Why One Diet Doesn’t Work for Everyone (And How to Find What Works for You)

If you’ve ever followed a diet that worked for someone else but felt stressful, confusing, or exhausting for you, you’re not alone. Many people give up on diets because they try to force a one-size-fits-all plan. The truth is, our bodies, lifestyles, and needs are different, so a diet that changes one life deeply might not change another.

Here’s why “that diet” didn’t work for you, how to figure out what does, and practical ways to build a sustainable eating plan tailored for your life.

1. Our Bodies & Genetics Are Different

• Metabolism varies: Age, gender, muscle mass, and hormonal status all affect how well we process carbs, fats, and proteins.
• Health conditions matter: If you have diabetes, thyroid issues, or gut problems, you might respond differently to dietary changes.

Example: If someone in Nairobi is active and eats local whole foods, they may tolerate more carbs. But someone in rural Kenya who has long days of walking and limited access to varied food might need to manage carbohydrate timing and type more carefully.

2. Gut Health and Microbiome Influence How You React to Foods

Your gut bacteria influence digestion, inflammation, cravings, even mood. An unbalanced gut can make certain “healthy foods” difficult for your body to manage.

• If your gut is inflamed or you have poor diversity in gut microbes, you might feel bloated, gassy, or full quickly.
• Some foods that are “healthy” in general might trigger discomfort if your gut isn’t ready for them.

If you want to go deeper into this, check out “Probiotics, Prebiotics, Postbiotics: What They Are and Why Your Gut Needs All Three” it explains the different gut helpers and how they influence how your body responds to different diets.
Probiotics, Prebiotics, Postbiotics — Simple Nutrition

3. The Mental & Emotional Side of Dieting

• Restrictive diets often make us think only of what we can’t eat, which can trigger cravings, guilt, and eventually bouncing back.
• Emotional states (stress, boredom, anxiety) often cause us to eat foods that “feel good” which are often high in sugar or fat.

A helpful read here is “Mindful Eating vs Dieting: What Really Works Long Term?” — it shows how paying attention to eating, hunger cues, and your emotions often beats hard rules in the long run.
Mindful Eating vs Dieting — Simple Nutrition

4. Viral Diets & Fads Don’t Fit Everyone

You’ll see many diets trending on social media. They promise fast results. But they often ignore:

• Local food culture
• Accessibility and cost
• Your daily schedule
• Your preferences

For example, a “zero carbs” or “extreme keto” plan may sound cool in a viral video, but in Kenya where ugali, chapati, or maize meal are household staples, these diets can be hard (and unsustainable) to stick to.

If you want to see how viral diets vs. sustainable eating stack up, read “Viral Diets Women Jump to Blindly” — it breaks down the risks & alternatives.
Viral Diets Women Jump to Blindly — Simple Nutrition

5. Belly Fat, Results & Expectations Vary

One part of the body (like belly fat) seems especially stubborn this is often where people feel frustrated. But losing belly fat isn’t just about cutting calories; it’s about choosing the right foods, managing stress, ensuring enough sleep, and supporting your metabolism.

If you’ve tried every diet and the belly fat still isn’t going, this post might help: “Why It’s Hard to Lose Belly Fat: Your Diet Perspective” it looks at what people often overlook.
Why It’s Hard to Lose Belly Fat: Your Diet Perspective — Simple Nutrition

6. What Actually Works for You

Here are steps to help you figure out your best diet one that feels sustainable, balanced, and effective:

Notice what foods make you feel good vs bloated or tired. Keep a food-and-mood diary for a week. Helps you understand your own reactions and preferences.

Focus on habits, not rules, Instead of banning foods, build in healthier choices you enjoy (not ones you force).More sustainable long-term; less psychological stress.

Include variety, Mix local whole foods: beans, legumes, vegetables, small amounts of grains or tubers, protein sources you like.

Better nutrient balance and less boredom. Test, tweak & adjust, Try a small change (e.g. swapping refined carb with whole grain) for a couple of weeks.

Monitor energy, digestion, cravings. Allows you to see what works without going all-in and burning out.

Prioritize rest, stress relief & hydration, Sleep, stress hormones, water these affect how your body handles food. When these are off, even “perfect diet” won’t feel right.

7. When You May Need Support

Some people benefit from working with a nutrition professional especially if:

• You have a medical condition (diabetes, thyroid, gut disorders)
• You tried several diets and still feel off or fatigued
• You find emotional or binge eating hard to manage

There will never be a universal perfect diet. The best diet for you is one that:

• Fits your biology, gut, and health needs
• Matches your lifestyle and culture
• Lets you feel good and gives results over time

Don’t stress about picking the “best” diet. Start with small tweaks, pay attention to your body, and let your real life guide what works. You deserve a plan that’s yours not someone else’s trend.