Diets vs. Lifestyle Changes

Over the years, I’ve seen many different approaches to nutrition—strategies, diets, and lifestyle changes—all with varying degrees of success and failure. One thing I’ve found to be consistently true is that diets are temporary. That might seem obvious, but many people don’t fully consider the long-term implications before starting one.

If the change to your diet is temporary, then the changes from your diet will be temporary.

A “diet” is, by definition, a temporary adjustment. People approach it as a phase, a structured program to follow for a set period before returning to old habits.

That said, there are situations where this approach makes sense. Competitive athletes, including fighters, often cycle their diets to meet performance goals. Certain medical conditions require strict dietary protocols. And, in some cases, a diet can serve as a structured starting point for a long-term nutritional shift—if the person has a sustainable strategy in place from the beginning.

However, if you want permanent change, follow permanent rules. These don’t have to be rigid, but establishing clear lifestyle boundaries can keep your body within a healthy range for life—once they become ingrained habits. If you’re looking for guidance on setting these boundaries, let me know. This is how I recommend approaching lasting nutritional change.