, is close making alterations to our body. However, for one who truly chooses to involve, must understand it doesn’t just include physical aspects but psychological too. Interpreting it wrong, might be harmful for your mental health in the long run. 

Being skinny/fat, doesn't necessarily has to mean unhealthy. 

Before we start dieting, we must know the purpose. I choose to go with the Ancient Greek perspective on Dieting, who viewed it as a holistic term including psychological and physical well being. 

Torturing ourselves to reduce the count on the weighing machines thinking Fat as a 'sin', would only make it hard for us because, it would feel unsatisfying. Whatever your goal about having a better body, mind and soul is, make this journey of yours fulfilling. 

Also, 

Let us stop having prejudice and unknowingly bullying people for the way their bodies are. 

I would quote the singer 

Beth Ditto, “such a personal thing as one’s body should never be a reason for controversy, since every person is beautiful in their own way”. 

 It is now important to replace our tendency to associate diet with fashion and celebrity with a renewed focus on Health and well-being. 

Do you feel the same about dieting too, and if not I would be happy to learn more about your views on it.