WHAT’S YOUR DIET style?

When you evaluate what you eat and why, you can customise a diet strategy to make changes that last

Almost one third of Australians aged 30-65 found their diet to be neither healthy or unhealthy in 2016. But there is still an attraction to dieting, and it’s understandable: eat this (but not that) and you’ll finally “fix” everything, right?

Science says otherwise. About 95 per cent of people who diet and lose weight will put those kilos back on in less than five years. That’s because most diets base their claims on restrictions: give up X, then you’ll achieve Y.

That’s difficult to maintain, and tough on your body. Plus, as you restrict kilojoules, your metabolism slows down. So does weight loss. Then you feel deprived and frustrated.

1 What worries you about dieting?

A. I love eating out with friends. Can’t give it up.

B. Not eating whatever I want.

C. It’s so much work to think about food choices.

D. I munch according to moods. Who can plan for that?

2 Describe your willpower.

A. Depends on who I’m with!

B. Meh – easy come, easy go.

C. I am made of steel.

D. Ask me how my day is going, then I’ll tell you.

3 When’s your most energetic time?

A. Night owl all the way!

B. Don’t talk to me until I’ve had two cups of coffee.

C. Definitely a morning person.

D. It’s different every day.

4 Do you keep a schedule?

A. Mostly, but I can get sidetracked if I start chatting.

B. Friends know: dinner has to wait 10 minutes until I get there!

C. Yes. Five minutes early for every appointment.

D. When I feel good, I’m pretty organised and on it.

5 Describe your personality.

A. I rely on my social network for love and support.

B. Like a shark, I have to keep moving to survive.

C. I’m OK on my own.

D. It’s hard for me to let people in.