Through the years I’ve grown to hate the word “diet” as it’s one of those words that has a negative connotation. People automatically assume you’re trying to lose weight or hate the way your body looks. We’re told to diet from fashion magazines, Instagram influencers promoting Skinny Tea, and sometimes even from our friends and family. With so many diet crazes going around right now, it can really be hard to figure out what will work best for you. Strangely enough, the most searched diet in the U.S. is the Mediterranean and Fast diet according to Ketogenic.com.

The thing is, diets don’t work.

Sure, they can work short term, but as soon as you get off of a diet your body, tendencies, habits, and taste buds will revert back to its normal state. Think of your diet as a lifestyle change, what can you do to make sure that you’re successful as possible for this transition? If you aren’t ready to make that lifestyle change, chances are your diet will crumble into a thousand pieces. Take being gluten-free, for example, what troubles will you face when you eat at a restaurant? More than likely, despite its popularity, you’re guaranteed to run into issues that the pizza joint you love will not have gluten-free options. If that’s the case, then you probably shouldn’t put yourself in a position to cave in. Find somewhere else to go that will suit your dietary preferences.

And while treating yourself is important, it’s also important not to do it too much. This is certainly a problem many people face while dieting. If you’re vegan and you can’t fight the craving for animal-derived foods when you eat in or out, again, chances are your diet will crumble into a million pieces.

My relationship with food ever since I can remember has been a tumultuous one. Unfortunately, like many girls and boys out there becoming more aware of their bodies, one's relationship with food can feel like an abusive relationship you’re not able to get out of. I think it just comes with time, age, and wisdom to understand what a healthy relationship with food is, and once you’ve found that, your diet (or lifestyle change) has a much better chance for success. That said, that doesn’t mean full grown adults will have healthy relationships with food either. Everyone’s journey is unique, some learn on their own, some seek help, or some simply don’t face these issues.

The most important rule of thumb here is to pick a diet that works for you. What does your body crave? What values are most important to you? Take into consideration all aspects of a diet, as it’s a lifestyle change that your body and mind will have to adjust to.