t\u2019s no secret that America has a problem with obesity. We\u2019re also a society that\u2019s obsessed with physical appearances.\n\n\n\n

Consequently, we\u2019ve created an entire industry, largely based on myths and fads, dedicated to weight loss.\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s certainly nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy. Yet, experts continue to agree that dieting doesn\u2019t work.\n\n\n\n

Indeed, diets are consistently ineffective and they only serve to further people\u2019s insecurities and feelings of inadequacy. Not to mention, they lead people to stress over something that\u2019s as necessary and natural as breathing: eating.\n\n\n\n

Eating should not be an anxiety-inducing activity, it should be enjoyed.\n\n\n\n

Stop stressing over the small stuff and learn to appreciate your body based on your own terms.\n\n\n\n

In a world in which we obtain the vast majority of our information on the Internet, we are inundated with contradictory messages. This is particularly true when it comes to dieting and weight loss.\n\n\n\n

Do yourself a favor, put away your computer and listen to your body instead. It knows what it wants and what it needs better than you might think.\n\n\n\n

In other words, eat whatever you want, whenever you want it. This doesn\u2019t mean you should go have a binge-eating session at your nearest fast-food establishment, but that there are practical ways to stay healthy without going on a diet.\n\n\n\n

Believe or not, this dietary philosophy is increasingly being advocated by both nutritionalists and psychologists. It\u2019s known as intuitive eating, and it calls for us to allow our instincts to dictate our diets.\n\n\n\n

There are several key tenets to this philosophy. First, say no to diets and stop feeling guilty for eating what you desire. If you want a slice of pizza, have a slice of pizza.\n\n\n\n

Eat when you\u2019re hungry, but stop when you\u2019re full. Avoid emotional eating, but eat instead for the purpose of physical nourishment.\n\n\n\n

Additionally, don\u2019t forget to prioritize exercise, as it\u2019s necessarily for both your physical and mental health.\n\n\n\n

Above all, listen to your body. It knows what\u2019s good and bad for it. Have you ever noticed you feel terrible and somewhat ill after eating certain junk foods? That\u2019s your body sending you a message.\n\n\n\n

This doesn\u2019t mean you should chastise yourself for eating unhealthily, but learn to listen to the way your body reacts to different foods.\n\n\n\n

It goes without saying that it will probably appreciate an apple much more than a donut for example.\n\n\n\n

Simply put, our body already knows what\u2019s good for us, we just have to be willing to listen.\n\n\n\n

Intuitive eating will help you realize life is too short to spend it stressing over little details like what to eat and drink. We all have enough to worry about, don\u2019t allow frivolous details to dictate your happiness.\n\n\n\n

Similarly, during a recent interview with Cosmopolitan UK, actress Cameron Diaz stated:\n\n\n\n

Wellbeing is an equation. Remember, you don\u2019t have to have the whole cake, you can have a piece. Don\u2019t deprive yourself. Have fun. Just be self-aware. If your equation is 80% good, 20% bad most of the time, then a little movement toward the centre isn\u2019t going to affect you much.
Diaz is absolutely right, life doesn\u2019t have to be complicated, it\u2019s all about finding a practical equilibrium.\n\n\n\n

Research has shown embracing a more simplistic lifestyle, in terms of decisions surrounding everything from our wardrobes to diets, can make us far more efficient and successful.\n\n\n\n

Simplify your daily life, and concentrate on the present moment instead.\n\n\n\n

Many successful people have adopted this mentality in terms of what they eat. Warren Buffet, for example, says eating like a 6-year-old is what helps him stay young and energetic.\n\n\n\n

He claims to drink five 12-ounce servings of Coca-Cola every day and he eats whatever he wants regardless of what time of day it is.\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re not necessarily condoning consuming that much soda on a daily basis, but given Buffet is 84 and still an exceptionally active and successful investor\u2026 he might be onto something.\n\n\n\n

Correspondingly, Michelle Obama, well-known for her efforts in advocating good nutrition and exercise for children, has stated that diets can be very harmful.\n\n\n\n

Indeed, the globally respected First Lady has contended that how we feel both in general and about ourselves is far more important.\n\n\n\n

The secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.
Don\u2019t waste your time stressing over what to eat, you have better things to do. Success is about seeing the big picture, everything else is background noise.\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"