Just the other day I was talking to a friend about my healthy lifestyle and they asked me, "Do you really watch what you eat?" Me, being the awkward fitness professional that I am, replied by saying, "No, I don't watch what I eat. I control what I eat!" Yes, it sounds really cheesy and the two statements do sound very similar, but their subtle differences can have a huge effect on your new healthy lifestyle.
"Watch what you eat"
"Watch what you eat"
What is the first thing you think of when you hear that someone watches what they eat? I immediately imagine a person opening up their full fridge, cupboard, or pantry and only being able to eat about 10% of what is in it. This is typical for the average person going on a diet. They still have the remainders of what they used to eat, and are forced to rummage through it each time they make a healthy meal. |
The problem with this is you are constantly tempted by the sugary, unhealthy foods that your body craves. It is for these reasons that diets are often broken and don't end up lasting.
Semantically, watching what you eat implies an endpoint. "Watching" is an action that can only be done for so long. There is no implied intention of continuing this action. Sadly, this is what usually happens with dieters who "watch what they eat". They will eat healthy and lose weight for the time being, but return to their former size once they break their diet.
"Control what you eat"
Semantically, watching what you eat implies an endpoint. "Watching" is an action that can only be done for so long. There is no implied intention of continuing this action. Sadly, this is what usually happens with dieters who "watch what they eat". They will eat healthy and lose weight for the time being, but return to their former size once they break their diet.
"Control what you eat"
On the other hand, what is the first thing you think of when you hear that someone controls what they eat? Yes, you could think their crazy. All fitness people are, but control means that you are in command of the food around you and the food isn't in command of you. Controlling what you eat means you purchase foods that you will eat and nothing more. This way the tempting foods aren't even available to tempt you. It is about making a lifestyle change and sticking with it. |
Semantically, controlling what you eat implies longevity. "Control" is a fine-tuned process. It is a practiced perfection that carries benefits when continued for long periods of time. Controlling your diet is empowering and, just as a leader of a country, you never want to lose control.
Diets can't be temporary and you have to be careful "watching what you eat". Decide the person you want to be, not the temporary image you want to present. Becoming healthy and getting into the best shape of your life is about making lifestyle changes that you will continue for the rest of your life. This opportunity is knocking at your door everyday. It's up to you to let it in.
Diets can't be temporary and you have to be careful "watching what you eat". Decide the person you want to be, not the temporary image you want to present. Becoming healthy and getting into the best shape of your life is about making lifestyle changes that you will continue for the rest of your life. This opportunity is knocking at your door everyday. It's up to you to let it in.