Why diets do not work
Jon Gabriel - Thin man and his big old pants.
Jon Gabriel lost over 103 kilos without dieting or surgery and his body shows almost no sign of ever having been morbidly obese…..
When I first read that statement on the back cover of Jon’s book, The Gabriel Method, I was very sceptical – actually I didn’t believe it. I expected there to be a trick, a product, a magic potion – I was convinced his book would be like so many of the others. Another low carb diet, or a kilojoule controlled diet; but there was none of that.
The Gabriel Method, is a truly unique, honest and inspiring story of a man whose life was out of control, and how he overcame the odds, turned his life around, won his battle against obesity, and created a life where his dreams have become reality.
After reading Jon’s book I was moved to contact him. I sent a quick email to thank him for his effort, his story and his insightful message – then promptly received a reply; I didn’t expect one. From my action a cascade of positive events occurred, and I am proud to announce I am currently being trained by Jon himself, to become one of the world’s first Gabriel Method Coaches.
It is not a professional decision I have taken lightly, as Jon’s method defies conventional, and generally accepted wisdom in the treatment of obesity. However for me, it’s the only complete solution for obesity I have encountered. Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and a problem requiring a more complex and holistic treatment than the “Energy In versus Energy Out” equation, toted as being the answer.
I have been a Naturopath and Fitness Trainer for 14 years, and my own clinical experience strongly resonates with Jon’s simple message – DIETS DO NOT WORK.
The health and fitness industry is of course booming as a result, as good people spend their hard earned money on treatments, supplements and gym memberships in their quest for weight loss but fall short of their goals.
WHY DIETS DO NOT WORK
We are designed to survive, and your body will do everything it can in order for this to happen. Try holding your breathe, or not sleeping, eventually and without exception your body will take over and make you breathe, or fall asleep. The part of the brain which control these, is the same part which determines how much fat your body carries in order to survive. Therefore, going on a diet where calories and other essential nutrients are restricted sends one clear and powerful message to the brain – “there’s not enough food! We are going into famine!”
This is why DIETS DO NOT WORK, as we are working against our own body’s natural instinct to survive. From your body’s perspective, when you diet, you’re starving yourself. Your own will power will carry you for so long before the message from your brain overcomes it, and your diet will fail. You will become hungrier, you will need more food to get satisfied, your taste buds will become desensitised, and you will crave sweet and fatty foods – BINGE!
So what’s the answer? Thanks to Jon Gabriel there is one, THE GABRIEL METHOD. The answer is to work with your body,and encourage it to want to be thin. As I learn these techniques from Jon , I will share some of his insight with you as part of my blog.
28.04.2011 | Posted inGabriel Method / Mind Power / Nutrition / Weight Loss
Hi, It is great to read that there are other personal trainers telling their clients this. Too often I need to reinforce this with my clients. I tell them “throw out the scales”, you will never look at them again – I will teach you a way of EATING and EXERCISING that will sustain you for the rest of the life. I don’t know much about the Gabriel Method but this blog has definately made me want to learn more! Diets don’t work – they switch the brain and then body to starvation mode – eating well, 5 or 6 times a day, and getting muscle on your body – that’s what works. Muscle burns fat even when you are asleep.
This is the book I read and followed loosely when I lost my 27 kgs Brian!
Thanks Brian – I agree diets do not work. All about eating sensibily and regular exercising. Dieting is a short term fix and you will probably end up putting on more weight then you lost once you went off the diet.
Spot on Sue, and I think if you add a bit of positivity and fun, to eating well and getting some regular exercise, you have a great recipe for good health
Wow, thanks Margaret for your comment. Love to hear more from you – what a great effort.
Thanks Danielle, great comments. I loved reading The Gabriel Method, and recommend you do too. It is an inspiring read and packed full of detail, I must admit
I had never thought of before.
Good day! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this.