Starting a diet can feel like stepping into a minefield of temptation, frustration and dread. One moment, you’re committed to healthy choices; the next, you’re wondering how that entire bucket of KFC disappeared. The good news? In the words of the late Michael Jackson, “You are not alone.”

The daily struggle

Many people approach dieting with the best intentions, only to find themselves stuck in familiar patterns and have you feeling stagnant or regressive. In an interview with CBC News, Dr Yoni Freedhoff, an obesity specialist, warns against extreme restrictions, stating, “Any diet that requires suffering is not one you’re going to sustain.”

Instead, it is recommended to focus on habits that fit into everyday life. Dr David Katz, a preventive medicine specialist, says, “The best diet is the one you don’t know you’re on.”

Instead of restricting your diet in terms of ‘types of food’ you consume, try intermittent fasting or even limiting the amount of ‘junk food’ you consume. So, that way you can have the food you like, just maybe not the amount of it you would like.

The gym vs food

Some people believe exercise is the key to weight loss, while others say diet matters more. According to the Mayo Clinic, “While exercise is important for overall health, diet has a greater impact on weight loss.”

That means you can’t outrun a bad diet—but don’t let that stop you from enjoying movement. Exercise boosts mood, improves heart health, and helps keep weight off in the long run. And again, this does not mean you can ever have a chocolate bar, because you can, but you won’t have that and a soda for breakfast.

Finding Balance

Diets that are too strict often backfire. Registered dietitian Christy Harrison calls it “the diet cycle”, where restriction leads to cravings, then overeating, followed by guilt and another attempt at dieting.

So, what’s the solution? Flexibility. Nutritionist Abby Langer suggests focusing on “eating in a way that makes you feel good—physically and mentally—without rigid rules.”

Diets don’t have to feel like punishment. The trick is to focus on what works for you, enjoy food in moderation, and laugh at the inevitable slip-ups. After all, as one dietitian put it, “A slice of cheesecake won’t ruin your progress—just like one salad won’t fix everything.”

So, keep going, enjoy the journey, and most importantly—don’t die on a diet!